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GAA Boot Spotting: What the Top Players Wore in the 2026 Football Championship

From David Clifford's latest Nike Tiempos to Jack Carney's Mizunos, the 2026 All-Ireland Football Championship offered plenty of interesting boot choices. We take a closer look at what five of Gaelic football's standout performers wore throughout the summer.

David Clifford — Nike Tiempo Maestro Elite

David Clifford wearing Nike Tiempo Maestro Elite football boots

Widely regarded as the best footballer in Ireland, Kerry's David Clifford continues to make the extraordinary look routine. The star forward wore the latest Nike Tiempo Maestro Elite in the Black/Laser Orange/Hyper Crimson colourway.

Featuring Nike's TechLeather upper, the Maestro represents a new direction for the Tiempo range, combining a soft touch with a modern, responsive design.

Explore Nike Tiempo Maestro football boots

Kobe McDonald — Nike Mercurial

Kobe McDonald wearing pink Nike Mercurial football boots

What a breakthrough season for Mayo's Kobe McDonald. After helping his county claim the All-Ireland title, the exciting young forward is now bound for Australia, having signed an AFL deal.

McDonald caught our eye in a bright pink pair of Nike Mercurials, one of the game's most recognisable speed-focused boot ranges.

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Jack Carney — Mizuno Morelia Neo

Jack Carney wearing white and green Mizuno Morelia Neo football boots

One of Mayo's standout performers during their historic All-Ireland-winning campaign, Jack Carney established himself among the country's leading midfielders, earning a nomination for Footballer of the Year.

Carney opted for the Mizuno Morelia Neo in white and green. Known for its lightweight construction and premium leather feel, it's a distinctive choice in a game where Nike and adidas remain the dominant brands.

Explore Mizuno Morelia Neo football boots

Oisín Conaty — adidas Predator

Oisín Conaty wearing navy and orange-red adidas Predator football boots

Armagh enjoyed another memorable championship campaign, claiming the Ulster title with Oisín Conaty among their standout performers.

The dynamic forward wore a navy and orange-red pair of adidas Predators. Long associated with striking and control, the Predator remains a firm favourite among Gaelic footballers.

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Dara McDonnell — Nike Tiempo Legend

Dara McDonnell wearing blue Nike Tiempo Legend football boots

Louth's historic Leinster Championship triumph was one of the stories of the season, with young defender Dara McDonnell playing a starring role.

McDonnell wore a blue pair of Nike Tiempo Legends, sticking with an established favourite rather than the latest generation. The Tiempo's reputation for comfort and touch has made it a popular choice across Gaelic football.

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The boots of the championship

The Nike Tiempo and adidas Predator remain two of the most popular boot choices in Gaelic football, and both featured prominently among our selections.

But Jack Carney's Mizunos and Kobe McDonald's bright pink Mercurials showed there's still room for something different.

Looking for your next pair? Compare football boots from Nike, adidas and Mizuno on TheBootScout.