As the 2018 World Cup blends into 2018/19 pre-season we take a look back at which players have been catching our eye with their boot choices this week. From signature flames on the biggest stage, to throwback designs in low-key friendlies. Let's go...
Thierry Henry (Belgium) PUMA Future 2.1
Belgium coach Thierry Henry has stayed loyal to his PUMA contract throughout the World Cup. Belgium are an adidas nation and usually all coaches would wear the official brand partner, but Henry is a rare case in which he is still sponsored by a competitor brand. A blacked out PUMA Future 2.1 boot seems to be a decent middle-ground for both parties.
Reiss Nelson (Arsenal) adidas Glitch 18
Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson returned to pre-season training this month wearing the Glitch 18 boot. Nelson is an official adidas Glitch player and has snagged the latest outer-skin design inspired by art of the hosts of the 2018 World Cup – Russia.
Florian Lejeune (Newcastle United) Nike Tiempo 7
Newcastle's Florian Lejeune is keeping things old school for pre-season by wearing a blacked out edition of the Nike Tiempo 7 boots. The French defender spent the whole of last season training in the Tiempo but switching into the Hypervenom for Premier League matches.
Henri Lansbury (Aston Villa) adidas Copa Gloro 17
Aston Villa will be looking to put the play-off heartache of last season behind them when they kick off their Championship campaign next month. Henri Lansbury returned to the graft wearing the "Blue/White/Solar Read" colourway of the classic adidas Copa Gloro 17.
Michy Batshuayi (Belgium) adidas F50 adizero
After booking their place in the 2018 World Cup Semi Final with a 2-1 win over Brazil, Belgium returned to training ahead of a date with France on Tuesday. Michy Batshuayi mixed things up by wearing the 2010 adidas F50 adizero edition – he's been wearing the laceless X 18+ in games in Russia.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) Nike Mercurial Superfly 360
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a serious Nike football boot collection. From bespoke golden personalisation, to every limited edition drop that hits the market. Contracted to wear the latest Nike colourways in matches, the Arsenal front man uses training to showcase his collection. His latest addition? The Mercurial Superfly 360 Heritage Pack inspired by R9 1998 design.
Orlando Pride (Carson Pickett) adidas Nemeziz 17.1
Carson Pickett was sporting the women's exclusive colourway of the adidas Nemeziz 17.1 this week. The Orlando Pride defender's slick white design has unsurprisingly been picked up by numerous male players too, thanks to its simple aesthetic.
Sandro Ricci (Referee) adidas Predator Tango 18.1
Sandro Ricci was the referee in Croatia's penalty shootout victory over Russia on Saturday night. Ricci opted against the bespoke Copa Mundials that adidas are handing out to all officials in favour of the Tango 18.1 Predator. Yeah, trainers. It's the World Cup Sandro, smarten yourself up and wear a pair of boots, man. This ain't a Year 10 P.E. lesson.
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) Nike Hypervenom
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge kicked off his pre-season against Chester on Saturday as England were helping themselves to a World Cup Semi-Final spot. The former England frontman was wearing the first generation Hypervenom, a boot he wore and scored in at the 2014 World Cup.
Neymar (Brazil) Nike Mercurial Vapor 360
Neymar managed to get two games out of his signature Nike Mercurial Vapor 360 "Meu Jogo" boots. The Brazilian was supplied with the exclusive design for the World Cup knockout stages but saw his journey end on Friday night when his side lost 2-1 to Belgium.
