sport news The secrets behind Erling Haaland's golden boots: Man City star's Nikes cost ... trends now
Jack Grealish affectionately calls Erling Haaland ‘the ball magnet’ and perhaps inserting a little chip inside his feet is the only way the craftspeople of Montebelluna can improve the man with the Golden Boot.
The quaint northern Italian town, with a population of around 32,000, has a storied reputation in the footwear industry. Historically, its proximity to Bassano del Grappa — renowned for its leather — represented an enormous help in boosting production.
Montebelluna boasts a little factory with a huge say on world football. For years, it has been supplying the biggest stars with their boots. Nike produce a handful of pairs a day out of the workshop and a few of those have made their way to Manchester City’s premier striker this season.
Haaland has his Phantom GX Elite boots custom-made by Nike’s specialists there. A mould of his foot — described as a ‘last’ in the industry — is prepared to make sure the exact specifications are met and the boot fits like a slipper.
Perfecting the mechanics of the boot is a three-hour process, where the upper part is buffed, closed, bonded, trimmed and pressed. The sole plate is then sealed into place and left to rest on the last for 72 hours, away from the deafening machinery.
Erling Haaland smashed numerHious records on his way to the golden boot with 36 Premier League goals
His own boots cost £244 and weigh just 204g, which is less than a couple of hake fillets
The synthetic material is a world away from the old leather of yesteryear but it remains sturdy
It is meticulous work and the attention to detail will extend to any preferences Haaland has over design and any potential padding to a boot that ordinarily weighs 7.2oz (204g), less than a couple of hake fillets.
‘Harry Kane’s will be quite similar in that each boot will be different,’ seller Will Amis said. ‘He’ll have more padding on the toes of one and a lighter other boot so it’s not
