The custom soccer boots worn by Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha during the FIFA World Cup. [Photo/chinanews.com.cn]

A pair of soccer boots made in Putian, a major footwear manufacturing hub in Fujian province, has drawn international attention after being worn by Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha during the FIFA World Cup.

Cape Verde, making its World Cup debut, reached the Round of 32 before losing 3-2 to defending champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi. The team's unexpected run made it one of the tournament's surprise performers.

Vozinha also emerged as one of the breakout players after making seven saves against Spain in the group stage. His custom-made boots, produced by Putian Xufeng Sports Products, attracted attention alongside his standout performances.

The boots, marketed under the flagship model name "Senda Mendoza", were manufactured by Xufeng for the brand and feature optimized upper materials, sole technology and shoe construction designed for elite-level competition.

According to the company, the product underwent thousands of rounds of prototype testing. Each batch of test shoes was shipped by air to South America, where professional players evaluated comfort, rebound, and traction before engineers refined the materials, last design, and sole design.

Putian, often referred to as China's footwear capital, is home to more than 4,000 footwear and apparel companies. The industry generates annual output worth more than 100 billion yuan ($14.73 billion) and accounts for about one-third of the city's industrial tax revenue and more than half of its exports.