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Remember when rocking your Total 90s off the pitch got you roasted at school?
Now it’s cool to wear studs to the corner shop?!
As someone who grew up playing ball, I’ve seen this before—and it didn’t end well.
Sneakerheads, fashion lovers, Gen Z style kings and queens, let’s break down this trend.
Where it came from, what people are saying, and whether you should rock, roast, or retire.
Quick Scroll
What’s Happening?
Right now, people are wearing football boots — yes, with the studs — as part of their everyday outfits.
Scroll through Instagram or TikTok and you’ll see lads pairing Total 90s or Adidas Predators with jeans and oversized tees like it’s normal. It started popping off in Gen Z fashion circles, but older heads are looking on like: “We tried that in Year 8, bro.”
Some say it started with vintage cleats popping up in resale markets. Others point to old-school photos from the 90s in Mexico and LA, where it was lowkey a thing. Either way, it’s now everywhere.
Why People Love It
- Nostalgia: Football culture is in again. These boots remind people of school matches, Sunday league, and childhood.
- Hype: Old boots that used to cost £30 are now reselling for over £100. The rarer the pair, the louder the flex.
- Different = Cool: Gen Z doesn’t follow rules. If it shocks people or starts a conversation, it’s worth doing.
- Sport + Style Crossover: Streetwear has always borrowed from sports. Think Jordans or Sambas. This is just the next (maybe dumb) step.
Real comment: “Mexican kids did it first” — a nod to cultural roots and the trend’s cyclical nature.
Why Some Think It’s Mad
Let’s be real: cleats aren’t made for pavements. The backlash is LOUD:
- Safety? Studs on concrete are slippery. People are predicting sprained ankles, broken wrists and cracked heads.
- Comfort? Zero cushioning. Zero flex. You’re walking on plastic teeth.
- Practicality? They sound like horses on tarmac. Not quiet. Not slick.
- Aesthetic? Some say it looks ridiculous. A PE kit throwback, but make it fashion? Not everyone’s convinced.
Real comment: “This is the dumbest trend ever”
Real comment: “The Summer of Slip & Falls. Urgent Care and ER’s will be exceptionally busy this summer.”
Real comment: “I had a homie that did that in the 8th grade. Wore the spikes down til they became shoes.”
The Culture Clash
This trend shows a bigger cultural shift. Fashion is more performative now than ever.
Older generations see cleats as something you couldn’t wait to take off after a game. Gen Z? They wear them to Tesco.
It’s a tug of war between:
- Practicality vs Statement
- Comfort vs Clout
- Experience vs Experimentation
Even people who wore them in the 90s or early 2000s are surprised: “We did that once. It was dumb then too.”
Real comment: “Growing up in LA, been seeing the little paisa homies doing this since the 90s. Def not new to see here.”
Should You Try It?
Look, if you want to try it, do it smart:
- Go moulded, not metal. No one wants to end up in A&E.
- Try turf shoes or indoor versions. Same vibes, less danger.
- Don’t break your bank. Some pairs are reselling high, but check your local sports shop or eBay.
Drip, Flip or Skip?
- Drip: If you’ve got a full fit and confidence to match, maybe you can pull it off.
- Flip: Got an old pair? Cash in on the trend.
- Skip: Just not your thing? Fair. Watch the chaos from the sidelines.
Real comment: “Nobody has a mind of their own anymore lol”
What It Says About Fashion Today
Fashion today is all about moments. Being seen. Being reposted.
Football boots as fashion? It’s not practical, not timeless, and not comfy. But for some, that’s the point. It’s bold. It’s funny. It gets people talking.
If we can wear basketball shoes on road, why not football ones too? The difference is, Jordans were designed to double as lifestyle kicks. Cleats? Not so much.
Real comment: “This gotta be in the UK”
Real comment: “Some of them never even kicked a ball in their life.”
Final Whistle
This trend might be gone by next season. Or maybe Nike and Adidas drop collab cleats for lifestyle wear (watch this space).
Either way, it’s a moment.
Would you wear cleats with your fit?
Drip, Flip or Skip?
Drop your thoughts below, and don’t forget to follow for more fashion madness.
#BootsOnlySummer is here. Are you in or nah?
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I’ve been reviewing, buying, selling, and rocking sneakers since high school. Learned a lot since my first pair when I was 7 years old were And 1s (if you know you know). A lot has changed since the brand started in 2017 from reselling sneakers to now reviewing and writing informational content. The aim is to be authentic and honest with my opinions. Saucedby Lee out 🙂
