Some absolute cracking football this week courtesy, in the most part, of the Third round of the FA Cup, and it didn’t disappoint in terms of Boot Spotting either, with some top new releases, throwback classics, special editions and custom creations on show too. Let’s see what caught our eye…
Neymar (PSG) PUMA Future Z 1.1
After teasing it on the feet of Neymar before Christmas, PUMA finally launched the Future Z 1.1 today, and the flamboyant Brazilian wasted no time switching out into the "Yellow Alert/Black/White" colourway for training.
James McClean (Stoke City) Nike Mercurial Superfly VII
Kylian Mbappé's latest special edition, part of the 'Chosen 2' pack, was proudly shown off by the man himself following its launch last week, but it didn't take James McClean long to switch into the LeBron James crossovers, lacing up in them for the Potters' FA Cup loss to Leicester City.
Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea) adidas Copa Mundial 20
Another boot taking the stage for the FA Cup Third Round was the Copa Mundial 20 from the adidas 'Eternal Class' pack, which Cesar Azpilicueta wore in Chelsea's 4-0 win over Morecombe, with the Spaniard providing the assist for the last goal of the day.
Will Hughes (Watford) adidas Predator Absolute 20
Completing adidas's 'Eternal Class' setup, Watford's Will Hughes wore the Predator Absolute 20 in his side's 1-0 loss to Manchester United.
Fidel Martinez (Tijuana) PUMA Future Z 1.1
Heading over to Liga MX, and ahead of the official launch of the PUMA Future Z, winger Fidel Martinez debuted an unreleased and previously unseen colourway for the silo, with a red base joined by a yellow FusionFit compression band running through its centre. It's unclear whether this is one that will drop in the near future or whether it's a special custom job for the Ecuadorian. Our bet is on the former.
Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal) Next-Gen adidas Predator
Interesting one on the Arsenal training ground, with Alexandre Lacazette spotted slipping into the blacked-out next-gen adidas Predator prototype. Lacazette is usually a Nike Mercurial man, and he was back in them for the Gunners' 2-0 FA Cup win over Newcastle, so it's unclear if his contract with the Swoosh is nearing an end or if he was simply taking the new Predator for a test drive.
Rob Holding (Arsenal) Nike Magista Obra I
Sticking with the Arsenal training ground, and defender Rob Holding trained in a pair of Magista Obra I, blacked out apart from the soleplate and heel cup. An interesting choice for sure, but Holding is well known for his varied boot choice on the training ground, so probably not much to read into.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) Next-Gen New Balance Furon
Completing a hat-trick from the Arsenal training ground, and in-form Bukayo Saka pulled on what will be the next New Balance Furon when it is released in the near future. This boot has already been seen on the feet of Harvey Elliott, but this second appearance suggests that its launch will be imminent, and that this could be the launch look. Watch this space.
Serge Aurier (Tottenham Hotspur) Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII
Always a fan of something a little bit special and as such a bit of a regular on this feature, Serge Aurier this week laced up in the Mercurial Vapor VIII from Nike's 'Clash Collection' for Euro 2012 for his side's Carabao cup semi final win over Brentford.
Phil Bardsley (Burnley) PUMA Future 6.1
Just in time for Halloween last year, PUMA launched the 'Fear Pack', with eerie colourways for the Ultra and Future, and Phil Bardsley opted for the latter in Burnley's narrow victory over MK Dons. Only a couple of months late, Phil...
Adrien Rabiot (Juventus) Nike Phantom GT
Showing off the customisable capabilities of the Nike by You service, Adrien Rabiot wore a personalised pair of Nike Phantom GT in Juve's 3-1 win over Sassuolo this week.
Noni Madueke (PSV) adidas F50 adizero I
Upon its launch, back in 2010 the F50 Adizero I was adidas' lightest ever boot, weighing in at a mere 6oz (165g). Released exclusively for Lionel Messi to use at the World Cup in South Africa, they still look the part now, with Noni Madueke pulling them on for PSV's 2-2 draw with Ajax.
Aaron Mokoena (Cape Town) Nike Air Zoom Total 90 III
To round things off we have former Blackburn and Pompey enforcer, and now Cape Town assistant coach Aaron Mokoena looking the biz, particularly thanks to his choice of Nike Air Zoom Total 90 III. Cult classic all round.
