Here’s a close-up look at the cleat he has worn for every single game as a pro.
The Model
Nike Mercurial Vapor IV, issued to him by Oklahoma State after joining the team as a walk-on, in 2007. Bailey scored two backup pairs of the same model off eBay and is always on the lookout for more, just in case.
Smells surprisingly fresh for a shoe worn during 100-plus games.
Warped from the impact of the pigskin.
Scuffed from sweeping against rubber pellets embedded in the turf.
Matching left shoe bit the dust when the outer-rear cleat ripped off right before a preseason game in August.
Layers of glue reinforce the outsole and the glass fiber interior.
