All about the Euros at the moment, isn't it? So why would Boot Spotting be any different? Well, chuck in a bit of pre-Copa America and some action from the women's game, and we've got ourselves a good week of new and upcoming releases, special editions and throwback classics.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) adidas X Speedflow
Ahead of the Copa America it was announced that Leo Messi would be returning to adidas's speed franchise, with the unveiling of the special edition X Speedflow Messi 'El Retorno'. The design is far more reminiscent of the F30 and F50 lines, and Messi wore it for the first time this week in training with Argentina.
Raheem Sterling (England) New Balance Furon v6+
England got their Euro campaign underway with a win over Croatia thanks to a goal from Raheem Sterling. The Manchester City man netted in what looks to be a new colourway of the New Balance Furon v6+, replacing the signature look he got when signing with the brand recently. Not clear if this is an upcoming colourway or another signature style, but with the colour scheme tying in so well with the England kit, we'd bank on the latter.
Memphis Depay (Netherlands) Under Armour Magnetico SL
Interesting to see Memphis Depay playing in what looks to be a special edition pair of Under Armour Magnetico SL in the Netherlands' hugely entertaining 3-2 win over the Ukraine, as the Dutch star's time with the brand had reportedly come to an end. Does this mean that as well as edging towards signing for Barcelona, Depay could also resign with Under Armour?
Gini Wijnaldum (Netherlands) adidas X Speedflow prototype
Another interesting spot from the Netherlands v Ukraine game with PSG new boy Gini Wijnaldum playing in a prototype of the unreleased adidas X Speedflow. It's not uncommon to see next gen boots being put through their paces in training, but it's more unusual to see them in an actual match.
Gareth Bale (Wales) adidas X Speedflow prototype
Welsh talisman Gareth Bale had looked like his time with adidas had been up, opting to wear older models of the X in recent months. But ahead of the game against Switzerland, the Welsh wizard was spotted training in the next gen adidas X Speedflow prototype, suggesting that he may be set to renew his deal with the Three Stripes. He continues to play in the older X 19.1 model though. One to watch.
Rose Lavelle (USWNT) Nike Mercurial Superfly 8
While New Balance will revel in the performance of their latest signing, Raheem Sterling, they will also be saddened by the loss of Rose Lavelle, who has signed for Nike. Lavelle had been a prominent figure for New Balance over the years, wearing the Tekela boot and receiving several signature editions in her time with the brand.
Lucy Bronze (England Women) Next Gen Nike Tiempo
Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway became the latest players to show off the upcoming next generation Nike Tiempo Legend, wearing a prototype in the England women's training camp.
Steph Houghton (England Women) Nike Phantom GT 3D
Another spot from the England Lionesses' training camp came courtesy of Steph Houghton, who wore the special edition Nike Phantom GT 3D that dropped earlier this year. The boot is instantly recognisable thanks to its unique graphic upper that reveals the three key attributes of Phantom players.
Christian Benteke (Belgium) PUMA Future Z 1.1
He may not have made it on to the pitch for Belgium's Euro opening win over Russia, but Christian Benteke has chosen the Euros as the platform upon which to show that he has seemingly swapped boot sponsor, switching from Nike to PUMA, opting for the Future Z silo.
Arijan Ademi (North Macedonia) Nike Magista Opus II
Nice little throwback in the North Macedonia side, with midfielder Arijan Ademi lacing up in the Nike Magista Opus II in his side's 3-1 loss to Austria.
Renato Sanches (Portugal) adidas X Ghosted.1
For Portugal's final warm up game against Israel, which the defending European champions won convincingly 4-0, midfielder Renato Sanches opted to lace up in adidas's recent special edition collaboration with Marvel super hero team, the X-Men. The X-Ghosted took on the characteristics of the mutant team's leader, cyclops.
