The battle to sit top of the tree at Christmas and the fight to become World Champions were the main focus on another busy weekend of festive fixtures. For many, it marked the start winter break. For the Premier League, it's only just begun. For us, it all about dem boots...
Keisuke Honda (AC Milan) Mizuno Wave Ignitus IV
Keisuke Honda moved into the first Mizuno Wave Ignitus IV colourway of 2017 this week as he laced up in the new "white/blue/volt" design. Honda was in action wearing his updated paint job as AC Milan lost 1-0 to Roma at the Stadio Olympic. The fourth generation Wave Ignitus was launched in December 2015 but Mizuno have yet to reveal any plans for a new model in the new year.
Nacho Monreal (Arsenal) Puma evoSPEED 17.SL K Leather
Christmas was looking pretty sweet for Arsenal and Nacho Monreal at half time on Sunday, but the Gunners surrendered a 1-0 lead to leave the Etihad empty handed. The Spanish full back marked the top of the table clash by wearing the new PUMA evoSPEED 17.SL K Leather boot in the launch edition "Safety Yellow/Green Gecko" colourway, that dropped earlier in the week.
Bradley Lowery (Sunderland) adidas X 16.1
Sunderland youngster Bradley Lowery was the key man in Premier League midweek fixtures after he smashed a penalty past Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. Five-year-old Bradley, who is courageously fighting terminal cancer with everything he's got, including a wicked left foot, stepped up in the adidas X 16.1 Red Limit collection to leave Begovic with absolutley no chance. Go on Bradley.
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) Nike Tiempo Legend 6
When you try to recreate that Dirty Dancing scene after eight pints. Never a good idea chaps, especially when you're in the middle of a Club World Cup Final. Yeah, the Club World Cup Final, sounds far more important that it actually is. A tournament that FIFA desperately want us to care about, but no one does. Sergio Ramos was wearing the Anti-Clog Tiempo by the way. "Run and jump Keylor, I've got you, son."... "Safe, someone hold my pint."
Dimas (Western Sydney) Umbro Medusae
Western Sydney Wanderers' midfielder Dimas had his boot/kit combo on point this week by matching up his club colours with the "Grenadine/White/Black" Umbro Medusae. Smart look Señor Dimas. Good to see the Double Diamond flying high down under.
Jefferson Montero (Swansea) adidas X 16+ Purechaos
Swansea's Jefferson Montero briefly switched into the adidas X16+ Purechaos "Space Craft" boots against West Brom last week. The stunning golden limited edition boots have predictably received limited uptake on pitch but Montero, who has trained in them before, gave them a run out at the Hawthornes. Boots that prestigious should never be on the end of a 3-0 defeat to West Brom.
Arun Williams (Perth Glory) Concave Volt +
Aryn Williams was representing Concave this week as the Perth Glory man laced up in the next generation black and white edition of the lightweight Volt + silo. A simplistic colourway on one of football's most unique technologies. 2017 promises to be another big year for the Concave brand who have lined up a number of upgrades across the board as more players begin to embrace their shooting concepts.
Leo Messi (Barcelona) adidas MESSI 16.1
Messi trudges off disappointed that he only took on nine of the Espanyol starting eleven on his way to setting up Luis Suarez's strike. The Argentine was in inspired form on Sunday night as he ended the evening with a goal and a 4-1 win wearing his "Red Limit" adidas signature silo. Look at that logo, proper superhero shit, that.
Hlompho Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns) Mizuno Morelia Neo II
Ya know earlier, when we were talking about how crap the FIFA World Club Cup is, yeah? Well this shot of Hlompho Kekaha wearing the latest Mizuno Morelia Neo II colourway was taken as his Mamelodi Sundowns team took on Jeonbuk Hyundai in the match for 5th place. Yeah, fifth place. Real Madrid took first place and not even they looked that arsed.
Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) adidas X 16.1
J-Rod bagged a brace as Southampton beat Bournemouth 3-1 in the South Coast Derby on Sunday. The Saints frontman who has suffered horrible luck with injuries over the past couple of seasons was on the double wearing a self-customised version of the adidas X 16.1 "Red Limit" boot, that featured a slit on the collar to relieve pressure on Rodriguez's ankle ligaments.
