Explained: Why does Toni Kroos where the same old Adidas boots?

The 34-year-old will retire from football after the UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany, with his career set to be marked with a special launch of his Adidas boots.

Kroos has been the centrepiece of Germany's midfield for the past decade, and at Euro 2024 he will wear the same old Adidas boots that he's been wearing for 11 years.

Kroos is unique for his long-standing loyalty to the discontinued Adidas Adipure 11Pro boots, a habit which has rarely been seen in football with players often opting to wear the latest model of boots to satisfy contractual commitments.

Footballers, of course, are not obliged to wear certain makes and models of football boots, but most opt to receive the royalties and brand recognition that come with sticking with the latest edition of boots.

What boots does Toni Kroos wear?

Toni Kroos wears Adidas Adipure 11Pro boots, and will often wear and re-wear the same boots until they are worn out.

Famously, in the Champions League final in 2022 where Kroos' Real Madrid played Liverpool in Paris, the German midfielder opted against wearing a brand-new pair of Adidas Adipure 11Pro boots, and chose instead to wear his torn pair.

Why does Toni Kroos wear the same Adidas Adipure 11Pro boots?

Toni Kroos, the Real Madrid midfielder, has worn the same pair of Adidas 11Pro football boots for 11 years.

Kroos, who is superstitious in nature and sentimental at heart, has preferred to wear a since-discontinued model of football boots all this time simply due to how comfortable they are to him.

Kroos will typically be seen cleaning the same pair of boots after training and matches, in order to prepare them for the next session. Not only does this signal loyalty and his love for the boots, but it also is a routine that enables him to feel more connected to the pieces of fabric on his feet that he relies on throughout the ninety minutes of a football match.

While most players frequently switch to the latest models, Kroos has steadfastly worn the Adidas Adipure 11Pro boots since their launch in 2013. This commitment to a single-boot model, long discontinued by Adidas, is nearly unheard of at the professional level.

What makes these boots so special for Kroos?

Kroos' choice of boots is not just a matter of preference but an integral part of his game. The Adidas Adipure 11pro boots are known for their comfort, fit, and the natural feel they provide, qualities that align perfectly with Kroos' playing style.

Despite the advancements in football boot technology, Kroos has found that these boots offer him the stability and confidence he needs on the pitch.

"I have to play in white shoes; that's a little tick of mine," Kroos once revealed. He even goes to the extent of personally cleaning them to ensure they are in perfect condition before every match. This meticulous care underscores how critical these boots are to his performance.

Do Adidas sponsor Kroos to wear the same boots?

German sports apparel manufacturer, Adidas, has made some unique provisions for Toni Kroos.

Firstly, they continue to custom-manufacture the Adipure 11pro boots specifically for Kroos.

Secondly, Adidas still have a commercial agreement with Kroos which sees him as one of the highest-earning Adidas athletes.

Thirdly, Adidas even launched a special edition of his favourite boots, called Adidas 11Pro T.K, to honour Kroos' legendary status in the game.

Has Toni Kroos worn or tried other football boots?

Before Toni Kroos began wearing his preferred white, sky blue, and black Adidas Adipure 11Pro football boots, he sported the Adidas adiPure IV FG boots. These football boots, released in 2010 with a Zero Metallic/Black/Matte Gold design, came out four years before his current choice.

Kroos' career achievements while wearing these boots are remarkable. He has won five Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, three Bundesliga titles, and the FIFA World Cup with Germany in 2014.

As he prepares to play his final club game for Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti and looks forward to his retirement post-UEFA EURO 2024, Kroos' legacy is cemented not only by his trophies but also by his loyalty to his Adidas 11Pro boots.

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