Diadora’s newest venture, the Brasil Made In Italy x Next 40, has arrived just in time to mark 40 years of heritage and craftsmanship. The original Brasil dropped in 1984, and legend has it the athlete who inspired its name chose bold black-and-white boots to stand out from the era’s all-black norm. That sense of innovation continues now, although the conversation has shifted to sustainability.
“This model made its debut forty years ago, in 1984,” reads an official Diadora statement. “It continues its story characterized by innovation and novelty by becoming our first recycled and eco-friendly calcio boot.”
Tiny details catch the eye. The white or black upper, made with a tri-blend of recycled cotton, renewable polyurethane, and recycled polyamide, is stitched together using undyed thread. GRS-certified materials, including a 30% recycled polyurethane outsole and a removable insole composed of recycled foam, help reduce waste. Even the laces and lining are fashioned from recycled polyester. Each piece comes together to create a boot that aims for zero carbon impact.
Diadora’s thoughtful approach to heritage and innovation
This is no costume piece. Diadora’s top-tier performance remains intact thanks to the same hallmark quality that made the Brasil a fixture on Europe’s biggest stages. The touch is precise, the feel comfortable, and the silhouette instantly recognizable. Instead of resting on nostalgia, though, Diadora has chosen to lead by example. The new design doesn’t pretend it’s the final word in ethical footwear, but its message is clear. Style can be sustainable without sacrificing performance.
The Brasil Made In Italy x Next 40 is part celebration, part call to action. By looking ahead to the next 40 years, Diadora suggests that meaningful change in sports manufacturing isn’t a far-off dream. It’s happening now, stitch by stitch. These boots are available for purchase on the brand’s website and through select retailers. You can slip them on knowing they honor the legacy of a boot that once redefined calcio style, while also hinting at where the game could be headed next.
Photos via https://www.diadora.com/en/us
