The Impact of Innovative Footwear on England’s World Cup Preparation

Is it a marketing gimmick or a genuine advancement in performance?

An unusual red footwear design has garnered attention leading up to England’s crucial World Cup qualifiers.

The fluorescent red ‘mind-altering’ shoes were worn by Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa during a news conference on Wednesday. Notably, Barcelona striker Marcus Rashford has also been seen wearing the Nike Mind mules at the Spurs Lodge, where the England team has been training.

When questioned about the footwear, England manager Thomas Tuchel remarked, “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 footwear is not available for public purchase. Nike claims the shoes enhance focus by “engaging the sensory areas of your brain via the thousands of mechanoreceptors underfoot,” with players utilizing them during downtime and mealtimes.

Mechanoreceptors? These are sensory cells that play a crucial role in our perception. According to Nike, “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 instance of technology being integrated into the team’s preparations. During last summer’s Euros, players were provided with Oura rings to monitor their recovery and sleep patterns, while medical staff utilized pickle juice to mitigate cramping.

Tuchel has also expressed his intention to try the new shoes himself at the England training facility, stating that he is “always happy to try new things.”

This article comes from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team, a service dedicated to addressing your questions.

Our goal is to reward your engagement by sharing knowledge and reminding you of important insights. The team will gather the necessary information and tap into a network of experts and pundits.

We will respond to your inquiries directly from the heart of the BBC Sport newsroom and provide behind-the-scenes access to some of the world’s premier sporting events.

Our coverage will extend across BBC Sport’s website, app, social media channels, YouTube accounts, as well as BBC TV and radio.

Curious to know more? Questions include: Why are England known as the Three Lions? When is the 2026 World Cup draw? What remains at stake in the final World Cup qualifiers?