History and Evolution of the Iconic Adidas Argentina National Team Football Socks

The History of Adidas Argentina Socks

Football is a passion for Argentines. As the home country of football legends like Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and Alfredo Di Stéfano, Argentina has cemented itself as one of the powerhouses of world football. An integral part of the Argentine football identity is the classic adidas Argentina sock. With its distinctive blue and white stripes, the Argentine sock is instantly recognizable to football fans around the globe.

The connection between adidas and the Argentine National Team began in 1979 when the German sportswear company became the official supplier of all Argentine national sports teams. However, the origins of the iconic sock design can be traced back even further to the late 1920s.

The First Argentina Kit

In 1925, the Argentine Football Association organized the first official national team match against Uruguay. However, at this time there was no established kit for the Argentina team. Each player wore their own plain white shirt, blue shorts and plain black socks. There was no cohesive national team identity.

Things changed in 1928 when the Association designed the first official Argentina strip. It consisted of a white jersey, blue shorts, and socks with blue and white vertical stripes. This original kit established the Albiceleste (“White and Sky Blue”) colors that have defined Argentine football to this day.

Adidas Takes Over

Adidas began supplying kits for the Argentine National Team in 1979, replacing Le Coq Sportif. The German company redesigned the classic stripes by orienting them horizontally rather than vertically. This new design became iconic during Argentina’s World Cup victory in 1986.

In the 1990s, adidas experimented with incorporating other colors like red and black into the away kits. But the classic blue and white stripes remained firm on the home sock design.

Recent Innovations

While staying true to tradition, adidas has added minor design tweaks over the years. Recent Argentina socks have featured an embroidered national flag on the cuffs and jacquard knitting patterns. Special World Cup designs incorporated gold detailing.

Currently, the home Argentina socks have three blue stripes over a white background. The shin area features an embroidered adidas logo and Argentine flag. This classic look represents both tradition and innovation.

Argentina Socks Through the Ages

Argentina socks have gone through stylistic changes since the national team debuted its first official kit in 1928. Let’s look back at some of the most memorable designs over the decades.

1930s: The Originals

The 1930 FIFA World Cup jerseys featured thick blue and white vertical stripes and a small Argentine Football Association crest. Plain blue or white socks were also used when needed to avoid color clashes.

1940s-1960s: Thinner Stripes

In the ensuing decades, the stripe patterns became more refined. Thinner blue and white stripes were accompanied by a larger national crest on the front of the jerseys. The socks followed the same striping pattern.

1970s: Horizontal Stripes

When adidas became the national team supplier in 1979, they flipped the classic stripes to a horizontal orientation. This was Argentina’s look when they won their first World Cup in 1978 wearing Le Coq Sportif kits.

1980-90s: Bold Stripes

The 1990 World Cup jerseys featured much bolder blue and white stripes. The accompanying socks had more pronounced stripes for a very eye-catching look. As the decade progressed, red and black colors were introduced.

2000s: Back to Basics

In the early 2000s, Argentina went back to a more minimalist design. Thin blue and white stripes were featured along with subtle adidas design elements.

2010s: Classic With Details

Recent Argentina kits show off classic thick horizontal stripes. But the socks incorporate modern touches like jacquard knitting, embroidered logos and flags, and contrast heel patches.

Popular Boot Choices for Argentina Socks

Of course, no football kit is complete without the right boots. Here are some of the most popular silos worn by Argentine greats over the years.

1970s: adidas World Cup Boot

In the 1970s, many players wore the adidas World Cup boot. This classic black leather shoe featured the iconic three white stripes and molded studs. According to legend, Johan Cruyff spray-painted his pair to get the red and white colors of the Dutch flag.

1980s: adidas Copa Mundial

Diego Maradona famously wore the adidas Copa Mundial model throughout the 1980s. The simple and elegant leather boot featured a classic black upper with whit stripes and a fold-over tongue.

1990s: adidas Predator

In 1994, adidas launched its revolutionary Predator boot. The Predator featured rubber ribs across the upper to improve contact and swerve. Gabriel Batistuta helped make it popular among Argentine stars.

2000s: adidas F50

Lightweight speed boots like the adidas F50 series defined the 2000s. The F50’s synthetic upper and bladed outsole were designed for acceleration and precision dribbling. Javier Mascherano was one loyal wearer of the F50.

2010s: adidas Messi F50

Lionel Messi became the face of the adidas F50 in the early 2010s. His signature F50 Messi editions incorporated the latest technologies in lightweighted speed boots. Messi still wears customized F50 models, now up to the Nemeziz generation.

Argentina Sock Culture

For Argentines, the national team socks hold a deep cultural significance. Here are some ways the iconic blue and white striped socks are incorporated into Argentine culture:

Street Style

It’s common to see Argentine fans wearing their national team socks with everyday streetwear. The socks make a trendy statement paired with jeans, shorts, or track pants.

Tattoos

Getting inked with the blue and white stripes shows dedication. Some fans tattoo replica socks onto their calves or ankles so they can represent their team year-round.

Collectibles

Game-worn or signed Argentina socks are highly coveted items for collectors. Diego Maradona’s socks from the 1986 “Hand of God” match against England sold at auction for over $150,000 USD!

Decor

Bars, restaurants, and homes across Argentina showcase football memorabilia. Framed and signed Argentina socks often decorate walls alongside posters and jerseys.

Vehicles

Some Argentine fans go all-out by painting their cars in the blue and white stripes. Others attach huge Argentina flags or sock decals for a show of national pride.

Where to Buy Argentina Socks

Fans can purchase genuine Argentina socks at the following retailers:

Adidas

As Argentina's official kit supplier, adidas carries the current home, away, and third socks. Shop online or at adidas retail stores and brand outlets worldwide.

Official Team Shop

The official online shop of the Argentina National Team stocks jerseys, socks, caps, and more. Shipping is available worldwide.

World Soccer Shop

This authorized online retailer sells all the latest Argentina gear. Shop the sock collection and enjoy free shipping on orders over $100 USD.

Soccer.com

Get Argentina socks along with other kits at Soccer.com. Enjoy free personalization on jerseys, socks, and more with fast shipping.

eBay

Find auctions for vintage Argentina socks on eBay. You might score a rare design from past World Cups or commemorative editions.

So whether you're playing football or just want to rep your team, official Argentina socks are a must-have item. With nearly 100 years of history behind them, the iconic blue and white stripes will continue to inspire future generations.

FAQs

When did Argentina first wear blue and white striped socks?

The first official Argentine strip consisting of blue and white striped socks was introduced in 1928.

Who designed the current horizontal stripe pattern?

When adidas became the kit supplier in 1979, they changed the stripes from vertical to horizontal.

What was Diego Maradona's famous boot model?

Maradona wore the adidas Copa Mundial boot during the 1980s, most notably at the 1986 World Cup.

Where can I buy official Argentina socks?

You can purchase current and vintage Argentina socks at retailers like adidas, the Argentina Team Shop, World Soccer Shop, and eBay.

Why are the Argentina socks so culturally important?

The blue and white striped socks represent national pride and football heritage for Argentines. They are incorporated into streetwear, tattoos, collectibles, and more.