The European 21/22 season is upon us, with teams either having kicked off already or playing their final preseason friendlies. And it’s given us plenty to comb through for this week’s Boot Spotting. Let’s see who made the cut…
Kylian Mbappe (PSG) Nike Mercurial Superfly 8
The 21/22 season is underway, and that means the majority of professional players switching into their brand's on-pitch packs. For Nike, that's the 'Motivation Pack', and PSG's Kylian Mbappe was quick to settle into his Mercurial Superfly 8, providing the assist for Icardi's winner in PSG's 2-1 win over Troyes.
Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund) Nike Mercurial Vapor 14
Joining Mbappe in the Nike 'Motivation Pack' was Erling Haaland, who laced up in the Mercurial Vapor 14, performing admirably in them by grabbing a hat trick in the first round of the DFB Pokal against Wehen Wiesbaden.
Gerard Pique (Barcelona) Nike Tiempo Legend 9
All change at Barcelona at the moment. And by that we're talking about Gerard Pique switching into the Nike 'Motivation Pack' Tiempo Legend 9, of course. Why, what else is going on at Camp Nou?
Casemiro (Real Madrid) Nike Phantom GT II
Completing the 'Motivation Pack' on pitch this week was Casemiro, who put them through their paces in training before wearing them in Real Madrid's 0-0 preseason friendly against AC Milan.
Christian Pulisic (Chelsea) PUMA Ultra 1.3
Chrisian Pulisic was spotted training in the PUMA Ultra 1.3 this week, ahead of the official announcement confirming that he has joined the brand on a long-term deal. No prizes for guessing that he'll be wearing the Ultra silo.
Maitane Lopez (Atletico Madrid) New Balance Tekela v3+
Maitane Lopez has given us one of our first looks at the New Balance Tekela v3+ from the 'Alpha Flair' pack in action, wearing them in the preseason friendly against AC Milan.
Anthony Martial (Manchester United) adidas X Speedflow .1
After what seems like an age in boot limbo, could Anthony Martial finally have settled on adidas, and specifically the X Speedflow .1? Since his contract with Nike expired early last season, the Frenchman has been experimenting with boots from several brands including PUMA – whom he was hotly tipped to join. But with him wearing the 'Meteorite Pack' colourway in United's preseason friendly against Everton, could he have made his decision?
Memphis Depay (Barcelona) Nike Mercurial Superfly 8
Back with Barca, and with no other news of note coming from the camp, we'll stick with Boot Spotting. This time it's new signing Memphis Depay, who has been wearing several different boots since his contract with Under Armour expired a few months back. This week alone he's been spotted in a blacked out pair of PUMA Ultra 1.3, and the Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 in the latest 'Motivation Pack' colourway.
Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona) Next-Gen PUMA Ultra
PUMA only recently launched the latest Ultra 1.3, but it's a fast world, and one of the brand's main men, Antoine Griezmann, has been spotted training in what seems to be the next generation of the silo. Hard to tell much about any potential changes here, but expect to see more of it in the near future.
Riccardo Saponara (Fiorentina) Nike Mercurial Superfly 8
A bit of an alternative to the bright colours of the 'Motivation Pack', Fiorentina's Riccardo Saponara played in his side's preseason friendly against Espanyol in the Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 from the 'Renew Pack'. Not common to see this one on professional pitches, but looks smart.
Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City) Nike Hypervenom Phantom I
Kasper Schmeichel is usually a staunch adidas Predator wearer – particularly any special editions rereleases that drop – but for his last two matches and training the Dane has been wearing the Nike Hypervenom Phantom I. Simple switch up for the start of the season.
