Football continues, and with it so to does your weekly dose of Boot Spotting, bringing you the best of the new and unreleased boots on the feet of the pros around the globe. That along with some absolute classics, and we’re well and truly in business. Ready to see who made the cut? Let’s go…
Reiss Nelson (Arsenal) Adidas Nemeziz .1
The Three Stripes served up a two-pair pack this week, coating the Predator and Nemeziz in black, white and gold for a premium, if low-key feel, and Reiss Nelson was one of a select few to lace up in the latter, choosing them for Arsenal's Europa League game against Dundalk.
Matteo Guendouzi (Hertha BSC) adidas Predator Mutator +
The second boot in the Atmospheric pack was the Predator, and it debuted on Nelson's former teammate and big Predator fan, Matteo Guendouzi, as his side drew 1-1 with Wolfsburg. The iconic silo takes on an almost classic feel here with that flash of shimmering gold on the heel.
Pedri González (Barcelona) Next-gen adidas COPA
We got our first look at the next-gen Predator this week on the feet of Paul Pogba, and now we get another look at the upcoming COPA. We've already seen Paulo Dybala with the new-look COPA on his feet, and now it's Barca's Pedri González who's putting it through its paces in training.
Harvey Elliott (Blackburn Rovers) Next-Gen New Balance Furon
Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott caught the eye this week, playing in Blackburn's 2-0 loss to Swansea in a custom prototype New Balance Furon. Interesting for several reasons, first as it's rare to see a prototype that's not blacked out, and second as Elliott continues to flit between brands. Does this mean he's committing to NB? With Raheem Sterling also trialling a whiteout version of these boots, the American Brand could be set to add to big names to their roster.
Tanguy Ndombele (Tottenham Hotspur) New Balance Furon v6
Ndombele is another player who continues to flirt with New Balance, and having previously worn the Furon v6 in training, he wore them for the first half of Spurs' match against Burnley last week before switching back into his blackout Nike Mercurials.
Granit Xhaka (Arsenal) Nike Phantom VNM
Arsenal's Granit Xhaka continues to be non-committal in his boot selection following the end of his contract with Under Armour. The Swiss international has been training and playing in blackout Nike Phantom VNM boots, suggesting he has not officially agreed a new contract.
Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid) adidas Predator Mutator x Human Race
As one of the most recognisable faces to have ever worn the adidas Predator Accelerator back in '98, it was a pleasure to see Zinedine Zidane pulling on the Predator Mutator x Human Race, which features a design based on the iconic Predator. You know he could still do a job as well...
Lucy Bronze (Manchester City Women) Nike Phantom GT NBY
Lucy Bronze added to her impressive trophy haul this week, as Manchester City beat Everton in the FA Cup final – Bronze's first competition win since rejoining City back in September. And for the occasion she wore a special pair of Phantom GT, customised on the Nike By You service.
Pepe (FC Porto) adidas Predator Mutator.1
Looks like Pepe's long-standing relationship with Umbro has come to an end, with the Portuguese lacing up in the 'Inflight Pack' adidas Predator Mutator. Pepe has been a prominent figure in Umbro's on-pitch marketing, and with West Ham's Antonio also jumping ship, the Double Diamond's representatives are few.
Douglas Augusto (PAOK) Nike CTR 360 Maestri III
For PAOK's Europa League match with Granada, Douglas Augusto pulled out the Nike CTR360 Maestri III from 2012. In truth, the presence of this throwback beauty was pretty much the highlight of what was otherwise a drab 0-0.
Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa) Nike Tiempo Legend V
Tyrone Mings is a well-known fan of a throwback Nike boot, and this week in training he laced up in the Nike Tiempo Legend V from 2014. This fifth iteration combines classic K-leather on the upper with Nike Kanga-lite synthetic to reduce weight but still keep the renowned touch and comfort in place. Beauty.
Latif Blessing (LAFC) adidas Nemeziz 19+
An interesting move from LAFC's Latin Blessing, combining two different colourways of the Nemeziz, with the Uniforia Pack on his right foot and the Inflight Pack on his left. Certainly eye-catching, if a little bizarre!
