Football boots have been on an evolutionary journey since the turn of the century. With the game evolving at a rapid pace, the boot manufacturers also started experimenting to get improved performance while also making the boots look appealing.
Adidas has played a big role in that change, with its Adidas F50 range. The Adidas F50s was a line of boots launched in the mid-2000s, with the Adidas F50.8 Tunit being the first-of-its-kind boots.
The F50.8 Tunit boots came with interchangeable parts, as the studs, the soleplate, and the upper could all be changed according to the playing surface and style preferences.
It was an unusual and exciting concept at the time, as it gave players the flexibility in how these boots perform on different pitches instead of purchasing different boots for soft and firm grounds.
Some of the more prominent players who used to sport the F50.8 Tunit boots back in the day included legends like Lionel Messi and Arjen Robben.
Messi used to wear the F50.8 Tunit boots during his breakout years at Barcelona before his False 9 arc, whereas Robben used to wear them in 2008 when he was playing for Real Madrid.
Now, it seems like Adidas is bringing back the F50.8 Tunit in 2026, and the marketing campaign has already started.
Ahead of the home match against Wolves, Hugo Ekitike arrived at Anfield with the vintage Adidas F50.8 Tunit in yellow and black.
Although Ekitike ultimately wore his current Adidas F50 Coral Blaze for the match, his choice to carry the vintage F50 Tunit boots sparked a discussion about the boots.
Regardless of the boots Ekitike wears, he has been in scintillating form for Liverpool this season, being the only summer signing to have bagged 10 goal involvements so far in the Premier League.
Ekitike was supplied with the Adidas F50.8 Tunit boots by Rareboots4u, one of the most popular suppliers of old football boots in the UK, after he confirmed it on his Instagram account.
Rareboots4u posted a series of photos, including one where he’s supplying the boots to Ekitike, with the caption “Hugo called, Rareboots delivered”.
Ultimately, it was found out that Adidas will be officially releasing a remake of the F50 Tunit boots in March or April 2026.
Safe to say, Liverpool fans were dazzled by the aura of Ekitike carrying the iconic boots –
@jaydorrian93: Any striker that ever wore these knows these are the best boots ever btw
@6thiagoat: Nah the new gen don’t understand how cold this is
@ferdvana: Not even about his looks but his entire aesthetic is really cool. He looks a lot like a late 00’s/early 10’s footballer here
Arsenal fans in the quotes claiming a player that's not theirs https://t.co/Imrq34iKmd pic.twitter.com/J7y7RitI7Y
— Szøbø🌪️ (@Szobolfc08) December 28, 2025
@DxIceGabbana: Vsrsus x Ekitike never fails. Only downside on these posts is seeing #that fanbase in the quotes and replies begging it.
