Attention firmly switches to the international scene this week as we take a look at a fine selection of special edition, custom and throwback boots from around the world. It’s Monday, it’s Boot Spotting. Let’s go…
Memphis Depay (Netherlands) Under Armour Spotlight
Saving some special edition flavour for the Nations League final against Portugal, Holland's Memphis Depay wore a customised pair of Under Armour Spotlight boots as his side fell agonisingly short of lifting the trophy.
Marta (Brazil) Nike Mercurial Vapor XII
Brazil got their World Cup campaign off to a flier with a 3-0 win over Jamaica. Despite not featuring in the game itself, veteran striker Marta was seen warming up in a pair of white-out Mercurial Vapors, although there was not a Swoosh in sight on them. Interestingly, Marta had been known as a key PUMA athlete. Has that changed?
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) PUMA ONE 5.1
Preparing for Euro qualifiers against Kazakstan and Scotland, Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku was spotted training in a next-gen blacked out low-cut PUMA ONE. Expect this one to be PUMA's next release.
Roger Martinez (Colombia) Nike Hypervenom
Taking his club boots onto the international stage, Colombia striker Roger Martinez continues to wear his first generation Nike Hypervenoms from 2014, this time in his country's friendly match against Panama – a game Colombia won 3-0.
Ritsu Doan (Japan) PUMA Future 19.1
For Japan's friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago, attacker Ritsu Doan wore a specially customised pair of PUMA Future 19.1 'Code Breaker'. In all honesty, these were the highlight of a goalless draw between the sides.
Gianni Stensness (New Zealand) Nike Magista Opus II
New Zealand and Colombia faced-off in the round of 16 at the U20 World Cup, with Colombia edging it on penalties after a 1-1 draw. New Zealand's defensive midfielder Gianni Stensness was wearing a pair of Nike Magista Opus II boots from the 2016 'Elite Pack' for the occasion.
Federico Chiesa (Italy) Nike Mercurial Vapor XI
Ahead of his side's Euro qualifiers against Greece and Bosnia Herzegovina, young Italian striker Federico Chiesa wore the Nike Mercurial Vapor 2006 Germany World Cup boot from 2018's 'Heritage Pack', a tournament that Italy won.
Francisca Ordega (Nigeria) Nike Mercurial GS 360
Nigeria's World Cup campaign didn't quite get off to the start they would've hoped for, slumping to a 3-0 defeat to Norway. But Franny Ordega won the award for best boot on the pitch with her Nike Mercurial GS 360, looking absolute fire with that Nigeria kit.
Kyle Walker (England) PUMA ONE 19.1
Ahead of England's disappointing performance against Holland, Kyle Walker was seen training in the PUMA ONE 19.1 'Eclipse Pack'. Walker is a Nike athlete, but with PUMA taking over the ranks at Manchester City this summer they're sure to be tapping up some of the Premier League winning talent.
Marcel Sabitzer (Austria) Nike Mercurial Superfly V CR7
For Austria's Euro qualifier against Slovenia, attacking midfielder Marcel Sabitzer wore the limited edition Mercurial Superfly CR7 'Qunito Triunfo' boot that was awarded to Ronaldo following his fifth Balon d'Or success back in 2017.
Sergio Ramos (Spain) Nike Tiempo Legend VIII
The next generation of the Tiempo got an on-pitch run-out this week courtesy of Sergio Ramos; the veteran defender scoring the opener in a 4-1 win over the Faroe Islands. Still wrapped in that mysterious design to hide any tech details, we can expect a full release ahead of the 19/20 season.
