We’re once again heading into the past for our weekly dose of Boot Spotting action, taking in some of the best boots of the last few decades on the feet of some of the best players of all time. Ready to see some absolute belters? Let’s go…
Lionel Messi (Barcelona) adidas F50 adizero Messi
Following his second Balon d'Or in 2010, adidas awarded Messi his first signature of the newly introduced adidas F50 adizero line. The boots were designed in a simple gold, black and white wrap in celebration of his ‘World Player of the Year’ status, and prior to his club endeavours in them, they were first worn by him in Argentina's international friendly match against Spain – a match which took him just 10 minutes to get on the score-sheet.
Alessandro Del Piero (Italy) adidas Predator Mania
The Predator Mania was THE boot of a generation, and it's no secret that we're big admirers of the iconic boot. But the 'gunmetal' option is often overshadowed by the more popular 'Champagne' and even the recently rereleased red look. On the feet of the maestro that was Alessandro Del Piero back in 2003 however, it was simply stunning.
Mario Gotze (Germany) Nike Magista Obra
The original Nike Magista Obra was a revelation when it first dropped on the scene. The first-ever boot to boast a knitted upper on a football pitch, it has since shaped the following years of boot design. And a huge part of that legacy was born when Mario Gotze scored the winning goal in them in the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina.
Rivaldo (Brazil) Mizuno Wave Cup
In the 2002 World Cup, Rivaldo earned three Man of the Match awards, scoring five goals along the way to Brazil lifting the trophy. And he did so in the Mizuno Wave Cup – an iconic look from the start of the century. The predominantly white boots featured flashes of blue and yellow, tying in nicely with the Selecao's home and away kits.
Paul Scholes (Manchester United) Nike T90 Laser II
Paul Scholes scored the only goal during the Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Manchester United and Barcelona at Old Trafford, and he did so in the exceedingly popular Nike T90 Laser II. And what way could you make the T90 Laser II even better? Just wrap it in a silver and gold colourway.
Thierry Henry (Barcelona) Reebok Sprintfit Lite Pro RS
Thierry Henry will always be known as a Nike legend, but he actually played out a large part of his career in Reebok football boots. The Reebok Sprintfit Lite Pro RS was the brand's lightest speed boot upon its initial release, and Henry wore it in 2008 whilst playing for Barcelona.
Kaka (AC Milan) adidas Predator Absolute
Certain Predators are synonymous with particular players. Think Zidane in the Accelerator, Beckham in the Precision (or Mania for that matter), and Kaka in the Absolute. Presented in its most decadent colourway, the white/gold Absolute from 2006 looked completely at home on the feet of Brazil's golden boy.
Miroslav Klose (Germany) Copa Mundial
The Copa Mundial is one of the most iconic boots of all time. However, despite its enduring popularity on grassroots pitches, most pros veered away from the classic following the turn of the century. Most that is, but not all. Miroslav Klose, Germany's all-time leading goal scorer stuck with it, going on to earn the Golden Boot at the 2006 World Cup – surprisingly a first for the Copa Mundial in its long history. A German legend in a German legend.
Frank Lampard (Chelsea) adidas Adipure
Originally released in 2007, the adidas AdiPURE was a throwback to the design of adidas boots for the 1978 World Cup. The modern edition was significantly lighter than its historic counterpart, and it was quickly adopted by adidas players including Frank Lampard, with Real Madrid's Toni Kroos still refusing to leave the silo today.
Francesco Totti (AS Roma) Nike Air GX II
Before the Mercurial made waves on the feet of Ronaldo and before Totti had marked himself out as an absolute footballing god, the Italian wore the Nike Air GX II. The young Roma striker had signed with the Swoosh and would continue to wear the brand right up until 2005 when he left Nike to link up with fellow Italians Diadora.
Javier Saviola (Argentina) adidas F50+ Spider
A year after the first ever F50 design was released prior to Euro 2004, Adidas progressed the silo with the F50+ 'Spider'. Ahead of their time, they came with a leather upper to cover the laces and allow for a larger strike zone for the likes of Argentina hitman Javier Saviola.
