Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand has been a style icon to many for a long time – and now he is putting his fashion sense to use by going into the shoe industry.

Late last year he launched his Five by Rio Ferdinand shoe collection, which has gone down a storm with celebs and shoppers alike. With a selection of brogues, trainers and boots all in the mid-range price bracket of £100-£200, the England star has come up with a new concept of branching out into business for footballers.

They seem to be a big hit, even worn by hit band JLS, and the dip into the fashion industry is all down to his life as a kid. The Manchester United defender said: “My dad is a smooth dude. He was a tailor and he used to make his own blazers and waistcoats. “I remember I used to go into his wardrobe, put on his brogues and bop around the room listening to old records as a kid.

“One of the key things for me is I wanted my range of shoes to be comfortable. There’s nothing worse than buying a pair of expensive shoes and then you have to sit around feeling uncomfortable the whole night. “For next season we’ll be adding on to the accessories and then we’ll see where we go from there.”

For footballers of all levels, the most important thing is to concentrate on performing at the highest level week in week out, but a balance can be achieved to maximise other commercial activities.

Ferdinand added: “A lot of people say ‘Rio might be doing too much here or there’, but they only say that when the team aren’t playing well,” he sighs. “Everyone has got their own opinion, but I see players getting in trouble when they’ve got too much time on their hands, too much time and boredom. So why not keep yourself busy?"

“I’ve always been true to the idea that as long as it doesn’t bother me around any games then great. With the shoes, it’s something I can fit in when I have a spare hour tor two after training, you do get that spare time most days.”

But he added: “Every day I wake up and want to be playing football. “It’s my life and it’s where I’m most comfortable.”

The collection and stockists can be viewed at