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Sneakers and soccer continue to overlap.
Nearly a year ago, we saw USMNT’s Gregg Berhalter rocking heat at the touchline for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including the Air Jordan 1 High OG “Lost and Found” among other gems through his tenure.
As momentum for the Stars and Stripes nationals continues, USMNT and LAFC’s Kellyn Acosta, one of the league’s most stylish sneakerheads, has teamed up with The Shoe Surgeon (Dominic Ciambrone) for a one-of-a-kind cleat ahead of the El Tráfico matchup as Los Angeles FC face Los Angeles Galaxy.
“In terms of fashion, this shoe will hopefully push things forward,” Kellyn Acosta said. “We’ve seen the likes of other sports adopt the idea of custom boots, but now it’s time for soccer to add the dimension more so.”
Inspired by LAFC’s black & gold colors and Acosta’s affinity for the “Mamba Mentality,” The Shoe Surgeon crafted a Nike Kobe 6 “Mambacita”-inspired cleat with a removable tongue, inspired by the iconic Nike Tiempo Legend III from 1994.
“It’s one of the biggest games of the regular season,” Acosta said. “Making the shoe an ode to Kobe who epitomizes what LA is. Kobe touched the lives of many here in LA, and I wanted to commemorate him in some kind of fashion.”
In addition to the “Mamba Mentality” motif and the homage to the iconic Nike boot from the past, the cleat features Acsota’s son’s name, Emerson, embroidered underneath the removable tongue.
Additionally, Acosta’s jersey number is found on the lateral heels and so are the Japanese and American flags — tying back to his heritage.
“Growing up I’ve always been a huge fan of sneakers,” Acosta said. “Having the opportunity to collab with one of the best to do it (Dominic) is an exciting moment, and just a dream come true. It was an opportunity to showcase my love for shoes and fashion within the sport that I play.”
Though Acosta is known for his style & kicks, we wouldn’t be surprised if the USMNT head coach would want one of his own.
“Gregg Berhalter is definitely more of a sneaker guy, but I could definitely see him wanting a pair,” he said. “It’s only right because I was jealous of his pair of Air Jordan 1s Dom made him for the World Cup.”
For The Shoe Surgeon, the custom boot is a continuation of Dom’s love for the game and a drive to create.
“Fútbol is the biggest sport in the world; I do what’s authentic and true to me,” he said. “I’m a passionate person and when I meet another passionate person in their craft, that’s when we create magic.”
Take a detailed look at the Nike Kobe 6 “Mambacita”-inspired cleat by The Shoe Surgeon for Kellyn Acosta below ahead of LAFC’s match against LA Galaxy at the Rose Bowl on July 4, 2023, for the latest El Tráfico installment.
