It was all eyes on Germany this weekend as the Bundesliga returned to action, bringing a much needed dose of actual football. So it’s no surprise that that’s where most of the focus was for this week’s Boot Spotting, as we checked out the latest new releases, throwback classics, and special editions on the feet of the pros.
David Alaba (Bayern Munich) adidas Predator 20.1
We recently got our first look at the new adidas 'Locality Pack', after it launched in the US, Asia and Australia. But while we wait for the colourful collection to become available in Europe, the pros have started to roll 'em out. First up is David Alaba, who wore the Predator 20.1 low-cut ahead of Bayern's return to action.
Timo Werner (RB Leipzig) adidas X 19+
Sticking with the Bundesliga for another flash from the upcoming 'Locality Pack', and RB Leipzig's in-demand striker, Timo Werner pulled on the predominantly pink X19+ from the pack. Leipzig endured a frustrating return to action after they were held to a 1-1 draw by SC Freiburg.
Yussuf Poulsen (RB Leipzig) Nike Hypervenom Phantom 1
Another spot in the match between Leipzig and Frieburg saw captain and goalscorer Yussuf Poulsen in the Nike Hypervenom Phantom 1 from the 'Intense Heat' pack, originally released at the end of the 2014/15 season.
Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid) adidas COPA 20+
Flicking over to Spain to continue the adidas 'Vitality Pack', and as Atletico Madrid gear up for a return to action, their young Portuguese star, Joao Felix caught the eye in the bright "Signal Green" COPA 20+.
Hector Herrera (Atletico Madrid) Nike Phantom VSN II
Another spot from the Atletico training ground saw Hector Herrera switching things up as the week progressed. He gave a run out to the Phantom VNM from the 'Future DNA' pack, before switching into the Phantom VSN II from the 'Future Lab II', which was released just prior to lockdown and so hasn't had a chance to debut on pitch yet. Looks like that could be set to change in the coming weeks though.
Jacob Christensen (FC Nordsjælland) Adidas Nemeziz 19.1
The colourful adidas Nemeziz 19.1 seen on the feet of FC Nordsjælland's Jaxe Christensen doesn't follow suit with the 'Locality Pack' in sticking with one bold colour, instead splashing multicolour across a white base. Despite not featuring a Nemeziz in the 'Locality Pack', it's safe to assume that this new colourway is from a yet-to-be-released pack from the Three Stripes.
Juan Cuadrado (Juventus) adidas COPA 20.1
Serie A is another league that's gearing up for an imminent return to action, and Juve's Juan Cuadrado gave us a glimpse at what appears to be another boot from the upcoming pack launch from adidas. This COPA 20.1 sees splashes of colour across a white base, much like the Nemeziz seen on the feet of Jaxe Christensen. Possible that this would have been the pack released for the Euros, but plans have obviously had to change somewhat.
Marcus Thuram (Borussia Mönchengladbach) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Another pack that never got a decent amount of exposure due to the lockdown was the superb 'Future DNA' pack from Nike, which saw modern silos given a classic coat. One of those was the Mercurial Vapor in the OG Superfly “Max Orange/Metallic Silver” colourway from 2009, and it's now getting its chance to shine on a number of pros' feet including Marcus Thuram, who scored Mönchengladbach's second in a 3-1 win over Frankfurt on the weekend.
Marc Heider (VfL Osnabruck) Nike Mercurial Vapor Jogo Prismático
Neymar's latest signature style, the Mercurial Vapor Jogo Prismático, has yet to be worn by the man himself, and with PSG being handed the title after Ligue 1 was shut down it looks like it won't happen anytime soon, either. So we have to look to players like Marc Heider of Vfl Osnabrück to see it in action on the pitch.
Ciro Immobile (Lazio) adidas X 20.1
While we've seen plenty of new and upcoming releases from adidas already this week, there's still space for a prototype to be out there as well. The upcoming adidas X 20 has been seen on the feet of numerous pros already, and Lazio's Ciro Immobile becomes the latest to give it a run out. Still no clue as to when to expect this one though.
Nelson Vivas (Atletico Madrid) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Who says it's just the players that get all the fun? Here's Atleti coach Nelson Vivas casually rocking a pair of custom mercs in training, showing off the potential of the Nike by You service. Nicely done, sir!
