We tend to think of Player Edition shoes in terms of point guards and forwards, but basketball isn’t the only sport with superstar athletes. Nike’s roster of soccer players is impressively deep, with many of the beautiful game’s greats taking the pitch in Swoosh-laden cleats. Following re-releases of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho’s classic boots from the 2000s, The Swoosh looks to the current generation of talent for a Player Edition cleat.
Erling Haaland, the 25-year-old Norwegian striker who plays for Manchester City, put his mark on a new pair of Nike Phantom 6 boots, whipping up a blend of yellow and orange outlined in red for a colorful upper that gives way to a dark blue collar and laces. An icy blue sole, tiny black Swoosh on the forefoot, and a big reverse Swoosh on the heel finish up the PE colorway. The Phantom 6 is also the first shoe to get Haaland’s personal logo, a series of 9’s (Haaland’s number) connected into a spiraling eye of the storm to represent his relentless playing style.
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
