Ben Stokes’ Ashes Tribute: A Deep Dive into the Story Behind the Bespoke Shoes
EnglandS captain, Ben Stokes, is set too carry a powerful and deeply personal tribute onto the field during the 2025-26 Ashes series in australia. He will be sporting a unique pair of custom-designed shoes, created in collaboration with Adidas and acclaimed artist Jordan Dawson, honoring the memory of his late father, Ged. This isn’t merely a footwear choice; it’s a poignant symbol of resilience, remembrance, and the enduring bond between a son and his father.
The Significance of the phoenix
The most striking element of the shoe’s design is the prominent phoenix motif. Stokes already bears a tattoo of this mythological bird on his arm, signifying a powerful personal connection. The phoenix, renowned for its ability to rise renewed from the ashes, represents overcoming adversity and finding strength in the face of loss.
Dawson intentionally incorporated this imagery, recognizing its resonance with Stokes’ own journey. Indeed,the 2022 Amazon Prime documentary chronicling Stokes’ life and career was aptly titled “Ben stokes: Phoenix from the ashes,” further cementing the symbol’s importance.
“I’ve got a phoenix as a big part of the tattoo on my right arm, so it was something I was keen to include in the design,” Stokes explained. He further elaborated, “I’ve had a long career in sport and the phoenix has come to signify my belief that whenever you’re down, you can rise again.”
A Gesture of Remembrance: Honoring Ged Stokes
Beyond the phoenix, the shoes feature another deeply personal detail: an illustration of Stokes’ signature celebratory hand gesture. This isn’t a random flourish; it’s a direct tribute to his father, Ged Stokes.
Ged, a former New Zealand rugby league international, tragically lost a finger during his playing career. following his passing in December 2020 after battling brain cancer, Stokes adopted the hand gesture as a way to honor his father’s memory with every festivity on the pitch.
“I think everyone knows the story of my Dad injuring his finger playing rugby and having it removed,” Stokes shared. “But since he passed away, the hand gesture is a celebration I’ve done in memory of him.”
A Collaborative Creation & On-Field Inspiration
The creation of these bespoke shoes was a rewarding process for Stokes, working alongside Adidas and Dawson to bring his vision to life. He hopes the shoes will serve as a source of inspiration throughout the challenging Ashes tour.
This collaboration demonstrates a growing trend of athletes using personalized equipment to express themselves and connect with their personal stories. It’s a powerful way to carry a message of hope, resilience, and remembrance onto the world stage.
Ultimately, these shoes are more than just athletic gear. They represent a son’s enduring love for his father, a symbol of overcoming adversity, and a testament to the power of remembrance. As Stokes steps onto the field in Australia, he’ll be carrying not only the hopes of a nation but also the spirit of his father with every stride.