It’s Monday and we’re back with another week of Boot Spotting, bringing you the best new releases, special editions and classics on the feet of professional players from across the globe. Let’s see what made the list…
Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla) adidas Predator Freak Low .1
The adidas White Spark pack has been glimpsed on pitches across Europe in the last couple of weeks, but with its official launch this week some of the games' big names have now made the switch, and that includes Ivan Rakitic, who laced up in the Predator Freak Low .1.
Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli) adidas X Speedflow .1
Lorenzo Insigne was among the premium players to switch into the adidas White Spark pack, scoring two penalties in the X Speedflow .1 in Napoli's 3-0 win against Bologna.
Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus) adidas COPA Sense +
Rodrigo Bentancur completed the adidas White Spark lineup by slipping into the COPA Sense + for Juventus's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Verona this weekend.
Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) Nike Phantom GT II
Nike dropped the Phantom GT II in a new solo look recently, with a “Black/Metallic Platinum/Green Strike” colourway presented in an eye catching new graphic inspired by shockwave patterns. Harry Kane has been wearing them in his latest matches, most recently in Spurs' defeat to Manchester United. Only shockwave in the result of that match was that it cost Nuno Espirito Santos his job...
James Maddison (Leicester City) PUMA King Top
All eyes on the Leicester City training ground for a regular schmorgesborg of Boot Spotting fun! First up was James Maddison, who opted for the whiteout PUMA King Top. It's a modern update of the iconic silo, updating the materials and construction while maintaining the essence of the boot, including that essential tongue.
Caglar Soyuncu (Leicester City) adidas Copa Mundial
Matching Maddison on the classic stakes was Turkish centre back Çağlar Söyüncü, who opted for one of the most classic boots of all time, the adidas Copa Mundial. Not convinced by the tongue-up look though...
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) Next Gen PUMA Future
Finally from the Leicester training ground, we leave the past behind for a taste of the future... with Wilfred Ndidi offering up another look at the prototype next generation PUMA Future. Ndidi is usually a Nike Mercurial Superfly man, so this suggests that his days with the Swoosh could be numbered.
Cody Drameh (Leeds United) New Balance Tekela v3+
The Tekela is like the overlooked sibling in New Balance's roster, always playing the supporting role to the Furon v6+, so much so that it's a very rare sight to see on the feet of any pro. So it was quite the surprise to see it twice this week, first on the feet of Cody Drameh in Leeds United's 2-0 EFL cup defeat to Arsenal.
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) New Balance Tekela v3+
Next up in the New Balance Tekela v3+ was forgotten man, Jack Wilshere, who continues to train with Arsenal while he plots his next move in the game. Wilshere has always been a Nike man, so it's an interesting fit to see him sporting the laceless Tekela. Must've liked what he saw from Drameh in the week... or maybe not.
David Omilabu (Crystal Palace) PUMA Future Z 1.2
While we wait for it to debut in the Champions League this week – the competition it was meant for – the 'Under the Lights' PUMA Future Z 1.2 has to content itself with featuring in the EFL Trophy group stage match between AFC Wimbledon and Crystal Palace U21, where it adorned the feet of David Omilabu.
Tim Weah (Lille) New Balance Furon v6+
Tim Weah made his first appearance on pitch as an official New Balance athlete this weekend in Lille's 2-1 defeat to PSG. The American wore the Furon v6+, a boot he has been playing in recently.
Jacob Brown (Stoke City) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Always love seeing any of the Nike 'Future DNA' boots on pitch, and this week Jacob Brown caught the eye, scoring the opener for Stoke in the entertaining 3-3 with Cardiff in the Mercurial Vapor XIII. The Future DNA pack saw current-gen boots dressed up to look like some iconic old models, and here it was the OG Superfly “Max Orange/Metallic Silver” colourway from 2009.