As we enter yet another international break, we have the first round of the FA Cup to thank for a large part of this week’s Boot Spotting, with the oldest football competition in the world throwing up some suitably throwback classics. Combine them with some special editions, new releases and custom creations and it’s on. Let’s do this…
Jessica McDonald (USWNT) Nike Tiempo Legend VIII
This week, Nike presented all members of the United States Women's World Cup winning squad with their own personalised special-edition versions of the Nike Victory Pack. And while some will have undoubtedly reserved a place on the mantlepiece for their golden-edged boots, Jessica McDonald opted to wear hers in the game against Costa Rica, a game the champions won 6-0.
Carli Lloyd (USWNT) Nike Mercurial Superfly VII
One of the USWNT players that opted against switching into her special edition "Victory Pack" boots was Carli Lloyd, with the veteran striker instead showing off the customisable capabilities of the new Mercurial. Lloyd personalised her boots with a blue and red colourway, with the words "Lloyd", "Tank" and "Empty". Make of that what you will; the captain for the night clearly has something to give as she opened the scoring in the 6-0 romp.
Chris Maguire (Sunderland) adidas F50 adizero
Shortly after the 2014 World Cup, the top scoring boot at the tournament, the F50 adizero, got a "Neon Pink" paint job, and Sunderland's Chris Maguire has taking a real liking to them. He's worn them for the last couple of seasons and they were on show again during the FA Cup 1st round tie against Gillingham.
Jack Bonham (Gillingham) Nike Premier 2.0
Another one from that same match saw Gillingham goalkeeper, Jack Bonham, in the "White/Red" Nike Premier 2.0 Anti-Clog that dropped back at the beginning of 2019. A true sign that winter is almost upon us when you see that Anti-Clog soleplate.
Joe Lolley (Nottingham Forest) adidas F50 Adizero
Joe Lolley will have enjoyed Forest's game against local rivals Derby County. His side picked up a 1-0 win with him wearing the best boots on the pitch in the shape of the"Black/Running White/Neon Orange" F50 Adizero, which offered a toned down option to the "Neon Pink" option that dropped at the same time in 2014.
Gael Clichy (Istanbul Basaksehir) Nike Hypervenom
Former Arsenal and Man City man, Gael Clichy wore 2014's eye-catching "Hyper Crimson" Hypervenom Phantom I in his side's 3-0 Europa League win over Wolfsberg this week. Unpopular opinion... the Hypervenom peaked at the first generation. Moving on...
Antonine Griezmann (Barcelona) PUMA evoSPEED Fresh 2.0
Antoine Griezmann has been switching up his boot choices a lot recently, with a variety of special editions, custom works and throwback classics. And this week saw the Barca man training in 2017's evoSPEED Fresh 2.0 in the "Bright Plasma/True Blue" colourway that ties in nicely with some of Barca's recognised colours.
Franck Kessie (AC Milan) adidas F50 Adizero Leather
It must've been "wear your old F50's to work" this week at AC Milan, with Franck Kessie and Rafael Leão both opting to wear the 2010 "Black/Sun/Gold" colourway, with Kessie choosing the leather version. How are these nearly a decade old?
Michael Nelson (Gateshead) Nike CTR360 Maestri III
The FA Cup first round gave us a throwback to 2013 with Gateshead's Michael Nelson pulling on the CTR360 Maestri III "Volt/Black/Green Glow" colourway for his side as they lost 2-1 at home to League Two strugglers Oldham Athletic.
Scott Pollock (Northampton Town) adidas F50 adizero Messi XTRX
As far as boot spotting goes, this was a fairly easy one. Northampton's Scott Pollock was seen wearing the brightly coloured adidas F50 adizero Messi XTRX from 2014 in his side's 3-0 FA Cup first round win over non-league Chippenham Town.
Luke Joyce (Port Vale) Nike Tiempo Legend V
Port Vale scraped past MK Dons to secure a spot in the second round of the FA Cup, and midfielder Luke Joyce played his part wearing the Nike Tiempo Legend V "Wolf Grey/Green Strike/Black" from the 2015 "Silver Storm" pack.
Wilfred Zaha (Crystal Palace) Nike Mercurial Superfly GS 360
Wilfred Zaha is a clear fan of the GreenSpeed Mercurial, having been wearing them pretty much since their launch back at the end of last year, and in Palace's 2-0 loss against Chelsea he opted for a black and white colourway during the game, having kicked off the game in the OG "Black/Volt" colourway
