El Clásico thrillers and FA Cup semi-final fireworks dominated the headlines over a busy weekend of football. But you already knew that. Taking an alternative recap on the week, we pick out our selection of custom, latest and random boots on show. Let's go...
Amine Harit (Nantes) adidas
We've seen multiple players including Lionel Messi wearing the blacked-out next generation adidas boot, but this week they featured on pitch. Nantes' Amine Harit slipped into the laceless design – a boot that will be the headline product from the new adidas collection and on first inspection features an all new shape, most notably on the ankle construction. Stay tuned.
Marco Verratti (PSG) Nike Hypervenom 3
One of these most eligible boot bachelors at present is PSG midfielder Marco Verratti. The diminutive Italian looks to have ended his contract with PUMA and has since been wearing a blacked out edition of the Nike Hypervenom 3. If that's a come-get-me plea to the Swoosh we'd bank on Nike wanting to lure Verratti into the Magista series rather than the Hypervenom, which they market at strikers.
Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool) Nike Mercurial Vapor XI
Philippe Coutinho provided the most bizarre footwear modification this weekend by cutting out a chunk from the heel of his Nike Mercurial Vapor XI boots. An unusual tactic from the Liverpool forward, that could be put down to the Brazilian having a blister problem with the silo. A temporary solution no doubt, but a strange one at that.
Crystal Dunn (Chelsea) Nike Magista Obra II
Nike have upped their women's specific boot packs over the past couple of seasons and they're reaping the rewards of a strong on-pitch presence from their players. Chelsea's Crystal Dunn was sporting the Magista Obra II from the Motion Blur Pack this week as her side were knocked out of the FA Cup on penalties.
Luka Milivojevic (Crystal Palace) adidas F50 adizero
From Crystal Dunn to Crystal Palace. The Eagles eased their relegation fears with a 2-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday to dent their hosts' Champions League hopes. Former Liverpool man Christian Benteke scored a brace but his teammate Luka Milivojevic turned our head wearing the adidas F50 adizero in the signature Messi colourway from August 2014. A smart match-up with the Palace away strip.
Memphis Depay (Lyon) Under Armour Spotlight 2.0
Memphis Depay provided a glimpse at the next Under Armour Spotlight 2.0 colourway this weekend as Lyon lost at home to Champions League semi-finalists Monaco. The upcoming design features an experimental graphic and is set to launch in the coming weeks ahead of Memphis Depay and Lyon's Europa League semi-final next month.
Keita Balde (Lazio) Nike Hypervenom 3
Just like Verratti, Keita Balde also looks to have ended his contract with PUMA in recent weeks. It's that time of the year where contracts come to an end and the Lazio man switched into a blacked-out pair of Nike Hypervenom 3 boots to score twice in his side's 6-2 rout over Palermo. That performance would have done his chances of an improved boot contract next season no harm.
Danilo Cataldi (Genoa) Nike Hypervenom 3
Danilo Cataldi has cottoned onto the fact that there's a fair few quid to be made from this boot contract game. The Lazio man has been given more game time on-loan at Genoa recently and has blacked out his boots in hope of boot deal from one of the leading brands. He's available and the stealth treatment looks low-key but it's screaming out for an offer.
Joe Corona (Tijuana) Nike Mercurial Vapor XI
Tijuana are renowned for their red boot policy at the club. The Mexican outfit are regular contributors to custom football boots, good and bad. One of the more professional customisations on show this week was the red and white NikeiD Mercurial Vapor XI on the feet of Joe Corona.
Florian Jozefzoon (Brentford) Nike Mercurial Superfly V
The Nike Tech Craft Pack isn't supplied to leading Swoosh players but always packs a strong presence on pitch with numerous professionals snapping up the collection. Brentford's Florian Jozefzoon was laced up in the Mercurial Superfly V against QPR on Saturday, taking advantage of the leather layered upper on the speed boot.
