Another week of action across the globe has provided plenty to pour over for this week’s Boot Spotting, as we bring you the best of the new releases, special editions, throwback classics and custom creations. Ready? Let’s go…
Derlis Gonzalez (Club Olimpia) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Nike's 'Flash Crimson' pack released this week, but as it's not set to feature on the premium pitches of the world, we've had to keep our eyes peeled to see them in action. And it was in the Copa Libertadores group phase match between Paraguayan side Club Olimpia and Argentinain club Defensa y Justicia at the Norberto Tito Tomaghello Stadium in Buenos Aires that the Mercurial Vapor was on show on the feet of Derlis Gonzalez.
Eric Lamela (Tottenham Hotspur) adidas F50 Adizero II and COPA 20.1
For the second time this week, Tottenham's Eric Lamela made the odd choice of lacing up in two separate boots. In Spurs' Europa League match against Shkendija he wore an F50 Adizero II & III on his right and left foot respectively. Then, against Newcastle he again wore the same F50 on his right but with the 'Inflight' COPA 20.1.
Joe Gomez (Liverpool) adidas COPA 20.1
Sticking with the 'Inflight' colourway of the adidas COPA, and Liverpool's Joe Gomez trained in them this week. A previous Nike athlete, Gomez has been trialling several boots over the last few weeks, but looks like he may well have settled on the Three Stripes.
Isaac Brizuela (Chivas) Umbro Velocita V Pro
Umbro released the new "Black/White/Blue" colourway of the Velocita V in support of the new Tocco Pro, but it appears that Chivas's Isaac Brizuela saw it as the perfect canvas for a bit of personalisation, Looney Tunes style, thanks to the help of customiser @elpintacuadros.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) New Balance Furon v6
Looks like Bukayo Saka has made the switch from adidas to New Balance, after he was first seen playing in the Furon v6 'Twisted Silver', before then training in the 'Ignite Hype' colourway ahead of Arsenal's game against Liverpool.
Nicolas Pepe (Arsenal) Nike Mercurial CR7 Safari
Nicolas Pepe continues to enjoy the freedom of not being tied down to a boot contract, playing in Arsenal's Carabao Cup win over Leicester City in Ronaldo's signature Mercurial Vapor Safari.
Kasey Palmer (Bristol City) Nike Mercurial Vapor 'Jogo Prismatico'
Neymar may no longer be a Nike athlete, having made the switch to PUMA recently, but that hasn't stopped Bristol City's Kasey Palmer wearing what is now the Brazilian's last signature edition with the Swoosh, the 'Jogo Prismatico' Mercurial, in his side's 3-0 loss against Aston Villa.
James McClean (Stoke City) Nike Mercurial Superfly VII
James McClean is a well documented fan of the Mercurial line, lacing up in pretty much every special edition as and when it drops. But now he's opted for a bit of his own special edition flavour, creating a customised look that ties in with Stoke's home kit using the Nike by You service. Good job.
Fabio Carvalho (Fulham) Nike Mercurial Superfly GS360
For Fulham's Carabao Cup win against Sheffield Wednesday in midweek, Fabio Carvalho wore the Nike Mercurial Superfly GS – a favourite in the SoccerBible office...
Grady Diangana (West Bromwich Albion) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
One of the best looks to come out of the 'Future DNA' pack, in which Nike wrapped its current roster in iconic colourways from the past, the Nike Mercurial took on the look of the OG Superfly “Max Orange/Metallic Silver” colourway from 2009, and it was this look that West Brom's Grady Diangana opted for as his side lost on penalties against Brentford.
Reece James (Chelsea) Nike Mercurial Vapor Mbappe Rosa
Reece James continues to impress this season, not least for his impress choice of throwback boots. But in training this week, rather than going for something for the past, he opted for the Kylian Mbappe signature edition Nike Mercurial Vapor Rosa.
Tanguy Ndombele (Tottenham Hotspur) Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly III
Tanguy Ndombele was an Adidas man last season, but it appears his time with the Three Stripes is up as he's been playing in black out Nike Mercurial's this season. While we wait for official confirmation of a switch to the Swoosh, he's teased the move by training in the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly III from 2011.
Marcelo (Real Madrid) adidas X 17.1
Marcelo pulled out a peach from the past this week, lacing up in the X 17.1 from the 'Skystalker' Pack for training. Certainly a bold colourway, but the Brazilian undoubtedly has the cojones to pull them off...
