The return to action following the winter break in Europe combined with the Third Round of the FA Cup have provided the majority of the new releases, throwback classics, custom creations and signature editions needed for this week’s Boot Spotting. So let’s see who caught our eye…
Hector Bellerin (Arsenal) adidas X 99.1
Hector Bellerin returned to training this week ahead of Arsenal's FA Cup match with Leeds United, and he did so wearing the adidas X 99.1 boots, the limited edition release that was inspired by the adizero 99g boot from 2015. The move appears to signal an end to the Spaniard's days with PUMA.
Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City) adidas Predator 20.1
Manchester City fans will have been thrilled to see defender Aymeric Laporte returning to the training ground this week. The Frenchman turned out in a blacked out prototype of what looks to be the next-gen Predator, unmistakeable with that aggressively textured forefoot. Expect to see this launched some time soon.
Amin Younes (Napoli) adidas COPA 20.1
Napoli returned to training this week following their winter break, and winger Amin Younes showed up in an unreleased colourway for the adidas COPA 20.1. The look sees a red forefoot transitioning to a black collar, while white Three Stripes complete a classic trio that's usually attributed to the Predator. It's a strong look and one we can expect adidas to be rolling out soon.
Adam Clayton (Middlesbrough) adidas Predator Mania
Adam Clayton is as reliable as they come. Reliable in his love for a throwback Predator that is. You can guarantee that when adidas launch a rerelease, the Middlesbrough man will be in them, and he hasn't let us down once again, donning the "Red/Metallic Silver" Predator Mania rerelease from late last year for Boro's 1-1 draw with Spurs.
Dario Jertec (Western United) Nike Mercurial Superfly VII Mbappe
Heading to the other side of the globe, and Western United's Croatian midfielder, Dario Jertec trained in the Kylian Mbappe signature edition Nike Mercurial Superfly VII "Bondy Dreams" ahead of his side's 3-2 loss to Melbourne City.
Lys Mousset (Sheffield United) Nike Mercurial Vapor IX R9 1998 LE
Lys Mousset has been enjoying himself this season, chipping in with several key goals for the Blades while also showing off an eclectic collection of boots. This week continued that trend, with the striker wearing the Nike Mercurial Vapor IX R9 1998 LE in United's 2-0 loss to league leaders, Liverpool.
Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa) Nike Tiempo Legend VI
Probably the last thing that many hungover Villa fans would have wanted to see on New Year's day, Tyrone Mings was spotted in the uber-bright Nike Tiempo Legend VI from the "Radiation Flare Pack" in his side's 2-1 win over Burnley. Originally released in January 2017, the colourway actually wouldn't look that out of place coupled with the "New Lights" Phantom VNM & VSN that was launched at the beginning of this season.
Lucas Akins (Burton Albion) Nike Hypervenom Phantom
Sticking with the high-vis throwback theme, and Burton Albion's Lucas Akins played in 2015's Nike Hypervenom Phantom "Volt/Purple/Black" colourway in his side's FA Cup clash with Northampton town, a game they lost 4-2.
Albert Adomah (Nottingham Forest) PUMA EvoSPEED 1.3
This week's prize for the best colour combo match up goes to Nottingham Forest's Albert Adomah, who matched the "Bright Plasma/White/Peacoat" colourway of 2015's PUMA EvoSPEED 1.3 with the Forest home kit. Unfortunately Forest crashed out of the cup with a 2-0 loss to Chelsea.
Callum Camps (Rochdale) Nike Magista Opus
Rochdale were able to hold Premier league opposition at bay, earning a replay with Newcastle following a 1-1 draw. In the match, Dale's Callum Camps wore the Nike Magista Opus "Hyper Grape" colourway from 2016.
Andres Iniesta (Vissel Kobe) Asics Ultrezza AI
Andres Iniesta played in the Emperor's Cup final alongside fellow Spaniard David Villa, who played his last professional game. For the occasion, Iniesta wore a special new colourway of his signature Asics Ultrezza AI, which matched up with Vissel Kobe's kit. The Spaniards enjoyed yet more success in their glittering careers, beating Kashima Antlers 2-0 to lift the trophy.
Rio Nemoto (Meishhu Gakuen Hitachi) Nike Mercurial Superfly VII
Rounding off the week with the requisite bit of customisation, courtesy of Nike By You, and this time it comes from Japan and the 98th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament second round match between Kobe Koryo Gakuen and Meishu Gakuen Hitachi, in which Rio Nemoto found the net in his Superflys, which featured a purple upper with red heel graphics and volt detailing through the Swoosh and laces. Certainly unique.
