With the New Year cobwebs fully blown out it was straight into FA Cup action in England as the holders fell at the first hurdle. Stretching further afield we've picked out our selection of the custom, throwback and latest boots on show as 2018 kicked into gear.
Kyle Walker-Peters (Spurs) adidas Glitch 17
Kyle Walker-Peters was handed a starting role as Mauricio Pochettino shuffled his pack at Wembley on Sunday. The young full back slipped on the "Stratinoskin" Glitch design as Spurs progressed through to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 win over Wimbledon.
Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund) PUMA Future 18.1 NetFit
The last time Marco Reus was fit PUMA still had the evoPOWER, evoSPEED and evoTOUCH. Since his injury PUMA have replaced all of those with the ONE 17.1 & Future 18.1. Reus has opted for the latter as he continues his rehab, which offers complete freedom of how to lace the boot, with almost the entire upper covered in lacelets. But, Reus has taken the laces off completely to create a slip-on design.
Paulinho (Barcelona) Nike Mercurial Vapor XI
Paulinho has realised that he can cash in on the extra spotlight not that he's put himself back on the footballing map with Barcelona. The Brazilian wore a blacked-out version of the Mercurial Vapor XI to score in a 3-0 win over Levante at the weekend, and to alert Nike to his want of a bigger contract, no doubt.
Neymar (PSG) Nike Mercurial Puro Fenomeno
Neymar wore his new signature Nike Mercurial for first time in a competitive game on Sunday night. The Brazilian scored twice as PSG hammered Rennes 6-1 in the French Cup. The Puro Fenomeno design marks 20 years since the original R9 wore the Mercurial at the 1998 World Cup.
Hiroto Otsuka (Yaita Chuo) Nike Mercurial Superfly V
The 96th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament provided the platform for players to show off their skills and custom footwear game this week. One of the smartest coming from Hiroto Otsuka in his side's semi final against Ryutsu Keizai University.
Andrea Masiello (Atalanta) Lotto Zhero Gravity Ultra
While other brands big up the laceless hype, Lotto will be sitting smug knowing that they invented the first laceless football boot way back in 2006. Atalanta's Andrea Masiello was sporting a later version of the Zhero Gravity boot this week by wearing the 2010 Zhero Gravity Ultra to help his side beat Roma 2-1.
Lieke Martens (Barcelona) Nike Mercurial Superfly V
Lieke Martens was wearing her signature Nike Mercurial Superfly design this week as Barcelona beat Levante 5-0. Martens was awarded with the boot after she won the 2017 FIFA Best Player award. It's all about that “LIEKE” replacing the “NIKE”.
Theo Lucius (Netherlands) adidas Predator Powerswerve
Theo Lucius dusted off his adidas Predator Powerswerve boots for an ex-Internationals game last week. The Powerswerve was originally launched in 2007 and this specific colourway no doubt played some part in inspiring the aesthetic of the new Predator 18+.
Keisuke Honda (Pachuca) Mizuno Rebula V1
Keisuke Honda was laced up in the latest Mizuno Rebula V1 colourway this week for Pachuca. The Japanese midfielder wore the Wave Ignitus silo for the majority of his career before the series was replaced with the Rebula last year.
Charly Musonda (Chelsea) Nike Mercurial Superfly V
Chelsea youngster Charly Musonda has already earned a creative reputation for his custom Nike Mercurial designs, and he certainly didn't disappoint in the FA Cup on Saturday by wearing another eccentric custom colourway. The kid's got an eye for style.
Willian (Chelsea) Nike Mercurial Vapor XI
The New Year looks to have marked the end of Willian's Nike contract as the Chelsea attacker has immediately switched into a blackout version of the Mercurial Vapor. Clearly not one to give away any free exposure, Willian is seemingly in the middle of renegotiating a new deal.
Marcus Maddison (Peterborough) Nike Mercurial Superfly V
Rounding off a bit of a Mercurial heavy week is Marcus Maddison. The Peterborough midfielder opted for the split design against Aston Villa on Saturday. A fire and ice serving with the red Superfly on his right foot, and the blue option on his left.
