As the domestic season nears its end attention starts to drift towards a summer of international football, with brands having released their packs ahead of the tournaments. And they’ve been getting a run out alongside some classics from the past and some special edition fire, all wrapped up in this week’s Boot Spotting. Let’s do this…
Lionel Messi (Barcelona) adidas Nemeziz.1
Leo Messi debuted what looks to be his latest signature colourway of the Nemeziz.1 in Barca's surprising defeat to Celta Vigo on the weekend. The look sees the Nemeziz coated in gold for what could be – if rumours are to be believed – the last signature look for the silo. Watch out for this one dropping in the near future.
Mariona Caldentey (Barcelona Femeni) Nike Mercurial Vapor 14
Nike unveiled the 'Impulse Pack' this week, revealing the new looks for the Mercurial, Phantom GT and Tiempo ahead of a summer of football, and they debuted in the women's Champions League final between Barcelona and Chelsea this weekend. Barca's Mariona Caldentey laced up in the Mercurial Vapor 14 as her side romped to a comprehensive victory.
Fran Kirby (Chelsea Women) Nike Phantom GT
Fran Kirby showed off the bright new colourway for the Phantom GT as part of the 'Impulse Pack'. The “Lime Glow/Aquamarine” look sees the lime colouring getting the lead role, dominating the whole look of the boot, with the Aquamarine popping through the Swoosh.
Sandra Paños (Barcelona Femini) Nike Tiempo Legend 8
Completing the Nike 'Impulse Pack' is the Tiempo Legend 8, which was on display on the feet of Barca keeper, Sandra Paños. The Aquamarine pops from the Merc and Phantom get promoted to starring role here, dominating the whole look of the boot.
Sergio Santos (Philadelphia Union) adidas F50 Tunit
We spotted him rocking up to training with them earlier this week, but Sergio Santos also laced up in the adidas F50 Tunit this weekend for The Union's 1-0 win over New York Red Bulls.
Ilie Sanchez (Sporting Kansas City) adidas Predator Accelerator
After giving them a goal-scoring debut in last week's win over Austin, Sporting Kansas City's Ilie Sanchez once again wore the Special Edition adidas Predator Accelerator 'Hyperlative' release in his side's 1-0 loss to Houston Dynamo this week.
Ella Toone (Manchester United Women) Nike T90 Laser III
Manchester United Women faced Leicester City women in the FA Cup fifth round this weekend, and United's Ella Toone dressed for the occasion in the Nike T90 Laser III. Didn't work out for her though, with United falling to a 3-2 defeat.
Jose Vazquez (Toluca) adidas Predator Mania
Heading down Mexico way, with Toluca's Jose Vazquez being spotted in the adidas Predator Mania rerelease during the quarterfinals first leg match between Toluca and Cruz Azul as part of the Torneo Guard1anes 2021 Liga MX at Nemesio Diez Stadium. Toluca won the game 2-1, but lost the tie when in the second leg.
Roger Martínez (Club America) Nike Phantom GT
Over in the other quarter final of the Torneo Guard1anes 2021 Liga MX, between Club America and Pachuca, Roger Martínez wore – and scored a brace in – the special edition Phantom GT 'Scoripion', that featured details of Nike's famous 'Secret Tournament.
Anthony Martial (Manchester United) Next gen adidas X .1
Anthony Martial's boot future continues to be one of conjecture, with the French international not seeming to settle on a specific brand since his contract with Nike ended. Having tried out the PUMA Future Z, this week he trained in the next generation adidas X .1. Could a move to the Three Stripes be on the cards?
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) Nike Mercurial Superfly 8
Arsenal managed to beat in-form London rivals Chelsea last week, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was wearing the launch edition of the Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 for the match. Packed full of new innovation, the 'Dragonfly' as it was dubbed, took on a special look that highlighted all of the new upgrades. Looked smart as well.
Ross Barkley (Aston Villa) adidas COPA Sense+
Ross Barkley went up against his old side this weekend, and he did so in a new pair of boots, lacing up in the adidas COPA Sense+ in the 'Superspectral' colourway. Barkley normally wears either the Nike Mercurial or Phantom GT, so a potential switch to adidas could be on the cards, particularly as this was done in match conditions.
