Another week of action that saw Bayern Munch become Bundesliga champions for an 8th successive season and Liverpool become Premier League champions for the first time. There was also plenty of ammo for Boot Spotting, with the customary new releases, special editions, custom creations and throwback classics all on display. Let’s see what caught our eye…
Wilfred Zaha (Crystal Palace) Nike Mercurial Vapor CR7 Safari
Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have already stepped away from his latest signature edition boots, but that hasn't stopped other players picking up the baton. One such player was Wilf Zaha, who laced up in them for Crystal Palace's match against Liverpool. Things didn't quite go according to plan for him from there though; after he had to leave the pitch injured early on, his side went on to suffer a 4-0 thumping. Ouch.
Neymar (PSG) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII Jogo Prismatico
It's been a while in coming, but Neymar has finally been able to lace up in his latest signature edition, the Mercurial Vapor 'Jogo Prismatico'. They were originally released at the beginning of April, but the cancellation of football and specifically Ligue 1 meant that Neymar hasn't had the chance to show them off personally. Until now, that is.
Pere Milla (Elche) adidas Predator Mania
Originally dropping back in December, the rerelease of the Predator Mania in that "Red/Metallic Silver" colourway hit the mark. Nearly seven months on, and it still grabs attention, this week on the feet of Pure Milla in Elche's 1-0 loss to Deportivo.
Bruno Soriano (Villareal) adidas Predator LZ
After being injured for more than three years, Villarreal captain Bruno Soriano made his long-awaited comeback as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against Sevilla on Monday, and he did so in a pair of adidas Predator LZ from 2012, combining the yellow colourway with his side's kit.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has always been one to court controversy, and that stretches to his boot contracts. The Swede only seemingly signed with PUMA back in March, just before lockdown, but already he's playing the field, training in the Nike Mercurial Vapor from the recently released 'Neighbourhood Pack'. Guess Zlatan just does whatever Zlatan wants.
Javier Aviles (Leganes) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
As special edition releases go, the 'Nike Future DNA' pack has received a lot of love since its release back through March, and the Mercurial is up there with the PhantomVNM in terms of popularity. The pack paid homage to classic designs, with Nike wrapping the Mercurial in the OG Superfly “Max Orange/Metallic Silver” colourway from 2009.
Juan Cuadrado (Juventus) adidas COPA 20.1
Juan Cuadrado played in Juve's 4-0 demolishing of Lecce this week, and he did so in what at first appeared to be a blacked out COPA 20.1. But as the game wore on, the black wore off, suggesting that the Colombian's contract with adidas is at an end.
Trae Coyle (Arsenal) Nike Hypervenom Phantom I
The Arsenal training ground once again proves to be a fruitful place for Boot Spotting, and this week's selection is youngster Trae Coyle, who opted for the Hypervenom Phantom I from 2014's 'Shine Through' collection.
Jose Luis Morales (Levante) Nike Hypervenom Phantom I
Another dose of OG Hypervenom action, this time courtesy of Levante captain, Jose Luis Morales. Morales notched the third goal in his side's entertaining 4-2 win over Real Betis, and he did so in the "Vibrant Yellow" colourway from March 2014.
Cristian Romero (Genoa) Nike Mercurial Superfly VII
What’s this, Cristiano Ronaldo’s new signature edition? Ah no, this is the other CR – Cristian Romero, showing off the potential of the Nike By You service by personalising his Mercurial Superfly VII. CR17… doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it?
Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Opting for an alternative approach to the Nike By You service, Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic showed off some special customisation on his Mercurial Vapors this week. The heel graphics show off the Croatian flag, with other detailing running through the medial side of what looks to be the 'New Lights' colourway.
Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich) Unreleased adidas blackout
Bayern Munich celebrated their 8th Bundesliga title in a row this week, sealed with a 4-0 win over Wolfsburg. Prior to that triumph, Serge Gnabry was spotted giving the latest adidas prototype a run out. This one's been seen out and about a lot now, so we're expecting some official confirmation of what it is anytime.
