Domestic football returns, but with few major new releases, there’s room for a lot more throwback fire in this week’s Boot Spotting. Add to that some special editions and some custom creations and we’re good to go. You belted up? Good, coz we’re off.
Dani Alves (Barcelona) adidas X Speedflow +
Dani Alves returned to Barcelona this week as Xavi's first signing, and the Brazilian instantly caught attention with his choice of footwear, slipping on the X Speedflow + from the 'Numbers Up' pack.
Sergio Ramos (PSG) Mizuno Rebula Cup
Sergio Ramos's flirtations with Mizuno ramped up to another level this week, with the PSG defender nearing his debut for PSG and switching his boots from blackout Morelia Neo III Beta to the 'Next Wave' Rebula Cup. An official announcement can't be far off...
Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig) adidas F50 X Ghosted
Christopher Nkunku seems to enjoy playing within the adidas 'X' sandbox, and this week he laced up the special edition 'Memory Lane' F50 X Ghosted for training. It combined the past aesthetics of the F50 with the modern tech of the X Ghosted.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) Nike Mercurial Vapor X
Aubameyang continues to stake his claim for a regular recurring spot on this list, and this week it's thanks to his use of the Nike Mercurial Vapor X 'Electro Flare' in training. Proper throwback fire.
Evander Ferreira (FC Midtjylland) adidas Copa Mundial 21 Primeknit
Great to see the Copa Mundial 21 Primeknit in use, with FC Midtjylland's Evander Ferreira wearing it during the Danish 3F Superliga match against Brondby. He scored the opening goal from the spot in them in what ended up being a 1-2 defeat.
Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus) Nike Phantom GT II
Looks like Matthijs de Ligt's contract with Adidas is nearing an end, if it's not already over, with the Dutch defender training in the Nike 'Football Recharge' Phantom GT II this week. He continues to play in the older generation adidas X Ghosted in games – another suggestion that his time with the Three Stripes is up.
Charlie Austin (Queens Park Rangers) Nike Mercurial Vapor I R9
Straight up fire on the feet of QPR's Charlie Austin this week in their win over Luton Town, with the striker wearing the Nike Mercurial Vapor I 'R9'. Living up to the reputation of the boots namesake, Austin notched the second in the 2-0 win.
Ada Hegerberg (Lyon Feminines) Nike Mercurial Vapor 14 NBY
Ada Hegerberg has marked her long-awaited return to action following her ACL injury, and she's been playing in a special pair of Nike Mercurial Vapor 14, personalised on the Nike By You service. The white base is joined by gold accents, along with the wording 'Ada II', possibly nodding to her return.
Paddy Madden (Stockport County) Nike Air Zoom Total90 Supremacy
Round of applause for Stockport's Paddy Madden, who rolled the clock back to 2006 for the FA Cup First Round Replay match against Bolton Wanderers, by lacing up in the Nike Air Zoom Total90 Supremacy. He scored his side's first in what was a 5-3 win after extra time.
Kiera Walsh (Manchester City Women) Nike Phantom GT II
Double bit of Phantom GT special edition drops to round things off this week, and first up is Kiera Walsh, who wore the 'Shockwave' colourway in training this week. The design features an all-over graphic inspired by shockwave patterns.
Pedro Rocha (Athletico Paranaense) Nike Phantom GT II
And the second special edition colourway for the Phantom GT II comes from South America, with Pedro Rocha rocking the Skepta colourway in his side's 1-0 loss to Atletico Mineiro.
