The climax of the Women’s World Cup saw one of the best possible on-pitch debuts for Nike’s latest release, while the return to pre-season training has provided a great selection of throwback classics, special editions, custom creations and sneak peeks at some upcoming releases for this week’s Boot Spotting. Let’s see what’s caught our eye…
Megan Rapinoe (USWNT) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Nike released the next-generation Mercurial on the weekend, and what a debut the on-pitch "New Lights" Vapor XIII had, with Megan Rapinoe scoring in them as the USWNT won the Women's World Cup. That goal also saw Rapinoe awarded the Golden Boot award for the tournament, ahead of teammate Alex Morgan.
Rune Almenning Jarstein (Hertha BSC) Nike PhantomVNM
The launch of the new Mercurial heralded the next on-pitch pack from Nike, and Hertha goalkeeper Rune Almenning Jarstein gave us a not-so-sneaky peek at the "New Lights" PhantomVNM this week. Quite the opposite to Nike's "Under the Radar" pack, these will drop later this month.
James Olayinka (Arsenal) Nike CTR360 Maestri II
Hoping to make an impact in Arsenal's U23 side this season with a view to getting a first-team call-up, 18 year-old James Olayinka turned out for preseason in a pair of Nike CTR360 Maestri II from 2010. He was ten when these came out – his mum told him he'd grow into them eventually.
Zech Medley (Arsenal) Nike T90 Laser IV
Another young Gunner looking to make an impression in preseason, Zech Medley played in the match against Boreham Wood wearing a pair of T90 Laser IV in a colourway from 2012. The game ended 3-3, with Arsenal having to comeback from 3-1 down.
Rob Holding (Arsenal) Nike Mercurial Superfly VI
Completing an Arsenal hat-trick which is rare these days, centre back Rob Holding turned out for preseason in the "Level Up" Mercurial Superfly VI from last season. Ronaldo, Mbappe and Sam Kerr all wore the boot on its initial release. And now it's Holding's turn...
Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea) adidas F50 adizero TRX
Back at Chelsea but still rocking some nice throwback flair, Michy Batshauyi started the task of forcing his way into Frank Lampard's plans by training in the Leather edition F50 adizero TRX from 2010.
Ibrahima Cisse (Guinea) Nike Magista Obra
Guinea's AFCON adventure came to an end this week, with Algeria despatching them 3-0 in the last 16. During the match, Fulham midfielder Ibrahima Cisse was seen wearing the Magista Obra "Camo Pack" from 2016. Real tough one to spot, this.
Jacob Murphy (Newcastle) Under Armour Magnetico 2 Mid
Under Armour's upcoming launch debuted in the Copa America recently, but it's now made its way on to British shores, with Newcastle's Jacob Murphy giving them a run out during preseason. It's the first mid-collared football boot from Under Armour, so it will be interesting to see how this performs on pitch.
Jamie Sterry (Newcastle) Nike Hypervenom
Another Newcastle player, but this time an old boot rather than something new, with right-back Jamie Sterry wearing 2014's Hypervenom Phantom I from the World Cup in Brazil.
Marius Wolf (Borussia Dortmund) Nike Mercurial Vapor XII
Everyone hates preseason training, so Marius Wolf made the prospect a little nicer by wearing the Mercurial Vapor XII "Euphoria Gold" that launched at the tail end of last season. Whatever it takes...
Chris Lines (Northampton) adidas Predator LZ SL
Veteran midfielder Chris Lines starts the next chapter of his career with new club Northampton Town this season, but he's still wearing his trusty "White/Multi" adidas Predator LZ SL from 2014.
