The Champions League and the Europa League both returned this week, and alongside regular domestic competitions, it meant that there was plenty of new releases, special editions, throwback classics and custom creations on display. Yep, it’s Monday, which means it’s time for Boot Spotting. Let’s see who caught our eye…
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) PUMA ONE 5.1
Man City ripped Watford to shreds on Saturday, and Aguero was in amongst the eight goals scored. The Argentinian was wearing a special version of the 'Rush Pack' ONE, with an adapted upper that featured a separate tongue to the usual evoKNIT upper, and a completely different soleplate.
Nicolas Pepe (Arsenal) PUMA Future 4.1
Arsenal new boy Nicolas Pepe has been dabbling with his boot choices recently, having been seen in the adidas Nemeziz and the New Balance Furon over the last few weeks. But for Arsenal's dogged 3-2 win against Aston Villa this week he wore the PUMA 'Rush Pack' Future 4.1, in which he scored his first goal for the Gunners, converting from the spot.
Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid) adidas X 99.1
Alvaro Morata came off the bench against Celta Vigo this week, but was unable to help his team avoid an uninspiring 0-0 stalemate. Light in entertainment but also light in his footwear choice as the Spanish striker opted for the lightweight, limited edition adidas X 99.1 boot.
Mason Greenwood (Manchester United) Nike Mercurial Superfly GS360
United's goal-scoring hero from their Europa League clash with Astana, Mason Greenwood was spotted prior to that game in a 'Nike By You' personalised pair of Mercurial Superfly GS360 boots, combining a black base with red, obviously.
Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea) adidas F50 adiZero Leather
Michy Batshuayi has always been one to watch for his throwback boot choices, and he was displaying another example as he came off the bench in Chelsea's 2-1 loss to Liverpool. The Belgian frontman opting for a pair of adidas F50 adiZero Leather editions from 2012.
Raul Jimenez (Wolves) Nike PhantomVNM
Raul Jimenez has been playing in a specially customised pair of Nike 'Victory Pack' PhantomVNM boots recently. The stylish design from French artist and designer SILNI sees the heel coated in Wolves' home colours, with 'RAUL 9' featuring above the club crest. Two wolves then adorn the outer side of each boot, overlaying part of the Swoosh.
Declan Rice (West Ham United) adidas Nitrocharge 1.0
Declan Rice chose to pull out a pair of adidas Nitrocharge 1.0 boots from 2013 for training this week, although he switched back into his COPA 19.1 for West Ham's 2-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday. Rice would have been the perfect player for the Nitrocharge, with adidas' "high-energy" theme, but it didn't last long. Probably because no one really got what a "high-energy" boots was for.
Morgan Gibbs-White (Wolves) Nike Tech Craft Mercurial Vapor XIII
Wolves' Europa League campaign didn't get off to the greatest of starts, with a 1-0 loss at home to Sporting Braga. Morgan Gibbs-White started the match, and he did so in the Nike Tech Craft Mercurial. Morgan Gibbs-Blackout if you like, which you don't.
Reiss Nelson (Arsenal) adidas 11Pro
Ahead of the weekend's win over Aston Villa, youngster Reiss Nelson trained in the adidas 11Pro boot, which was originally released in 2014. That's a throwback for someone of his young years.
Kieran Tierney (Arsenal) adidas Predator adipower
Kieran Tierney continues to near a return to full fitness, and he played in the Premier League 2 match against Wolverhampton Wanderers wearing the adidas Predator adipower from 2012. It will be interesting to see if he continues with them when he makes his long-awaited first team debut.
Paolo Guerrero (Internacional) Umbro Velocita IV
The second leg of the Copa do Brazil final between Internacional and Athletico-PR played out this week, and for the occasion Inter striker Paolo Guerrero wore a specially customised pair of Umbro Velocita IV. The Peruvian wore a similarly customised pair during this summer's Copa America, albeit with a white base.
Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan) adidas 11Pro
Bit of a self-custom job here, with Renato Augusto training in what looks to be a pair of 11Pro adipure SL, although it appears that he's attempted to black out the Three Stripes on the outstep at least.
Shon Weissman (Wolfsberger AC) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Wolfsberger's Shon Weissman became the latest athlete to show off the personalisation potential of 'Nike By You' on the new Mercurial, scoring the opener as his side romped to a 4-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach in the Europa League this week. The Austrian opted for a black base embellished by turquoise and white detailing, including his name.
