The almost-worldwide cancellation of football has made Boot Spotting tough this week, and it’s only set to get harder as the time without the beautiful game goes on. But we’ve scoured the training grounds and what matches there have been to bring you the best new releases, special editions and throwback classics. Ready? Let’s do this…
Abby Dahlkemper (USWNT) adidas Predator 20.1 Tormenter
The adidas Predator 20+ got a throwback "Royal Blue" colourway that linked it to the limited OG Mania from the 2002 World Cup. Abby Dahlkemper wore them for the 3-1 SheBelieves Cup group match win over Japan.
Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona) adidas Predator Mania Tormentor
Dropping as the latest limited re-make from the Predator Mania series, adidas launched the "Japan Blue" edition, which was a modernised version of the boot worn by adidas-contracted Japan players at the 2002 World Cup which they co-hosted with South Korea. As a huge Predator aficionado it was no surprise to see Ivan Rakitic pulling on a pair for training this week.
Serge Aurier (Tottenham Hotspur) Nike Mercurial Vapor Dream Speed 2
Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Sam Kerr were the only players to officially wear the latest Mercurial Dream Speed 2, but that hasn't stopped pros around the world repping the brightly coloured editions. And the latest player to be spotted in a pair was Tottenham's Serge Aurier.
Giovanni Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur) adidas Predator Mutator 20.1
Sticking with Tottenham, and Giovanni Lo Celso was spotted training in the blacked-out adidas Predator Mutator 20+ "Shadow Beast", which was released shortly after the Mutator's debut, completing the Shadow Beast pack from earlier in the year.
Eric Choupo-Moting (PSG) PUMA prototype boot
We've seen plenty of PUMA athletes training in what appears to be the brand's latest boot, and PSG's Eric Choupo-Moting has become the next player to give them a run out. The black boots look to combine some of the best features from both the ONE and Future silos, so it will be interesting to see where this one fits in.
Dominic Vose (Dulwich Hamlet) adidas Predator ZZ Accelerator
Launched last year as part of the '25 years of Predator' pack, the golden Zinedine Zidane-inspired Predator Accelerator is hard to miss on pitch. And so, when Dominic Vose wore it in the Dulwich Hamlet's 2-1 National League South win against Hemel Hempstead , it was always going to grab our attention for all the right reasons.
Granit Xhaka (Arsenal) Unknown Under Armour boot
Granit Xhaka was the first to show off Under Armour's latest boot before Trent Alexander-Arnold debuted it on pitch in Liverpool's Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid. At this stage it is unclear whether this is the next iteration of the ClutchFit or Magnetico or a new silo entirely.
Hannibal Mejbri (Manchester United U18) adidas Predator Mania
A landmark drop for the 25th anniversary of the Predator, the Predator Mania rerelease in "Red/Metallic Silver" rightly drew mass appreciation from all corners, and Man United's Hannibal Mejbri pulled them out for the Under 18's 3-2 win over Everton this week.
Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa) Nike Tiempo Legend V
Tyrone Mings has been known to enjoy a nice throwback boot here and there, having featured in Boot Spotting on several occasions this season for his retro selections. And this week he opted for the Nike Tiempo Legend V from the 'Silver Storm Pack', which originally debuted back in 2015.
Fernandinho (Manchester City ) PUMA ONE 5.1
PUMA announced the signing of yet another Manchester City player this week, with Fernandinho joining David Silva, Sergio Aguero and manager Pep Guardiola with the brand. The Brazilian enforcer has opted to wear the ONE 5.1 silo, so expect to see him in them when football returns...
Sadio Mane (Liverpool) New Balance Furon V6
Despite having been pictured in the Furon V6 prior to its launch, New Balance have yet to convince Sadio Mane to make the switch on pitch. The battle goes on though, and Mane was spotted in the V6 in training ahead of the Atletico Madrid match. Of course, he was back in his V5s for the match though...
David Beckham (Inter Miami) adidas Nemeziz 19.1
Bit of a stretch including this one, but come on, there's barely any football anywhere! David Beckham, one of the most famous Predator ambassadors of all-time, was spotted having a family kick about with his kids in a pair of adidas Nemeziz 19.1 from the recent 'Mutator Pack'. Weird seeing him in anything but a Predator.
