As adidas prepare to launch their next-generation X 18 football boot series ahead of the 2018 World Cup, we're taking a look at which players have been spotted training in blackout editions of the upcoming design.

The next-generation of adidas X speed has arrived across training pitches worldwide as current X players have all switched into blackout editions of the upcoming silhouette that'll be launched in late May and worn throughout the World Cup in Russia.

Wales' Gareth Bale won't be at the tournament this summer, but the Real Madrid man has provided the closest look yet at what adidas are preparing for their next major release. The best chance Bale has of wearing them before next season is the 2018 UCL Final.

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Gareth Bale | adidas X 18.1

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Aymeric Laporte | adidas X 18+

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Fernando Llorente | adidas X 18.1

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Son Heung-Min | adidas X 18+

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Lucas Moura | adidas X 18+

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Moussa Sissoko | adidas X 18.1

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N'Golo Kante | adidas X 18+

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Alvaro Morata | adidas X 18+

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Oscar Wendt | adidas X 18.1

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It's been a busy month of adidas preparations as the next-generation Nemeziz 18+ has also been dished out to players, including Liverpool's Roberto Firmino.

The X 18 will remain in a blackout coat until adidas launch the update around the UCL Final in late May. Tech wise, it's a dramatic shift from the current X 17 edition with the sleeker, laceless silhouette using a clean one-piece mesh/synthetic upper. The return of the Three Stripes on the outstep of the boot will be a welcomed addition, and gives the X 18 a next-gen adizero vibe.

Stay tuned for more on the next-generation adidas X 18+ football boots...