The 2023 MLS campaign got underway this weekend, and it provided some nice ammunition for this week’s Boot Spotting, with players out to impress from the off. Meanwhile, on the other side of the pond, some signature style gets its first run out, along with some new releases and potential player/brand swaps. Scroll down to check it all out.
Paul Pogba (Juventus) adidas Predator Accuracy PP.1
Paul Pogba is nearing a return to action and his second debut for Juventus, and on the training field recently he laced up in his new signature Predator Accuracy from adidas.
Raheem Sterling (Chelsea) New Balance Furon Next Gen Prototype
Raheem Sterling is firmly in place as New Balance's main man, as evidenced by his selection of signature editions in recent years. It's a fact that's further cemented by his testing of what is likely to be the next generation Furon, which he's been wearing recently in a whiteout presentation.
Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal) Mystery Whiteout Boot
Looks like Eddie Nketiah's time with Nike is definitely up, with the Arsenal man testing out a whiteout boot in training and the Gunners' game against Leicester, Some suggestion that it may be a New Balance boot, but our money's on it being Under Armour. Would be a good capture for the American brand if they can get it over the line. Watch this space.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) Under Armour Clone Magnetico 2.0
Speaking of Under Armour, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been playing in his first official signature edition Under Armour Clone Magnetico 2.0 recently. The brand released the look as the first instalment in the 66 collection, which is set to have a further four releases in due course.
Jack Grealish (Manchester City) PUMA Future Ultimate
Looks like Jack Grealish's move to PUMA is all but done, with only an official announcement on the move remaining. The City attacker has been playing in the Future Ultimate from the 'Supercharge Pack'.
Sam Kerr (Chelsea Women) Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly IX DS7
Sam Kerr returned from international duty to do what she does best, finding the net, this time against Arsenal in the FA Women's Cup fifth round clash, and she did so wearing the Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly IX Dream Speed 007.
Richie Laryea (Toronto FC) Nike Phantom Ultra Venom
Nice choice of footwear from Toronto's Richie Laryea recently, who opted for the Nike Phantom Ultra Venom in preseason and for his side's 2023 MLS opener, which unfortunately ended in a 3-2 defeat to D.C. United.
DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution) New Balance Furon 7
DeJuan Jones opted for the Raheem Sterling signature edition New Balance Furon 7 'Route to Greatness' for his side's 1-0 win over Charlotte.
Jamiro Monteiro (San Jose Earthquakes) adidas Predator Precision Archive
Tidy choice for Jamiro Monteiro, who opted for the adidas Predator Precision Archive in his side's 2-1 loss to Atlanta United.
José Andrés Martínez (Philadelphia Union) Nike Phantom GT II
Philadelphia Union got their 2023 MLS campaign off to a flier despite initially falling behind to Colombus, the game finishing 4-1. And José Andrés Martínez wore the Nike Phantom GT II from the early 2022 'Shadow Pack' for the match.
Alex Morgan (USWNT) Nike Phantom GX
To honour the milestone of 200 games for her nation, Nike created a special pair of signature Phantom GT II boots for US Women's national team star Alex Morgan. The boots featured bespoke details that nodded to the striker, all presented in the patriotic red, white and blue. Morgan debuted the boot in the SheBelieves Cup against Canada.