The action continues across the globe, with the return of both Champions League and Europa League competition in particular catching the eye, and with it comes the usual array of new releases, special editions and throwback classics. It’s Monday, it’s Boot Spotting, let’s see what made the list.
Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli) adidas COPA Sense+
adidas unveiled the new-generation COPA Sense this week, and Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne was quick to slip into the sleek design for his side's 4-2 loss to Atalanta. The new design for the COPA sees three key upgrades to enhance feel and touch for players: SensePods, TouchPods and SoftStuds.
Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund) adidas COPA Sense.1
Along with the laceless '+' version, the COPA Sense also comes in a laced '.1' option, and Dortmund's young English midfielder, Jude Bellingham, showed them off when he came off the bench in Dortmund's 4-0 win over Schalke, providing the assist for Haaland's second of the day.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus) Nike Mercurial Superfly 8
Following a brief spell in the Nike Mercurial Superfly 'Dragonfly', the launch look for the next generation of the Mercurial, Ronaldo switched into the 'Spectrum Pack' colourway this week, for Juve's return to Champions League action. The game didn't pan out as Ronaldo would've hoped, with the Bianconeri losing 2-1 in their first leg against Porto.
Oliver Giroud (Chelsea) Next-Gen PUMA Ultra
Doesn't feel like the current PUMA Ultra has been with us all that long, and yet Chelsea's Oliver Giroud gave us our first look at the next generation in training this week. Not a lot to see from this early glimpse, but certainly looks like the upper has been tweaked.
Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) Nike Mercurial Vapor 14
Robert Lewandowski continues to intrigue with his boot future, and after it seemed like he was leaving Nike behind, training in the new PUMA Future Z and playing in older models from Nike's repertoire, he has now been spotted training in the new Mercurial Vapor 14.
Sadio Mane (Liverpool) Next-Gen New Balance Furon
Catching the eye with a bright colourway, Sadio Mane trained in the next generation of the New Balance Furon this week. At first glance it doesn't look all that different to the v6, but subtle changes indicate that this is definitely a next gen boot as opposed to a colour-up. Expect this one to drop in the near future.
Allan (Everton) adidas Predator Mania Tormentor
Everton enjoyed one hell of a week, getting one over local rivals Liverpool at Anfield, but before that they welcomed midfielder Allan back from injury. The Brazilian made a return to training in the appropriately blue limited edition rerelease of the adidas Predator Mania "Tormentor", which dropped back in March of last year.
James Rodriguez (Everton) adidas F50 Adizero I
Another one from the Everton training ground, with Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez rolling the clock back ten years to 2011 by lacing up in the adidas F50 Adizero I.
Hector Bellerin (Arsenal) Mizuno Rebula Cup
Seeing what a pro player without a boot contract wears is very interesting, as you know that they are selecting their boots based purely on comfort and performance, with no obligations. And it's telling that Hector Bellerin has been playing in the Nike Premier II, and now the Mizuno Rebula Cup.
Barry Bannan (Sheffield Wednesday) adidas Predator LZ
Kudos go out to Barry Bannan this week for pickling out the adidas Predator LZ in its 2012 Champions League colourway of "White/Prime Blue/Yellow" as the perfect match for Sheffield Wednesday's home kit in his side's 1-0 loss to Stoke.
Etienne Capoue (Villarreal) Nike Mercurial Vapor IX
Villarreal midfielder Étienne Capoue opted for the clean throwback vibes of the Nike Mercurial Vapor IX as his side marched to a commanding 0-2 lead in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 32 tie with RB Salzburg.
