Another week of action from around the globe has provided loads of ammunition for this week’s Boot Spotting, including the newest releases, special editions, throwback classics and custom creations. Tough call whittling the list down – let’s see who made the cut…
Georgia Stanway (England) Nike Phantom VSN II
This week, Nike unveiled the Phantom VSN II disguised as the OG Hypervenom. It's the first of four boots that'll be launched as part of the 'Future DNA' pack, with current silos being wrapped in iconic paint jobs from the past. Along with Kai Havertz, Georgia Stanway also wore them on pitch, playing in the 2-0 loss to the USA in the SheBelieves cup.
Nayef Mubarak (Al Khor) Nike Phantom VNM
Heading to Qatar for the QNB Stars League, and Al Khor's Nayef Mubarak was playing this weekend in what must be an upcoming instalment in the 'Future DNA' pack, which by the looks of things sees the Phantom VNM wrapped to look like the 2002 Nike Air Zoom Total 90 II. Watch this space...
Federico Bernadeschi (Juventus) Nike Phantom VSN II
Federico Bernardeschi joined the limited list of players to don the recent "White/Black/Laser Crimson" colourway of the Phantom VSN II, and it's a great combo along with the black and white of the Juventus home kit. Shame no one was in the stadium to see it for Juve's 2-0 win against title rivals Inter.
Gorkem Saglam (Willem II) adidas Predator Pulse
Take a moment from your day to admire the OG Predator Pulse from 2004 on pitch once again, thanks to Gorkem Saglam, who wore them in Willem II's 2-0 defeat to Feyenoord. Never mind that though, Gorkem, you'll always be a winner to us thanks to your exquisite taste in boots.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan) PUMA Future 5.1
A bit of a surprise to see Zlatan switching to PUMA Future 5.1 'Spark Pack' in training and then in AC Milan's shock 2-1 defeat to Genoa this week, a move that signals an end to his time with Nike. He got off to a good start in his new boots though, scoring his side's only goal.
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) Nike Sergio Ramos Tiempo 7
Back in 2017 Nike honoured Sergio Ramos with his own signature edition Tiempo, dubbed "Corazón y Sangre" (heart and blood). The boots paid homage to the Spanish footballer's values and roots, and it looks as though he wanted a flash back to that time, as he wore them for his side's surprise 2-1 loss to Real Betis.
Aleksandar Kolarov (AS Roma) PUMA prototype boot
Former Manchester City man Aleksandar Kolarov was spotted training in an unreleased blacked out PUMA boot this week. It's been seen on a few pros here and there, but this is one of the clearest looks yet. Time will tell whether this new silo comes in alongside the existing Future and ONE setup or replaces one of them.
Zidane Iqbal (Manchester United U-18) adidas F50 Adizero
He may only be 16, but as well as being a baller it appears as though Zidane Iqbal has superb taste in boots, as he turned out for Manchester United's U18 win over Sunderland this week in the adidas F50 Adizero Prime "Warning/Black/White" boot from 2011. Fact he was only seven when they originally came out is neither here nor there...
Alexander Baumjohann (Sydney FC) adidas Predator X
Heading Down Under for the AFC Champions League Preliminary Stage match between Sydney FC and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, and German midfielder Alexander Baumjohann played in the adidas Predator X from 2011 in the "White/Gold/Black" colourway.
Carlos Zambrano (Boca Juniors) adidas F50 Adizero
Boca Juniors clinched the Superliga title on the weekend with a 1-0 win over Gimnasia. And during the match, the Argentinian side gave a debut to Carlos Zambrano, who started the match in the adidas F50 Adizero "White/Black" marble effect colourway from 2015. Not a bad way to make your debut.
Moussa Sylla (AS Monaco U23) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Moussa Sylla was hard to miss in the Arsenal U23 v AS Monaco U23 Premier League International cup game thanks to his wildly customised Mercurial Vapors. The game was a hugely entertaining 4-3, and Sylla scored Monaco's first, but it was the brightly coloured graphics splashed across his boots that really caught our eye.
Lewis Wing (Middlesbrough) adidas Predator Mania
We've always got a lot of time for the Predator Mania "Red/Metallic Silver" rerelease from late last year, and so Middlesbrough's Lewis Wing gets an honourable mention for donning them in Middlesbrough's 1-0 win over Charlton this week.
Gerso Fernandes (Sporting Kansas City) Nike Mercurial Superfly VII
Over in MLS, and Gerso showed off the capabilities of the 'Nike By You' personalisation service in Sporting Kansas City's thumping 4-0 win over Houston Dynamo. The Bissau-Guinean winger featured the words "2FAST4U" on the underside of his black and white Mercs.
Nicky Maynard (Mansfield Town) Nike Mercurial Vapor XII
Finishing up with a nod to the stylish effort from Nicky Maynard, who matched last year's "Black Lux" Mercurial Vapor perfectly with Mansfield Town's classy away kit. The visitors were also able to pick up the three points, winning 2-1.
