OUR WEEKLY ROUND-UP OF THE BEST BOOT-SPOTTING ACTION FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE.
Giorgio Chiellini (Italy) Puma evoPOWER
Following Chelsea duo Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic, long servant to PUMA Giorgio Chiellini was last week spotted testing the second generation evoPOWER model. The Italian defender was seen training in the black-out boots ahead of Italy’s EURO 2016 qualifier against Malta.
Andres Iniesta (Spain) Nike Magista Obra
Andres Iniesta used the international break to switch into the updated Nike Magista colourway. The Spaniard was Nike's final high-profile player to switch from the launch colourway, wearing the “Hyper Turquoise” editions for Spain’s fixtures against Slovakia and Luxembourg.
Robbie Weir (Burton Albion) Nike T90 Laser
From the international circuit to League Two, Burton Albion’s Robbie Weir gave us one of the best spots of the week wearing the first generation Nike T90 Laser - a boot that originally shot onto the scene in 2007. Either a back-of-the-garage find or an eBay purchase, however he’s got his hands on them they look in good nick for a boot that’s now seven years old.
Paul Pogba (France) Nike Magista Obra
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba ended any speculation that he’s an official adidas athlete by stepping out in the Nike Magista Obra while on international duty. The Frenchman has been wearing the Predator Instinct in a variety of colourways since August, leading many to believe that he had agreed a deal with the Three Stripes. Well apparently not and now he’s back in the boot that he chose against wearing for the World Cup.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden) Nike Mercurial Superfly IV
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been out of action for the last month or so but joined up with his Sweden team mates ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifier against Liechtenstein wearing the Mercurial Superfly IV. The PSG striker had previously been wearing the Mercurial Vapor X, but that could be about to change following a recent heel injury.
Landon Donovan (USA) Nike CTR360 Maestri III
Landon Donovan made his final appearance for the USMNT wearing his trusted “Crimson/Black/Chrome" Nike CTR360 Maestri III football boots. The retired silo might have been replaced by the Nike Magista, but the USA’s record-breaking number 10 hasn’t seen any need to update his footwear and is still rocking what has to be one of the best looking colourways in the CTR360 series.
Thomas Ince (England U21) Nike Mercurial Vapor X
Thomas Ince’s days with Warrior look to have come to an end after the England U21 international stepped out wearing the “Electric Green” Nike Mercurial Vapor X football boots. The Hull City midfielder was one of Warrior’s lead assets, headlining the Superheat silo since 2013 but has now returned to the Swoosh and the Mercurial Vapor series.
David Villa (Melbourne City) adidas f50 adizero
David Villa scored on his Melbourne City debut wearing the “Neon Pink” adidas f50 adizero. The former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker netted just 15 minutes into his A-League career earning Melbourne City an opening round 1-1 draw with a stunning equaliser against Sydney FC.
Pepe (Portugal) Umbro Speciali 4
Following their latest drop of colourways across each of the silos, Portugal’s Pepe gave us another on-pitch look at his “Team Royal” Speciali 4 football boots during Portugal’s international friendly match against France. After a couple of years with Nike wearing the Tiempo Legend, the Real Madrid defender has returned to the Double Diamond, putting pen to paper on a fresh endorsement deal with the brand.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) Nike Mercurial Superfly IV
The idea of a high collar is something Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be getting used to. Although still marginally lower than the standard model, his custom “Electric Green” boots have been built with a higher Dynamic Fit Collar in comparison to his original World Cup boots. The Portuguese captain clocked 76 minuted for his country as Portgual slipped to a 2-1 defeat against France.
Roman Zozulya (Ukraine) Nike CR Mercurial Vapor IX
Ukraine's Roman Zozulya has been wearing the CR Galaxy editions of the Mercurial Vapor IX since their launch in November 2013 and most recently stepped out in them for Ukraine’s EURO 2016 qualifier against Macedonia. The Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk striker might not have to wait much longer for another CR signature boot that should be to his taste.
Nicolas Anelka (Mumbai) Nike HyperVenom
Nicolas Anelka, now part of Indian Super League outfit Mumbai City FC, is still doing his business in the Nike HyperVenom. After leaving the Premier League amid controversy surrounding his 'quenelle’ gesture, the striker is still waiting to make his ISL debut after Mumbai suffered a 0-3 opening loss to Kolkata.
David De Gea (Spain) Puma evoSPEED 1.3
Despite no official announcement from PUMA, David De Gea’s Nike days look to be behind him after the Manchester United and Spain shot stopper made his second and third consecutive performances wearing the evoSPEED 1.3 while on international duty.
Toni Duggan (Manchester City) Umbro Geo Flare
Toni Duggan scored one of the goals of the weekend wearing the new “Scuba Blue” Umbro Geo Flare football boots. The Manchester City player’s sublime strike handed City a 2-1 win and also ensured that Chelsea did not win the FA Women’s Super League title – with Liverpool instead snatching the trophy on the final day of the season.
