As a lifelong football fan, I’ve always been of the opinion that football boots are beautiful (how can anyone argue against the style credentials of classic boots like the adidas Predator or Nike Total 90?). Reebok LTD and BOTTER's latest release is proving my point.
The two brands have come together on a capsule collection that takes very literal inspiration from the beautiful game — especially when it comes to the sneakers.
The BOTTER x Reebok LTD Energia Bo Kéts sneakers borrow design cues from Reebok’s footballing heritage. This is most clearly visible in the asymmetric laces and the fold-down tongue with a strap to keep it in place, features usually utilized to aid in striking a ball but used here as a stylistic choice.
The only thing that’s really stopping these shoes from being a fully-fledged, five-a-side-ready sneaker is the bulbous heel and sole unit, which take their inspiration from climbing shoes.
To go along with the sneakers, Reebok LTD (the premium strand of Reebok) and BOTTER have also produced a full kit to wear it with — there are even co-branded, knee-length football socks.
The menswear label’s signature BOTTER Blue color is found across the full football kit and matching tracksuit, presumably making it the home colors for their fictional football team.
Infusing BOTTER's Caribbean heritage with Reebok's sportswear expertise, the full drop is launching on April 24 with the sneakers available via the Highsnobiety Shop.
Reebok and BOTTER are not alone in their appreciation of football as a fashionable game. Old-school football boots of the flappy-tongued variety have been the inspiration for Wales Bonner’s popular adidas collaboration, Puma and Fenty’s newly re-kindled collaborative line, and a shiny pair of Acne Studios sneakers.
With more football-inspired pieces and more Energia Bo Kéts sneakers from Reebok LTD x BOTTER already shown on the runway (set to release later in the year for the fall/winter 2024 season), the trend for turning early-naughts football boots into sneakers is picking up steam.
