“The leather is the key” - Adidas executive explains why Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos loves the 11pro boots
An Adidas executive has delved into the 11pro boots and why Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has continuously lit up European football in them. The legendary playmaker has his edition of the boots and has worn the 11pro's since 2013.
Adidas' Global Product Manager Bjorgvin Hreinsson cited the 11pro boots' leather as a key reason behind Kroos' love for them. He told The Athletic:
"The leather is the key thing. We designed the boots to give the most smooth, natural touch of the ball, and Toni’s probably the best representation of that — the way you see him control the ball and how his first touch always needs to be pinpoint accurate for him to get into a position to make a key pass."
Kroos, 34, is renowned for his grace on the ball, picking players out with exquisite passes and through balls. He posted 28 goals and 99 assists in 465 games for Real Madrid. One of those assists came in his final Los Blancos outing, a 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final (June 1).
The 110-cap Germany international wore special edition 11pro boots in that final. ADIDAS released 11pro TK earlier this year, all-white with golden accents, in honor of the German midfielder.
"It's crazy" - Football boots specialist left stunned by Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos' longevity with 11Pro boots
Ben Warren, a specialist in providing boots to professional footballers, explained how Toni Kroos' lengthy stint with the 11pro's is unheard of. He told the aforementioned source last year:
"It’s crazy how he’s done that. I’m pretty sure one of the reasons is because he’s German, with Adidas being a German company. But he’s the only player who’s ever been able to do it. Brands are so strict on wearing the latest model."
Many high-profile names often change boots to keep up with the latest products released by manufacturers such as Adidas and Nike. Kroos' boots ritual reached a new level in the 2022 Champions League final. The six-time European champion opted against wearing a new pair of Adidas Adipure 11pro boots and continued wearing a torn pair.
Kroos starred in Real Madrid's 1-0 win against Liverpool at the Stade de France in Paris. Before hanging up his boots, he will be hoping his lucky boots can help Germany win Euro 2024 in his homeland this summer.