The pick of the week's best football boots from across the globe
Shunsuke Nakamura (Yokohama) adidas f50 adizero
It's always a good spot when you come across the original first-generation adidas f50 adizero. The Chameleon Purple/Electricity boots, now four years old, took to the field on the feet of former Celtic and Espanyol midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura as his side Yokohama F. Marinos took on Hiroshima in the Fuji Xerox Super Cup.
Stewart Downing (West Ham United) adidas f50 adizero
Stewart Downing is always up for a change in colourways whenever the opportunity presents itself. The West Ham midfielder was in action for The Hammers wearing the Solar Slime colourway as his side put in an impressive performance against Southampton to continue their good run of form. Downing is one of the few Premier League players to switch to the new colourway alongside Lukas Podolski.
Joe Allen (Liverpool) adidas Predator adiPower
Joe Allen showed that his turn out for Liverpool in the FA Cup last week wearing the Predator adiPower wasn't a one-off. The midfielder was back in action wearing the old Predator model as Liverpool took on Swansea. The Welshman has been a Nike man for the best part of his career wearing the CTR360, so randomly switching the adiPower will be for reasons only he knows.
Robin van Persie (Manchester United) adidas adizero F50
Robin van Persie custom adizero boots found their way onto the score sheet as Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 2-0 to move within five points of fifth place Tottenham Hotspur. RVP's boots pack some serious customisation to meet the Dutchman's special requests, having been fitted with an adiPower out-sole and bespoke leather stitching across the forefoot. We expect him to see out the remainder of the season in these before adidas hand him an updated colourway for the World Cup.
Lucas Deaux (Nantes) Nike Tiempo Legend V
It's the first time we've seen Nantes midfielder Lucas Deaux step out in this pair of Nike iD Tiempo Legend IV boots. The Frenchman had previously been wearing the CTR360 Maestri III but made the switch for his sides Ligue 1 clash with Rennes.
Thiago Motta (PSG) Mizuno Morelia
One of football's few remaining boots to still carry a fold-over tongue. It's good to see the Mizuno Morelia still competing at the highest level on the feet of PSG midfielder Thiago Motta. The Italian international who has just signed a contract extension with the Ligue 1 champions, was putting his Morelia boots into action in PSG's league match against Toulouse.
So Kyong Jin (North Korea) Nike Nike Mercurial Miracle
Taking another step back in time, midfielder So Kyong Jin gave us a rare look at the Windchill/Obsidian/Blue Mercurial colourway launched back in 2011 to the Superfly II and Vapor VI lines. The North Korean though was seen wearing the Mercurial Miracle, Nike's third tier model that succeeded the Talaria and sat beneath the Superfly and Vapor as a lower-priced alternative.
Joseph Yobo (Norwich City) adidas Predator Incurza
Since arriving at Norwich City in he January transfer window, Nigeria international Joseph Yobo has become a regular for The Canaries wearing the adidas Predator Incurza boots. It's been a long stint for Yobo wearing the first generation Incurza rugby model that stretches back to early 2013 during his time with Fenerbahce. His DIY personalisation could do with an update though.
Chico Flores (Swansea City) Nike Mercurial Vapor IX
Swansea's Spanish defender Chico Flores caught our eye at the weekend, sporting a mixed pair of Nike Mercurial Vapor IX boots. The pony-tailed centre-back has decided to mix up his Mercurial colours, pairing a Nike iD creation (right foot) with the Black/White/Red colourway released last year.
Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad) adidas Predator LZ
Inigo Martinez helped Real Sociedad to a comprehensive 3-1 win over La Liga title chasers Barcelona wearing the Black/Black/Red Predator LZ model. The young Spanish defender is continuing to make a name for himself over in Spain and could be heading for a summer transfer with Real Madrid interested. His choice in boots suggests he's currently without a endorsement deal but we wouldn't be surprised to see adidas or Nike table an offer soon.
