Ivory Coast sporting Skechers boots are keen on the style and function
Ivory Coast’s Nadege Akissi has a fierce kick and bright smile. It’s immediately clear that demonstrating strong athletic skills without compromising her look in the process matters to her.
“It is important, from my toes to my nails,” she says, flashing sparkly long embellished fingernails. “I think it's important to dress and to feel myself, even when I'm on the pitch,” she said.
She and her teammates are thrilled to show off their new boots, in bold yellow or white with gold, donated by Skechers Football. The Homeless World Cup Foundation announced Skechers Football as an Official Sponsor on the eve of the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup August, marking a special collaboration for the tournament’s 20th edition.
The partnership includes a donation of 700 pairs of Skechers Football boots—ensuring that every player competing in Oslo has access to high-quality, technical footwear with the brand’s signature Comfort That Performs on the pitch.
“They are such nice boots and I think they fit my style of play, and they are very comfortable. And I think they are stylish too,” she said adding that they offer a design that's easy to run in and very breathable too.
“They are really well suited for this type of ground,” adds IVORY COAST’S Emma N’guessan. “ They fit really well and they look great with our neon colors and go perfectly with our kit.”
The boots and donation are a gift that celebrates Skechers Football recent signing of Queens Park Rangers striker Richard Kone – whose personal and professional journey embodies the spirit of the Homeless World Cup.
Richard represented Ivory Coast at the Cardiff 2019 Homeless World Cup, where his talent and determination shone through. Following the tournament, he burst onto the scene in non-league football before earning a place in Wycombe Wanderers’ starting XI, where he helped the team reach the play-offs last season. Now with the Queens Park Rangers starting this season, Richard’s rise from the Homeless World Cup to professional football, which includes League One’s PFA Young Player and Player of the Year, is a powerful testament to the tournament’s transformative impact.
“The Homeless World Cup illustrates the power of sport to change lives and Skechers will be there to ensure every player, no matter their background or resources, will have the chance to lace up in Skechers Football boots to help them perform their best at this important tournament, ” said David Weinberg, Chief Operating Officer of Skechers.
The full range of Skechers Football boots are available at Skechers websites, select Skechers stores, as well as specialty football retailers throughout Europe and markets around the world. Football fans can get behind-the-scenes access to Skechers Football product launches and more by following @skechersfootball on Instagram and TikTok.
Words by Andi Phillips | Photos by Anita Milas