Cristiano Ronaldo spends US$3,400 on Nike kicks in Beijing during revealing Complex ‘Sneaker Shopping’ interview
Chinese Super League goalkeeper Wang Dalei pockets the cash as Portugal striker spends big at his store in first interview since joining Juventus
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo is the latest celebrity to feature in Complex’s “Sneaker Shopping” series of interviews and it takes place in Beijing sneaker store Honor 23.
The lifetime Nike athlete was in Beijing for his second annual China promotional tour and took the time to chat shoes and more with host Joe La Puma for the youth culture media platform before handing over 23,498 yuan (US$3,413) for seven pairs.
The store, in the city’s Sanlitun shopping area, is owned by China international goalkeeper Wang Dalei.
The Shandong Luneng keeper welcomed Ronaldo to the store before picking out shelves.
His shopping list included two pairs of Levi’s Air Jordan IVs, the “Cactus Jack” edition of the shoe, a pair of Jordan XX1 and XX3, React Element 87 and Air Max 270 Flyknits.
Ronaldo reveals the inspiration behind the design for his own gold Air Max 97, which sold-out immediately on its release in October 2017.
The new Juventus signing tells La Puma about his upbringing in Madeira, where he had just two pairs of shoes – one for school and one for football – and his feelings on NFL star Odell Beckham Jnr copying his trademark celebration.
It was the 33-year-old’s first interview since signing for the Italian champions from Real Madrid, and the move is discussed along with the Nike Air Max 95 Juventus sneakers, with Ronaldo revealing that he has already worked with Nike on using the iconic black and white colourway for a new shoe.
Signed to Nike in 2003, the Portugal captain also talks of the match-worn pairs of his Mercurial boots that he has saved in his house and his museum and his take on the US$720 Hyperadapt that he debuted for the sneaker giants.
Over 1.5 million people have viewed the video on YouTube in the first 15 hours it has been published.
Ronaldo also sold some shoes while he was in China. Nike released limited edition Mercurial boots to mark the tour, which sold out on their website.
