World Cup boots: Messi once again the finest on show
Published:Football hipsters rejoice at the sight of them while parents wince at the thought of how much they cost – World Cup boots are an eye-catching big business.
Here at Ladbrokes News we’ve taken a look at some of the best boots on show in Brazil and pondered one of life’s most important questions: Adidas or Nike?
Adidas v Nike
These two giants of sports manufacturing certainly haven’t missed a trick this summer with both companies waging a heated war on gaining World Cup market share.
But which of the ubiquitous Adidas Predator Instinct and Nike Mercurial Superfly boots do you prefer?
Messi’s birthday boots
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has grabbed plenty of headlines with his performances on the pitch at this year’s World Cup.
And even when simply taking part in a routine training session the Barcelona forward has been the centre of attention.
Adidas presented Messi with this lovely technicolour pair for his 27th birthday, as worn here in team practice on the eve of La Albiceleste’s Group F decider against Nigeria.
Jose Juan Vasquez the pride of Mexico
Mexico midfielder Jose Juan Vasquez wasn’t shy of playing up his national allegiances with the colours of his country’s flag splashed across his feet.
They may look like bowling shoes but take nothing away from this unique number’s El Tri-inspired style.
Sadly, this effort from Concord will also be making a last-16 exit following Mexico’s 2-1 second round defeat to Holland.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s got style
Like Vasquez, Cameroon’s Benoit Assou Ekotto also displayed a pair of boots adorned with his side’s national colours.
But it was the footwear he wore in the Indomitable Lions’ first game against Mexico that really grabbed our attention.
However, unlike Assou Ekotto and his disgraced teammates, we think these Under Armour Blur Carbon IIIs should hang around Brazil a little longer.
Mario Balotelli – Why Always Him?
What was that we were saying about nailing your colours firmly to the mast?
Italy’s mercurial talisman Mario Balotelli decided on a two-tone pair of boots for his outpouring of patriotism.
Replete with the red, white and green of the national flag, Balotelli’s Puma cleats were a typically jazzy addition to the tournament.
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