Did you know, since joining Real Madrid for a for a then world record transfer fee of just over 100m euros, Bale has won the UEFA Champions League 4 times. In the competition he has made a total of 63 appearances, scoring 20 goals and making 18 assists. For the last decade, he has been widely regarded to be in the top 5 players in world football.

This pair also feature a rather odd shape in comparison to retail versions. The toe box has been made slightly higher/raised, with the width of each boot also being increased hugely. The image above also shows how different the heel shape is, with the curvature which we imagine would cup the heels better resulting in a more lock down fit. 

Inside each heel the lining has also been custom made just for Gareth, with a soft yet thin black mesh material being put there instead of the standard thick padding we find in a store bought pair. Here we can also see the X branding and Adidas logo on the tongue which will not be found on retail versions.

Above: Gareth wearing this pair in Real's training session the night before the final.

We have also managed to acquire a pair of Gareth's bespoke insoles which are what he would wear instead of the standard pairs which come with normal boots. These are orthopaedic, meaning they are made to his exact measurements and requirements. Bale is known for regular injuries, things like this are added to players footwear to help reduce the possibility of problems such as muscular and joint injuries.

Made by Podoactiva in using their state of the art facilities and technology at their base in Barcelona, Spain. They are incredibly light weight yet immensely strong. The top features a soft suede like material, with Bale's custom logo and the Podoactiva logo,

"Our chiropodists are specialized in sport chiropody (the majority are in charge of the chiropody and biomechanics services to high-ranking teams such as Real Madrid, the Spanish National Football team, Atlético de Madrid, CSKA Moscow, the Spanish Athletics Federation, the Spanish Golf Federation etc.) We have the latest technology to diagnose with precision whether the way an athlete steps may have a relation to a present or future injury.

The way that someone steps has a direct relation with an injury in an athlete. This being a movement that we will repeat millions of times during sport, any small defect can lead to an injury."

Interestingly, the main material used underneath the top layer is carbon. From the heel to around 2 thirds the length is a solid piece of carbon, with the front third being completely flimsy. The heel area has a thick piece of cushioning on top of the thick part of carbon. The entire forefoot also has a thin piece of carbon fibre, the main reason this is the main material here is that it is a high energy return and high performance material.

Most top athletes, not just in football, use bespoke insoles just for them. Due to the fact that they play day in day out, they need their footwear to be as close to perfect as possible for optimum performance and to help prevent injury to the best they can.

We have also managed to acquire another pair of Gareth's match issued X16.1 boots, which feature the same modifications as the blue/pink pair of his we have - view our article on that pair for more details. All 3 pairs bare his custom logo, the same as his insoles, which could possibly represent his heart celebration and squad number 11 in the middle... however this is just a guess, we could be wrong on that one!