Nadal's Nikes celebrate his glorious Roland Garros history.
Rafael Nadal is leaving a festive French Open footprint on the red clay of Paris.
Nadal's Nikes celebrate his glorious Roland Garros history.
Watch: 5 Things We Learned From Nadal's RG Wins
The 11-time Roland Garros champion is wearing a special edition of the Nike Air Zoom Cage 3 Glove that celebrate his past Paris triumphs.
The zippered shroud of the shoe is practical pageantry designed to keep clay from creeping into his shoes and sporting a graphic from every shoe the king of clay has worn capturing his 11 Roland Garros crowns.
Here's a closer look.
The multi-colored kicks are emblazoned with the number 11 to signify his title total with "Rafa" and Nadal's trademark bull logo on opposite heels.
So what happens to these commemorative shoes after Nadal wears them?
Nadal said he typically donates his shoes to charities, gives some to his cousin, who wears the same size, presents others as gifts of appreciation to tournament staffers and some find a home on exhibit in Nadal's museum, that also houses his Grand Slam silverware, on the grounds of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.
"Honestly, every week we give gifts for foundations or trusts or charities, or people who have helped me through the tournament," Nadal said. "I make them gifts or my family, one of my cousins has the same-sized shoes as I have. Well, as usual, I take part in the decision. If I don't want to wear something, I don't wear it.
"But on this particular topic, Nike had the idea of doing something to celebrate my 11 victories here, which is why I have different shoes. The most important thing, anyway, was the fact that I should feel good in these shoes. I'm feeling very much at ease with these shoes, and I'm playing with them."
Photo credit: Getty Images/Nike
