Are there any rules or guidelines concerning players' boots?

Question

Soccer teams are very strictly color coordinated at the international level (and at most lower levels). The two teams must have matching uniforms distinct from each other, and additionally the two keepers must be in colors distinct both from each other and from the teams' kits.

But it seems like anything goes with the boots. Some players color coordinate with their kits while others just go for crazy neon. Is there any rhyme or reason to this? Are there any rules players must follow when selecting their boots?

Answer 1

Match kits (shirt, shorts and socks), both at the national and club level, are designed and determined in advance. Bigger clubs have new designs pretty much every year, most likely to sell more shirts whereas national teams usually get a new design for 2-4 years (major cups).

Teams typically have 2-3 kits. The idea is to have a home and an away shirt, and possibly alternative(s) to ensure there is enough contrast between the competing teams on the field.

As for the boots, it's pretty much free.. Most players have sponsorship deals with brands and thus wear a shoe they prefer from that brand. For instance, Messi has long been a brand figure (even has a line of products) for Adidas and thus wears Adidas shoes. Similarly Cristiano Ronaldo and Nike..

Interesting to note that Adidas and Nike also produce the match kits for the respective countries. However I think this is merely coincidental, as I have seen players that wear shoes from a different brand than the kit supplier. I'll look for evidence :)