It’s Monday, which means it’s time for some Boot Spotting, as we bring you the best new releases, throwback classics and special editions, all making their appearances on the feet of pros around the globe. Let’s see who made the cut this week…
Aaron Cresswell (West Ham) adidas Predator Archive Mutator
Last week saw the release of the Predator 'Archive Mutator'; a mashed-up maverick surgically swerved and stitched together from Predators of the past. And West Ham's Aaron Cresswell was only too quick to give them a run out in training.
Sergio Reguilón (Sevilla) adidas X 20+
At Sevilla's training this week, both Sergio Reguilón and Javier Hernandez were spotted training in an unreleased colourway of the X 20+, lending weight to the suggestions that adidas are set to drop a new pack anytime now. The X 20+ here takes on a blue hue with white accents, and it will be interesting to see if the rest of the pack follows suit.
Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa) Nike CTR360 Maestri III
Taking his place on this list for the second week in a row, Tyrone Mings turned out for training this week in the launch colourway of the Nike CTR360 Maestri III from 2012. He was back in his Tiempo Legend VI for City's mauling of Villa though.
Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool) adidas Predator 20.1
Now this one is interesting for a couple of reasons. Firstly, Wijnaldum is usually an X player, so it could indicate an upcoming switch of silo for the Dutchman. And second, while we've seen other blacked out versions of the upcoming next-gen Predator, this is one of the first glimpses we've had of it in a low-cut variation, meaning the Predator 20 is likely to be the first to offer a low cut option since the silo's return.
Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth) Nike Mercurial Superfly VII
The Nike Mercurial Superfly VII initially launched back in July last year in two colourways: the bright "New Lights" and the stealthy "Under the Radar". The latter took its name quite literally, not being supported on pitch, but they obviously didn't fly under the radar of Bournemouth's Ryan Fraser who was wearing them in the Cherries' heavy loss to Watford.
Harry Winks (Tottenham Hotspur) adidas Predator Mania 19.1
It's a fairly well known fact that Harry Winks is a fan of the Predator, and in Spurs' game against Liverpool, the midfielder switched into the Predator Mania 19.1, which combined superbly with the Tottenham kit.
Hakan Calhanoglu (AC Milan) Nike Mercurial Vapor XII
Hakan Calhanoglu is a bit of a regular on Boot Spotting, with his tendency to often favour a throwback adidas boot. So it was a surprise to see him training and later playing in the Nike Mercurial Vapor XII blackout. Could indicate a potential switch on the cards for the Turkish international?
Aaron Ramsey (Juventus) Nike Phantom VSN
For Juve's table-topping win over Roma Aaron Ramsey switched from the adidas Nemeziz to the hard-to-miss "New Lights" Nike Phantom VSN, likely signalling an end to the Welshman's time with the Three Stripes and potentially the beginning of a new relationship with the Swoosh.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea) adidas X 19.1
Another player who looks to have switched things up a bit is Callum Hudson-Odoi, who turned out for Chelsea's 3-0 win in the adidas X 19.1 "Encryption Pack", duly scoring his first Premier League goal. He'd previously been alternating between a blacked out Mercurial and the X 99.1.
Paolo Faragò (Cagliari) Nike Magista Obra
Zlatan may well have stolen the headlines in AC Milan's 2-0 win over Cagliari, but there were also so nice little gems in amongst the action. Paolo Faragò boasted one such pair in 2015's "Silver Storm Pack" Magista Obra.
Juan Jesus (AS Roma) adidas Adipure I TRX
Roma's Brazilian defender, Juan Jesus has been known to favour the odd throwback in training, and this week he opted for the adidas Adipure I from all the way back in 2008 – undoubtedly one of the best looking colourways for this silo.
Daniel Tejera Pérez (Tamaraceite) adidas ACE 17.4
A bit of Copa Del Rey action saw Granada taking on Tamaraceite, and during that match Dani Zizu was seen in an interesting boot selection, opting for the adidas ACE 17.4.
