STARS’ NEW MASKS ARE A SHOE-IN

PROTECTIVE masks are about to become as much a part of a footballer’s kit as boots and shin pads – and a graphic designer who has worked with Juventus star Paulo Dybala believes sportswear companies can cash in.

Zhijun Wang began making masks six years ago in a bid to protect himself from the Beijing smog.

He has now perfected a manufacturing process that recycles old training shoes.

And he has become so famous that he has been commissioned by Dybala and hundreds of environmentally aware sports stars.

Wang worked with the Premier League last summer when he designed the sleeve badge for the Asia Tournament in Shanghai and Nanjing.

And, with players now expected to wear masks around training grounds and on team benches until a vaccine for coronavirus is found, the 37-year-old believes the game’s top stars will look to develop their own individual look.

Wang said: “I made my first mask in 2014 to protect myself from the smog in Beijing.

“Before that I tried a lot of masks from the market, but they are not a perfect fit. I noticed the upper material of sneakers – especially running shoes – is lightweight, durable and breathable.

“So I decided to use it as the key material – and ran a 10km race to test the mask out.

“In 2017, I was invited by adidas to create 10 masks for basketball player James

Harden and my design fitted the unique silhouette of his face and beard.

“I have collaborated with adidas, Nike, Puma and Reebok for customising sneaker masks for promoting their products.

“But while the masks were seen as a fashion item, I made sure they retained functionality.

“Every sneaker mask is handmade by myself and can take a week to produce.”

Wang has shown fans how to make their own masks from an old pair of training shoes by posting a design template on his website.