Rafael Van der Vaart admits he’s fascinated by modern day football boots but knows where to draw the line.

When the 27-year-old Tottenham and Holland midfielder was asked to endorse a specific brand of boot he made one vital stipulation – change the colour or there’s no deal.

‘I am always excited by new boots – their shape and feel especially – but I really like the colours,’ he said.
Blue for you: Rafael Van der Vaart had his Nike boots changed from red

Blue for you: Rafael Van der Vaart had his Nike boots changed from red

‘But when Nike asked me to wear their brand new CTR 360 I said I would only do so if they got rid of the red!

‘Tottenham fans would be unhappy to see me wearing Arsenal red and white so mine are navy and white. That keeps everyone happy.’
Textbook stuff: Sportsmail's Mark Lawford shows his vision while managing to avoid Nike's instep control fins

Textbook stuff: Sportsmail's Mark Lawford shows his vision while managing to avoid Nike's instep control fins

Van der Vaart has branded the boot as the best he has ever owned, so when Nike offered me and many other journalists the chance to try them out – at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground – it seemed rude to turn them down.