Another week of action from the Champions League and Europa League, coupled with many teams returning for preseason has provided plenty of ammunition for this week’s Boot Spotting, as we check out the best new releases, special editions, custom creations and throwback classics. Let’s see what caught our eye…
Axel Witsel (Borussia Dortmund) PUMA Ultra 1.1
Borussia Dortmund continued their preseason preparations this week, and that coincided with the official release of the Ultra 1.1, PUMA's return to the speed market. Despite the boot being shown off in prototype form previously, Axel Witsel gave a good look at the vibrant 'Chasing Adrenaline' launch colour combination of "Shocking Orange/Black/White".
Kyle Walker (Manchester City) PUMA Ultra 1.1
We've had our eye on Kyle Walker of late, as the Man City fullback's contract with Nike appears to have expired. His next brand has been up for debate, and he's been seen in both adidas and PUMA, but this latest appearance in the newly launched Ultra – for Man City's exit from the Champions League at the hands of Lyon – is the strongest indication yet that he is set to sign with the latter.
Andy Roberston (Liverpool) adidas Nemeziz 19.1
Liverpool returned to training with the delightful backdrop of the Austrian mountains. But that was not the only thing to catch our eye, with fullback Andy Robertson – usually a Nike man – training in the adidas Nemeziz 19.1 from the 'Inflight Pack'. Indication that his contract with the Swoosh is either nearing an end or has elapsed already.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) Nike Tiempo Legend VIII
Sticking with the Liverpool training camp, and Virgil van Dijk was seen in the newly released colourway of the Tiempo Legend VIII from Nike's 'Daybreak Pack'. It sees block blue dominating the rear of the boot, wrapping around the Quadfit Mesh heel, ending where the premium, unstitched K-Leather takes over in white. Not sure he'll be feeling the blue...
Kylian Mbappe (PSG) Nike Mercurial Superfly VII
Another player to make the switch into the 'Daylight Pack' colourway of the Mercurial Superfly VII was Kylian Mbappe, as he came off the bench in PSG's thrilling last minute comeback victory in the Champions League quarter final against Atalanta, setting up the winning goal for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
Roberto Gagliardini (Inter Milan) Nike Phantom GT
The Phantom GT launched in two colourways last week, and while the 'Daybreak Pack' included the white variant, the black version stands alone. It was the choice of Inter's Roberto Gagliardini though, as the Serie A side prepared for their Europa League semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund) adidas Copa Mundial
Going for the biggest throwback of 'em all, Thomas Meunier opted to train in the classic Copa Mundial this week. Debuting way back in the late 70s, the Copa Mundial boasted one of the greatest designs of all-time, so much so that it's still available today. Interestingly though he appears to have either removed or tucked in the iconic tongue.
Andre Gomes (Everton) Nike Magista Obra I
Andre Gomes made his return to action towards the end of the season following his horrific injury, and now, as he steps up his fitness ahead of the 20/21 season he's caught the eye in the Nike Magista Obra I from 2014.
Yussuf Poulsen (RB Leipzig) Nike Hypervenom Phantom I
Hard to miss, Yussuf Poulsen dragged out his Hypervenom Phantom I for RB Leipzig's historic victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter final. The "Volt/Violet/Black" colourway was originally launched back in 2015.
Zidane Iqbal (Manchester United) adidas X 15.1
Looking to catch the eye, 17 year old Zidane Iqbal has been training in a variety of throwback boots, including an F50 adizero, but this week he's switched into the original launch colourway for the X from 2015.
Adama Traore (Wolves) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Wolves sadly crashed out of the Europa League this week, losing 1-0 to finalists Sevilla. But the spectacle gave Adama Traore the opportunity to show off his latest customised effort from Nike By You, with a clean white Mercurial Vapor XIII featuring bespoke details in silver, most notably, the word 'Beast', a feature he has used before.
Adama Traore (Melbourne Victory) adidas Predator LZ
Two Adama Traores for the price of one? Why not. This one coming from the other side of the globe, and repping the adidas Predator LZ from 2012 in Melbourne Victory's 2-1 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League.
Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid) Modified adidas X 19.1
This last one comes not so much for the boot itself, but from the fact that Diego Costa has obviously requested a very specific modification. That modification comes in the form of the old F50 soleplate, complete with the space for the miCoach insert. Curious switch up, but one the Spaniard must've personally requested.
