England Players Experiment with Innovative Footwear Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Is it a marketing stunt or a genuine marginal gain?
A peculiar pair of red shoes has attracted attention as England prepares for its final World Cup qualifiers.
The striking fluorescent red 'mind-altering' shoes were showcased by Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa during a news conference on Wednesday.
Barcelona striker Marcus Rashford has also been seen wearing the Nike Mind mules at Spurs Lodge, where the England team has been training this week.
When asked about the unusual footwear, England manager Thomas Tuchel commented, "They told me they can focus better in meetings if they wear these shoes, and I hope they believe it. Maybe the most important thing is that they believe it. I don’t know the science behind it."
Currently, the shoes are not available for purchase. Nike claims that the footwear works by "engaging the sensory areas of your brain via the thousands of mechanoreceptors underfoot," and players have been wearing them during downtime and mealtimes.
Mechanoreceptors? Sounds complicated—these are sensory cells.
Nike explains, "Its large outsole nodes push against your foot as you step, engaging sensory areas of the brain to help you stay present and connect with your surroundings."
This is not the first time the team has utilized technology from commercial partners. During last summer's Euros, players were provided with Oura rings to monitor their recovery and sleep, while medical staff employed pickle juice to alleviate cramps in players.
Tuchel also mentioned that he plans to try the new shoes himself around the England training base, stating he is "always happy to try new things."