The Premier League joined Serie A and La Liga in returning to action this week, and on the boot front, it was a decent mix of customised specials, throwback classics and the latest colourways on display. Let’s see what caught our eye over the last seven days…
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) Under Armour Clone Magnetico Pro
Trent Alexander-Arnold took to the field for the first time in over 100 days for the Merseyside Derby, and he did so in a specially customised pair of his Under Armour Clone Magnetico Pro. The boots featured the "Black Lives Matter" messaging alongside a raised fist graphic. The Liverpool right back is auctioning off the boots and donating the proceeds to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) Nike Mercurial Vapor XII SE
Aubameyang – and indeed the Arsenal squad in general – has been a hotbed for boot spotting since the return to action, and the striker once again failed to disappoint, training and then playing against Brighton in the stunning Nike Mercurial Vapor XII from the 'Euphoria Gold' Pack, originally released for the close of last season. It was probably the highlight of Aubameyang's game though, as the Gunners crashed to their second defeat in a row.
Joe Willock (Arsenal) Nike Phantom VNM
Joining Aubameyang and completing the 'Euphoria Gold' setup in what must have been a planned move rather than coincidence, Joe Willock trained in the Phantom VNM this week. Unlike Aubameyang though, Willock switched back into his 'Future Lab' Mercs for the loss to Brighton.
Ever Banega (Sevilla) Mizuno Morelia Neo II
Sticking with the sumptuous white/gold theme, and Sevilla's Argentine midfielder Ever Banega appears to have jumped from the Nike ship, lacing up in the Mizuno Morelia Neo II from the 'Victory Gold' pack in his side's 0-0 draw with Barcelona. The 'Victory Gold' pack originally launched back in February, and prior to this game, Banega had been wearing Mercurials.
Dries Mertens (Napoli) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Ahead of the Coppa Italia final, Napoli forward Dries Mertens was gifted a specially customised pair of Mercurial Vapors by Nike. Matching the colour scheme of the Napoli jersey, the boots featured personalised details including his name, number, and the Belgian flag. They arrived in a special box that read "Become the new King of Napoli". The Serie A side went on to beat Juventus on penalties.
Fabian Ruiz (Napoli) Nike Tiempo Legend VIII
Also appearing in the Coppa Italia final was Fabian Ruiz, who played the game in the Nike Tiempo Legend VIII from the 'Future DNA' pack. It saw the current Tiempo dressed as the Tiempo Legend IV Elite from 2011, wrapping up the throwback-infused limited edition series.
Declan Rice (West Ham) adidas Predator Absolute
Declan Rice is a big fan of a throwback Predator, having featured in this series on numerous occasions. This week, the West Ham midfielder trained in the white and blue colourway of the Predator Absolute from 2007, before interestingly switching into the COPA 20.1 'Uniforia Pack' for the Hammers' loss to Wolves.
Zech Medley (Arsenal) Nike CTR360 Maestri III
Back to the Arsenal training ground, and Zech Medley wore the Nike CTR360 Maestri III in the "Crimson/Black/Chrome" colourway that originally debuted back in 2014. They feature a close-fitting upper with ACC technology and raised control pads for enhanced comfort, response and control in all conditions.
Herbie Kane (Hull City) Nike CTR360 Maestri III
Another appearance for the CTR360 Maestri III, this time on the feet of Liverpool-loanee, Herbie Kane. The Hull City midfielder has previously been seen in throwback Predators, but swapping the Stripes for the Swoosh, he's opted for this classic from 2014.
Jens-Lys Cajuste (FC Midtjylland) Nike Tiempo Legend VIII
A great example of matching up a boot colourway with the club kit came courtesy of FC Midtjylland's Jens-Lys Cajuste, who wore the Nike Tiempo Legend VIII in his side's 0-0 with Brondby. The “Black/White/Volt” update, released in November of last year, was a stand alone release, and it combines nicely with the FC Midtjylland kit.
Roman Zozulia (Albacete Balompie) Nike Mercurial Vapor XII
Another example of combining the colourway of your boot with your club's kit, this time coming from striker Roman Zozulia, who matched the Mercurial Vapor 'Rising Fire' with the accents in his side's kit for the 2-2 draw with Huesca.
