3 hours ago
11
Reece Walsh's choice of footwear has divided footy fans after the Broncos superstar stepped out in designer sneakers worth $1,695 at the club's annual awards night.
The fullback paired his black-tie outfit with spiked black shoes as he arrived alongside teammate Aublix Tawha at The Star Brisbane on Monday.
Walsh appeared to be wearing Christian Louboutin Louis Junior Spikes sneakers, which retail for $1,695 a pair.
The price prompted criticism from some fans, but others questioned why a footballer spending his own money on clothes should cause such a stir.
'Good on him, his money, he can spend it how he wants,' one commenter wrote.
Another argued the reaction ignored how the purchase compared with an ordinary worker buying a pair of shoes.
Reece Walsh sparked debate among footy fans after wearing designer sneakers to the Broncos' annual awards night
Walsh's shoes appeared to be Christian Louboutin Louis Junior Spikes, which carry a retail price of $1,695
Fans defended Walsh's right to spend his own money, while others questioned his expensive taste in footwear
'A bloke earning a million a year paying $1,700 for shoes is the exact same scenario as a bloke earning $100k a year spending $170 on shoes. Simple maths shows how ridiculous the outrage is,' they said.
The salary figures were the commenter's comparison, rather than confirmation of Walsh's earnings.
Another supporter added: 'Reece you work for it so spend it how [you] want to - ignore the negativity'.
Not everyone was sold on the look.
'This is one of those moments that in the future he will look back at and cringe. It's tough growing up in a spotlight,' one person wrote.
Another claimed Walsh was paid too much but conceded the spending decision was his.
'He gets way too much money atm.'
'But it's his money. Couldn't care less what he does with it. Burn it if he wants.'
Australian coach Kevin Walters has reportedly retained Walsh in Australia's extended World Cup squad despite the injury that ended his season
One reader found a cheaper detail to focus on: 'If only he could have afforded some socks'.
Christian Louboutin describes the Louis Junior Spikes as a low-top sneaker inspired by 1980s tennis shoes.
The current-season model is made from black calfskin leather, with tonal grosgrain trim and signature spikes across the toe box.
Walsh has previously attracted attention for his taste in luxury accessories, including a Louis Vuitton bag he carried into Queensland's State of Origin camp earlier this year.
His latest appearance came as more than 800 guests gathered for the Broncos' 39th annual Paul Morgan Medal and Presentation Ball.
Xavier Willison claimed his first Paul Morgan Medal as Brisbane's player of the year, as well as the Shane Webcke Award for Best Forward.
Patrick Carrigan received the Gary Balkin Award for Players' Player, while Deine Mariner collected the Allan Langer Award as Best Back and the Wally Lewis Award for Play of the Year.
The evening also featured farewells for retiring captain Adam Reynolds, Corey Jensen and Delouise Hoeter, with departing players including Payne Haas acknowledged.
For Walsh, there could still be football ahead this year despite the injury that ended his NRL campaign.
Australian coach Kevin Walters has reportedly retained him in a 40-player extended Kangaroos squad for the World Cup.
Walsh suffered a syndesmosis injury in Round 24 but remains in contention after starring in Australia's Ashes whitewash in 2025.
Dylan Edwards and James Tedesco are also reportedly in the selection mix, setting up a battle for the Australian fullback role if Walsh is fit to return.
