Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jack Rathborn

Why pink boots are taking over the World Cup 2026

  • A prominent trend at the World Cup 2026 is players, including stars like Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane , sporting eye-catching pink football boots.
  • Major sports brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, Skechers and New Balance have all released boots in similar pink colourways.
  • Design teams chose pink for its high visibility against green pitches and the confidence athletes associate with the colour.
  • Despite the widespread adoption of similar pink shades, experts suggest this is largely a coincidence rather than a coordinated effort by rival brands.
  • While there is no direct evidence linking boot colour to performance, shoe company executives believe the perception of a fast-looking and lightweight product can reinforce an athlete's performance.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.