Cleats Off-the-Field: A Summer Trend or a Fashion Statement?
If you see someone out and about in Adidas soccer cleats, don’t be alarmed. You haven’t magically stumbled into the middle of a field to be subbed in on defense, but rather, you’re seeing one of the newest sports(ish) fashion trends.
From the first known use of cleats in the 1500s for sports, they have been used as an avenue of in-game self-expression by numerous athletes throughout the years. Many athletes use their cleats to send a message about themselves, a charitable cause, in memory of something/someone, or simply to represent their team, as the variety of colorways, styles, and cool designs are endless. I mean, think about it - we have all seen teams wear pink cleats with Breast Cancer Awareness uniforms or been able to spot our favorite player on TV because of their neon green cleats. Cleats, or “boots,” can be a statement, just as much as they’re a good way to keep from slipping on the pitch.
Recently, more and more posts have been popping up featuring the hashtag #BootsOnlySummer and these helpful pieces of sports equipment, worn as a fashion statement to non-sporting events. Think a cute top, paired with cute jeans, and cute cleats!
Perhaps one of the most popular examples of the trending hashtag #BootsOnlySummer is this TikTok by user Uzair, showing himself and a few buddies showing off their outfits. Instead of a cool pair of Jordans or Air Forces, they’re all rocking unique and colorful cleats.
Mali is taking it a step further here, showing himself in a formal pink suit for a wedding, as he describes in his caption, paired with a pretty sick combination of pink and purple cleats.
Cleats even made an appearance before the 2025 Met Gala, where Spanish singer Rosalía wore them out on the streets of New York City for a fitting of her Balmain gown for the actual red carpet. Although this trend has been gaining traction in the mainstream for a few years now, Rosalía wearing cleats to such a high-profile fashion event has blown the concept up even further across fashion news outlets and social media.
(The Hapa Blonde | Getty Images)
While the trend may seem a little unusual due to the typical functionality of cleats, looking at the big picture makes it a lot more understandable. With the history of “sneakerheads” and the phenomenon of collecting vibrant, limited-edition shoes as a form of self-expression, this seems to be a similar idea in which those participating are adding a new, unique, and sporty aspect to their style that’s sure to turn a few heads. And like we said before, the possibilities are endless - whether you want plain white cleats or neon rainbow cleats, they’re out there and can be a great way to express yourself, on or off the pitch.
If you’re considering participating in this unique, sports-ish fashion trend, there are plenty of interesting, colorful, and vibrant cleats for you to choose from to add some flair to your outfits.
Pick the ones that feel most “you” to rock - and happy #BootsOnlySummer, everyone.