Back when we were at school, having the very latest football boots was a matter of supreme importance, establishing just where you stood in the changing room hierarchy.
How things change – to celebrate its 125th anniversary, classic Italian bootmaker Pantofola d’Oro are re-issuing their old school Vitello boot, originally released in the 1920s.
It was Wales and Juventus ledge John Charles who first nicknamed his boots ‘pantofola d’oro’ in the 1950s, or ‘golden slippers’. Manufacturer Lazzarini liked it so much, they changed the brand’s name accordingly.
Johan Cruyff, Jurgen Klinsmann and even Fabio Capello used to bust these boots too, while Premier League players Scott Parker, Jon Walters and Damien Duff continue to fly the flag.
But these stone-cold classics are something else. All you need to complete the look is a ball that weighs four stone, some below-knee-length shorts and a pack of tabs to smoke at half time.
The 1920 Vitello is available only from Pro-Direct, RRP £109.99
