We’ve scoured all corners of the globe to bring you the best new releases, special editions, throwback classics and custom creations out there. It’s Monday, it’s Boot Spotting, let’s see who made the cut this week…
Kylian Mbappe (PSG) Nike Mercurial Superfly Dream Speed 2
This week Nike launched the second instalment of the Mercurial 'Dream Speed' series, which focuses on the speed of light with a vibrant, summery design to take players into the business end of the season. The 'Dream Speed' series essentially repositioned the CR7 line, allowing Kylian Mbappe and Sam Kerr to join Ronaldo in the Swoosh spotlight. And the Frenchman slipped on his Dream Speed 2 Mercurials for PSG's thrilling 4-3 win over Bordeaux, netting the fourth.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus) Nike Mercurial Superfly Dream Speed 2
One of the three main faces in the Dream Speed series is Cristiano Ronaldo, and he switched into the second iteration for Juve's game against SPAL. It was the Portuguese's 1,000th appearance, and he went on to score for the 11th Serie A game in a row. Machine.
Dani Ceballos (Arsenal) Unreleased Nike Boot
Shkodran Mustafi was seen training in a mystery blackout Nike boot last week, and now the Swoosh have sorted out Dani Ceballos with the same unreleased pair. A number of pros (all Phantom players) have been spotted in Nike's new project, but for now it'll remain in that blackout wrap.
Sead Kolasinac (Arsenal) adidas X 19+
Sticking with Arsenal training, and Sead Kolasinac was seen in the X 19+ from the 'Mutator Pack' this week. Nothing instantly unusual there as that's his regular boot, but interestingly the Bosnian had painted over the Three Stripes in the forefoot. They were back on display in Arsenal's 3-2 win over Everton though, so its unclear if this was purely a style choice or indicative of Kolasinac's adidas contract coming to an end.
Christian Rivera (Tijuana) adidas Predator 20.1 Mutator
Another custom paint job coincidently appeared on the 'Mutator Pack' this week, although it was on the Predator. In his side's 1-0 loss to Chivas, Tijuana's Christian Rivera opted to paint his Three Stripes red, blending them in to the overall colouring of the boot. Tidy execution, but not sure if we agree with taking white out of the iconic Predator colouring. Borderline Sacrilegious.
Ryan Kent (Rangers) Nike Mercurial Vapor IX
Rangers enjoyed a heroic comeback in the Europa League this week, coming from two goals down to snatch victory against Braga, 3-2. During the match, midfielder Ryan Kent was spotted wearing the Mercurial Vapor IX "Fast Forward '06" from 2014, which, in homage, took the look of the Vapor III from 2006.
Reinier Jesus (Real Madrid) PUMA evoSPEED 17 SL Tricks
Brazilian Reinier Jesus was presented as a Real Madrid player this week, and as is customary he showed off some skills for the gathered media. What was interesting though was his choice of footwear. The 18-year-old opted to wear the PUMA evoSPEED 17 SL "Tricks", which saw each boot adopting different colourings.
Dani Osvaldo (Club Atlético Banfield) Nike Tiempo Legend VI
Having previously retired, Dani Osvaldo made a return to football recently for Superliga side Club Atlético Canfield. The Argentinian-born Italian wore the Nike Tiempo Legend VI 'Radiant Reveal' from 2016, which was coincidentally the last time the former Southampton man played football. What's he been up to since he stopped playing you ask? He's started a rock band and came a respective third in Italy's version of Strictly Come Dancing.
Jake Dunwoody (Stoke City U23) Nike Tiempo Legend IV
Taking to the pitch for a Premier League 2 match with West Ham, Jake Dunwoody caught our eye thanks to his selection of the iconic Tiempo Legend IV from 2011. It featured a carbon fiber plate, Flywire upper and premium leather. A proper classic, this.
Alexander Scholz (FC Midtjylland) adidas World Cup
Speaking of classics, hats off to Alexander Scholz for wearing one of the daddies of them all – the adidas World Cup – in his side's 2-0 win over Lyngby. Originally released for the 1982 competition, the World Cup was the soft ground variation of the Copa Mundial, one of the most iconic boots of all time. Has his steak well done and his beer strong does our Alexander.
John Stones (Manchester City) Nike phantom VSN II
An interesting little switch at Manchester City's training ground this week, with John Stones changing from the Phantom VNM to the Phantom VSN II 'Future Lab'. It must've felt good as the England defender stuck with the next-gen boot for city's win against Leicester.
Irfan Can Kahveci (Istanbul Basaksehir) adidas F50 adizero
A special-edition Champions League colourway of the F50 adizero that was released back in 2014 ahead of the quarter final draw saw the light of day again this week, but sadly it had been relegated to Europe's secondary competition, with Irfan Can Kahveci wearing them in Istanbul Basaksehir's 3-1 first-leg loss to Sporting Lisbon.
