Toni Kroos has worn the same make of boots since the start of the 2013/2014 season.

Adidas have announced that their 11pro range of football boots will be renamed in tribute to Toni Kroos.

For many years, Kroos used the same pair of blue, white and black Adidas Adipure 11pro’s – a boot he once described as being “the most important” tool for him on a football pitch.

To give you an idea of how much he loved them, the midfielder was given a brand new pair of 11pro’s ahead of the Champions League final in 2022, featuring stitching of the date and location.

But instead of wearing the new design, the German decided to use his old faithfuls inside the Stade de France.

He clearly feels comfortable wearing the Adidas classics. In fact, former Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale once revealed that the protective Kroos cleans his Adipure’s himself before every game.

“We think he doesn’t trust the kitman to clean them,” Bale said. “So he always cleans them himself so that they’re perfect.”

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Kroos then appeared to damage his beloved 11pro’s – a boot that was originally released in early 2013 – during Los Blancos’ win against Liverpool in the Champions League final.

 

But he’s continued to wear a different model of the cleat ever since.

In fact, on Friday night, the Germany international wore the 11pro’s for the final time as he played his final game before retirement – a Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against tournament favourites Spain.

After the full-time whistle it was announced that moving forward, the Adidas 11pro will be renamed the adidas TKpro.

“Toni Kroos and the 11pro: love at first sight, sole mates until the last kick,” Adidas wrote in a post on social media. “Danke, Toni.”

Image credit: Adidas

In an interview with GOAL in 2021, Kroos waxed lyrical about his tools of choice. “My boots? The truth is it’s a bit special,” he said.

 

“I have not seen another player in Real Madrid who cleans his boots every day and prepares them like that. My boots are the most important thing for me on the pitch, more than for other players.”

Kroos announced his shock decision to retire from the game in May.

“After 10 years [at Madrid], at the end of the season this chapter comes to an end,” he said.

“At the same time this decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro Championship. As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club. I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it by my own.”