It takes a lot for a defender to be awarded a signature limited edition football boot. How can they possibly compete with the flair and hero status of their attacking counterparts? By stopping them, joining them and winning everything there is to win. Over and over again.
Sergio Ramos reigns among football's elite. An eye for goal, an inspirational captain driven by success, and a style of play that's made defending sexy. In recognition of his many achievements, Ramos joins the likes of Ronaldinho, Totti and Pirlo in receiving his own player-edition Tiempo boots. Dubbed “Corazón y Sangre,” (heart and blood), the boots pay homage to the Spanish footballer's values and roots.
Ramos led the design process of the limited edition boot, applying personal touches throughout. The pearl white colourway doubles up as inspiration from both Real Madrid and his affinity for white Andalusian horses (the Real Madrid captain has his own SR4 Stud Farm in Andalusia).
The new SR4 logo that appears on the heel counter and sockliner incorporates a horseshoe into the R as an additional tribute to the Spanish war horse. Nods to Andalusia (Ramos' home region) and Spain can also be seen on the lace aglets, where the respective flags are represented alongside the names of his children.
Another area of emphasis in the design for Ramos is family. “Familia” is etched onto the side of each boot. The tongue of the boot reads “Rn'R,” for Ramos and (Pilar) Rubio, his wife. The couple have two sons, Sergio Jr. and Marco; both of their names appear within the elaborate crest on the sockliner and boot bag. The crest is in the shape of a heart that features more personal touches. Befitting a player known as Noventa Y Ramos, "90+" appears on the upper right vessel in acknowledgment of the late goals Ramos has scored in his career.
Ramos added, “hambre, carácter, pasión” (hunger, character, passion) along the medial side of the boot’s interior. These words carry great meaning to Ramos as he thinks about his captaincy and the legacy he intends to leave. The gold touches on the boot represent the success Ramos has had with both club and country. Gold transitions to blood red on the sole plate to round out the Corazón y Sangre storyline.
Just 4,000 pairs of the boot will be available from December 19 from selected retailer and at a Pop-Up House of SR4 in Madrid. You won't be able to get hold of number 0004 though, Ramos will be wearing them on pitch this weekend when Real Madrid play Gremio in the Club World Cup Final.
Pick up the Nike Tiempo 7 Sergio Ramos Corazón y Sangre from prodirectsoccer.com
