Put your suit on, grab your briefcase and polish your shoes, you've just walked into the business end of the season. A busy week of cup football saw the return of the Champions League, the magic of the FA Cup and a variety of custom, latest and throwback footwear. Here's what caught our eye...
Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Metz) adidas Predator Pulse
Metz' defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto continues to mix up his boot archives by acquiring a pair of adidas Predator Pulse football boots this week. The former Spurs full back has worn numerous editions of throwback boots in the previous couple of seasons, and his latest addition to his impressive collection is a Predator originally released in 2003. Assou-Ekotto's silver edition was launched as an exclusive colourway for David Beckham to wear at EURO 2004.
Aviles Hurtado (Tijuana) Nike Hypervenom Phantom 3 DF
Aviles Hurtado has modified his Nike Hypervenom Phantom 3 DF boots to Tijuana's unusual club boot rules. The Mexican club demand that all players wear red football boots when representing the club to match the team's primary colour. Strange tradition, but one that throws up some interesting, smart and sometimes pretty damn ugly self-personalisations. We'll let you decide which category Hurtado's boots fall into.
Joe Corona (Tijuana) Nike Mercurial Vapor XI
Joe Corona has done things more professionally to tick the red box for Tijuana. Rather than grabbing a cheap pack of felt tips Corona has sorted himself out with a pair of NikeiD Mercurial Vapor XI boots in bright red with white accents. Job done.
Alex Lima (Houston Dynamo) Concave Volt +
Alex Lima was on the scoresheet as Houston Dynamo continued their MLS pre-season preparations with a 3-1 win over ten man New York City FC. Lima was laced up in the Concave Volt + boot as the brand reach further into the MLS market ahead of the new season.
Bradley Wood (Lincoln City) adidas Gloro 16.1
Lincoln City embraced their underdog label on Saturday as they knocked out Premier League Burnley to become the first non-league side to reach the FA Cup Quarter Final for over 100 years. Bradley Wood was the pick of the boot spotting action by lacing up in the adidas Gloro 16.1. He'll be taking them to either Sutton United's Gander Green Lane or Arsenal's Emirates Stadium for a last eight tie.
Alex Iwobi (Arsenal) Nike Mercurial Superfly V
Alex Iwobi was wearing his all black Nike Mercurial Superfly V boots on-pitch at the end of last season and the beginning of the current one. Since Iwobi has become a regular in the Arsenal squad he's moved into Nike's in-line collection but that hasn't stopped the attacker taking his stealth Mercurials out for a spin in training.
Jamie Collins (Sutton United) adidas F50 adizero
Jamie Collins will be hoping there's a little bit of cup magic left to go round for Sutton United tonight as his side host Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The Sutton captain slotted home the penalty to knock Leeds United out in the last round and he'll be leading his side out wearing his adidas F50 adizero boots on a historical night for the National League side in front of a world audience.
Matt Gilks (Wigan) New Balance Visaro
Wigan collected a valuable three points with a win at Wolves in the week. The Latics goalkeeper Matt Gilks keeping things tidy between the sticks by wearing the leather New Balance Visaro first generation boots. Clean look, clean sheet. More of the same will be needed if Wigan are to beat the drop to League One.
John Swift (Reading) adidas Glitch
John Swift was also in action in midweek as his goal helped Reading to a 3-2 win over Brentford to keep their promotion push on track. Swift has managed to get his hands on the adidas Glitch and opted for the white and black second skin. The Glitch has been an exclusive release this year, with adidas seeding them to selected young players in and around the professional scene.
Citadin Eder (Inter Milan) Nike Mercurial Superfly V
Inter Milan were forced into their third kit this week as they travelled to Bologna. Holding a visually stunning display of colour, the third strip hasn't seen much game time but a timely introduction of the Nike Radiation Flare pack sees it flow effortlessly into the "Electric Green" Nike Mercurial Superfly V.
Carlos Sanchez (Fiorentina) Nike Magista Obra II
Carlos Sanchez has taken to the blackout treatment after his contract with Nike expired. The Fiorentina man wore the launch colourway of the Magista Obra II earlier in the season but has since switched into and remained in the 'Dark Lightning' pack for a low key effect, further disguised by colouring in the Swooshes to hide any branding.
