The return of domestic action along with the impending return of the Champions League means there’s plenty of new releases on display this week. Combine them with some special editions, throwback classics, and custom creations and we’ve got ourselves some Boot Spotting. Let’s see who made the cut…
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Ahead of the official launch, Vinicius Junior played in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Levante in the 'Nuovo Pack' Mercurial Vapor XIII. The Nike 'Nuovo Pack' sees the Mercurial, PhantomVSN and VNM join the previously released Tiempo Legend VIII in the cleanest of looks. Expect them to stay on pitch this week.
Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan) Nike PhantomVNM
Another player giving the 'Nuovo' edition a run out ahead of release was Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez, who pulled on the PhantomVNM for a training session following his side's 1-0 victory over Udinese.
Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid) adidas COPA 19+
The adidas 'Input Code' pack was released for players to be wearing in the Champions League when it returns this week, however it appears a few players didn't get that memo, Joao Felix being one. The Portuguese forward wore his COPA 19+ in Atletico's loss to Real Sociedad.
Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona) adidas Predator 19.1
Another player who gave the golden 'Input Code' Predator a premature debut was Marc-André ter Stegen. The Barcelona stopper wore them in his side's 5-2 win against Valencia. Again, expect them to remain on pitch for the Champions League group stage openers this week.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) adidas X 19.1
The appearance of the X 19.1 from the 'Input Code' pack on the feet of Mo Salah this weekend wasn't the same as the Felix or her Stegen instances, as he had already worn them in the AFCON after they were released earlier this year. Salah started the win over Newcastle in the 'Input Code' X, but changed back into the 'Hardwired' X later in the match, and that's what he was wearing when he scored.
Joleon Lescott (Manchester City Legends) PUMA Future 4.1
For Vincent Kompany's testimonial, Joleon Lescott chose to show his full support for his former employers by wearing the PUMA Future 4.1 'City Pack', which was released alongside the ONE 5.1. Both pairs featured special details that pop in City blue throughout.
Joe Willock (Arsenal) Nike Mercurial Vapor Flyknit Ultra
Young Joe Willock is making a mark for himself at Arsenal, putting in some eye-catching performances that have earned him a new contract with the club. But he caught our eye for a different reason in the Gunner's 2-2 draw with Watford, coming on to the pitch on the hour mark in a pair of blacked out Mercurial Vapor Flyknit Ultra boots.
Emiliano Buendia (Norwich City) adidas X 99.1
Emiliano Buendia played his part in Norwich's heroic 3-2 win over Manchester City at Carrow Road on Saturday night, contributing a pair of assists, and he did so in the recently released limited edition adidas X 99.1.
Sammy Ameobi (Nottingham Forest) Nike What The Mercurial?
Turning up the limited edition flair, Sammy Ameobi pulled out the second iteration of Nike's 'What The Mercurial?' for Forest's 1-0 win at Swansea. The boot originally dropped back in March 2018, and it followed on from the colourful first release by exploring the materials of Mercurial dating back to 1998 as part of the Silo's 20th anniversary celebrations.
Ismaila Sarr (Watford) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Watford's Ismaila Sarr once again gave us an example of just what's possible when it comes to personalising the new Mercurial on Nike By You. The Senegal international opting for a black base with pink pops, joined by personal touches, including his name, in white.
Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen) Nike Mercurial Superfly VII
Another example of the potential of personalisation from Nike By You, this time from Bayer Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby, who opted for a black core embellished with white detailing throughout. Unfortunately, looking good didn't help Leverkusen as they got thumped 4-0 by Dortmund.
Cesar Falletti (Tijuana) adidas COPA 19+
From one level of customisation to quite another. Don't recognise the colourway of the adidas COPA 19+ on the feet of Tijuana midfielder, Cesar Falletti? That's because it doesn't exist. Falletti has had a crack at self-customisation to tie his boot to his kit; a tradition for Tijuana players.
Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City) adidas Predator Mania Champagne
Having worked his way fairly exhaustively through the Accelerator back catalogue, Leicester City no.1 continued to show his love for the Predator range by moving on to the Mania, wearing the remake of the iconic champagne release in training this week.
