International week. We go again. We take a look back at the past seven days of action to pick out our selection of the hottest boots on show. From limited editions to custom designs to the latest colourway releases. Popping up at the back post and nodding the week into a winning start. You know the drill.
Julinho (Consadole Sapporo) Nike What The Mercurial
For all you avid followers of the Japanese second division you'll already know that Consadole Sapporo's Julinho was wearing the Nike 'What The Mercurial' this week. For those of you who don't follow the Japanese second division – Consadole Sapporo's Julinho was wearing the Nike 'What The Mercurial' this week. A limited edition release snapped up by many collectors, the boot that saw a mash up of numerous famed Mercurials and has only been worn a handful of times on pitch.
Antonio Rukavina (Serbia) Mizuno Morelia Neo II
Antonio Rukavina was in action as Serbia earned themselves a valuable point against Wales in their World Cup Qualifier on Saturday night. The Villarreal right back was laced up in the latest bright orange colourway of the Mizuno Morelia Neo II in Cardiff, a strong colourway that has yet to released by the Japanese brand. Should be hitting the shelves later this month.
Hal Robson-Kanu (Wales) Concave Volt +
Wales' EURO 2016 hero Hal Robson-Kanu was back in the Welsh red this weekend as he looks to help his country reach their next target of a World Cup Finals appearance. The West Brom striker had previously worn adidas boots in Wales' heroic summer run but lined up against Serbia wearing the Concave Volt + silo, a brand he is expected to sign for shortly. Concave have muscled into the market over the past couple of seasons and we're starting to see more professional players taking up their unique concepts.
David James (England Masters) adidas Messi 15.1
In 2014, former England goalkeeper David James was declared bankrupt and his footballing memorabilia was auctioned off. Presumably, that left him without any of his old gear. Back in action as the England Masters took on a team of German masters James looks to be wearing a pair of hand-me-down Joe Hart gloves with J.H. 1 on them and a pair of Messi 15 adidas boots, obviously.
Gary Taylor-Fletcher (Accrington Stanley) Nike Magista Opus
Former Blackpool midfielder Gary Taylor-Fletcher is still plying his trade in the Football League at the age of 35 with League Two Accrington Stanley. Looking in better shape now than he did in his Premier League days, GTF ™ was laced up in a custom pair of blue and red Nike Magista Opus boots as his side played Wolves U23s in the Checkatrade Trophy last week.
Sean Murray (Swindon) Nike Tiempo 6
Sean Murray was also sporting a pair of custom Nike boots at the weekend as he laced up in a red and white Tiempo Legend 6. A perfect match up with the Charlton Athletic home kit, it's a smart overall look for Murray. Neat and tidy. Bet his DVD collection is in alphabetical order and he doesn't step on pavement cracks. Top job though, a red and white general release wouldn't go a miss.
Yosuke Kashiwagi (Urawa Red Diamonds) adidas Gloro 16.1
Yosuke Kashiwagi was another man keeping things clean last week with a complete whiteout customisation on his adidas Gloro 16.1 boots. Complementing his white and black Urawa Red Diamonds strip, the (wig wearing?) midfielder has got himself a decent custom effort here, even if he did skip the entire fun part of the midadidas process and went straight to the checkout.
Memphis Depay (Netherlands) Under Armour Spotlight 2.0
Memphis Depay gave us all a reminder that he is still alive and well this week as he notched a brace against Luxembourg as the Netherlands got their World Cup 2018 Qualifying campaign back on track. The lead man for Under Armour was laced up in the Camo Spotlight 2.0 for his country, while Under Armour will be hoping he can either force his way into Mourinho's plans or head out on loan, with Everton reportedly keen to sign the Dutchman.
Matteo Darmian (Italy) Nike Tiempo Legend 7
Has Matteo Darmian supplied us with the first glimpse at the Nike Tiempo Legend 7? The Manchester United full back was wearing a complete blackout next-generation boot in Italy training this week. It looks like a Tiempo, Darmian normally wears the Tiempo so let's assume this is in fact the seventh generation heritage boot from the Swoosh. The Tiempo 6 was launched in November 2015 so an update is likely to be on Nike's calendar, most likely for 2017 though.
Rosie Sutton (Perth Glory) Puma evoTOUCH
The "White/Shocking Orange" colour update on the evoTOUCH this month was an underrated pearler from PUMA. Launched alongside a black edition, the all white drop proudly showed off the soft leather upper of the silo but has yet to receive any on pitch support. PUMA have kept their lead evoTOUCH players such as Fabregas and Veratti in the launch edition but Perth Glory's Rosie Sutton has sorted herself out with the pristine update.
Lee Wallace (Scotland) Nike Mercurial Vapor XI
Scotland's miserable 2018 World Cup Qualifying Campaign continued on Friday night as they were comfortably beaten 3-0 by England at Wembley. The pick of the boot spotting action came via Scottish full back Lee Wallace who was wearing a complete blackout edition of the Nike Mercurial Vapor XI. Darker than the standard 'Pitch Dark' pack, Wallace has even rid the Swoosh of colour to go all stealth mode. Bit like Scotland's defence.
