There once was a time when men were men and soccer cleats were black. Times have changed, however, and pink soccer shoes are now in fashion. Well, almost. You still won’t find many Englishmen sat in bars gently cradling their pink football boots while sipping on a pint. Even flamboyant Brazilians and sophisticated Italians might have a few lingering doubts about donning hot pink soccer cleats.
The market is there, however, and it may only take a few more decades before men around the world realize that, in terms of soccer shoes, pink is the new black...
Pink Nike Soccer Cleats
The limited edition Nike Mercurial Vapor IV Berry (also known as the Vapor Rosa) was quite a sensation upon its release. Completely pink apart from a grey band on the heel and a white Nike swoosh, the Vapor Berry sold out in no time at all. It remains a rarity, but you can still find some for sale online (expect to pay at least $200). Alternatively, check out the Nike Mercurial Vapor VI FG in “voltage cherry”.
A number of high profile players have taken to the pitch wearing the Berry, albeit a version designed for Nike players. Franck Ribery, Marco Materazzi, Nicklas Bendtner, Amauri and Hatem Ben Arfa were all brave enough to wear pink in the face of inevitable dressing room jokes.
Bendtner, it seems, was particularly happy with the color. After playing in the Berry in 2008, he told The Sun: “I love my pink boots. I’ve wanted to play in that color ever since I was young.” Remember, it’s only safe to say things like that to your friends if, like Bendtner, you are 6 ft 5 in tall.
Pink Cleats from Puma
Not wanting to be left behind, Puma entered the pink soccer shoe market in 2008. The Puma v1.08 soccer cleat comes in a number of color schemes, one of which combines a slightly silvery pink with black trim (and a large white Puma logo). If you are looking for a subtle shade of pink, the Puma v1.08 is a good option. Moody Frenchman Nicolas Anelka wasn’t worried about wearing them, so that’s a positive sign.
Pirma Pink Soccer Shoes
Pirma, for those who don’t already know, is a Mexican sportswear company. In 2010, Pirma unveiled the Pirma Monaco III, a pink cleat with black and white trim. If you really want to wear pink but can’t find or afford the Mercurial Vapor Berry, the Monaco III is a good alternative. It doesn’t have the technological innovations found in the Nike Mercurials, but it does have off-centre lacing for a larger striking area, bladed studs and some fancy stitching. You can pick up a pair for around $70 online.
Pink Adidas Soccer Shoes
Adidas has so far kept things under control in terms of overly pink production. However, if you want a professional soccer shoe with just a hint of pink, the Adidas F50 adiZero could be the shoe for you. Released in a “Lightning White/Black/Radiant Pink” color scheme, the conservative Adidas designers have managed to limit the radiant pinkness to the tongue and laces. The body of the boot is white, and the overall design is sleek and perfectly acceptable.
Hummel’s Pink Cleats – For Men?
Awful. It’s a decent shoe, but the soft-pink and white color scheme is just terrible. If Care Bears played soccer, this is what they would wear. And they would still feel slightly embarrassed.
Resources:
Mail Online – "Nics in the pink as Bendtner and Anelka turn Battle of the Bridge into Battle of the Barbie boots."
Soccer Bible – Boot spotters follow the Nike Vapor Berry.
Tony Dunnell - Tony Dunnell is a freelance writer and a specialist in South American travel. He has two Peru blogs, howtoperu.com and tarapotolife.com
