The fourth round of the FA Cup and debuts following transfer deadline day provided enough excuses for players to pull out their favourite boots, from new releases to throwback classics and custom creations. It’s Monday, it’s Boot Spotting, let’s go…
Yan Valery (Southampton) Nike Mercurial Vapor 14
It's rare to see pros lacing up in a brand's blackout colourway drops, but when it looks as good as Nike's Shadow Pack release, you can't really blame them. First up was Southampton's Yan Valery, who opted for the Nike Mercurial Vapor 14 in his side's 2-1 win over Coventry in the FA Cup Fourth Round.
James Hill (Bournemouth) Nike Phantom GT II
Next up was Bournemouth's James Hill, who wore the Nike Phantom GT II 'Shadow Pack' in his side's FA Cup humbling against non-league side Boreham Wood in the FA Cup Fourth Round. Cracking look for the Phantom GT II, but not such a great result for the Cherries...
Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Dusan Vlahovic made a goal-scoring start to his life at Juventus on the weekend, and he did so in the older model Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII 'Nuovo White' pack, possibly signalling an end to his time with the Swoosh. No shortage of suitors should he be available, that's for sure.
Todd Cantwell (Bournemouth) PUMA Ultra 1.3
Todd Cantwell made a deadline day switch from Norwich to Bournemouth, and he also switched up his footwear, lacing up in the recently released PUMA 'Origin Pack' Ultra 1.3 in his first training session. As well as wearing the boots, the pack will also see players choosing a young player from their neighbourhood club to wear the same boots.
Hwang In-beom (South Korea) Mizuno Morelia Neo III Beta
Hard to get past that quite outstanding kit, but once you do you'll find the Morelia Neo III β from the Mizuno 'Pre Future' pack on the feet of Hwang In-beom. He wore them in his side's 2-0 World Cup qualifier win over Syria.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Barcelona) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made a dramatic deadline day switch from Arsenal to Barcelona, and he showed up for his first training session in his trusty custom Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII. Seen him in them before, but the Gabon striker switched them out for the 'Blueprint' Mercurial Superfly 8 as he came off the bench for his Barca debut in the match against Atletico.
Will Hughes (Crystal Palace) adidas adiPure
Always happy to feature the adidas 'Legends Pack' whenever it's on display, and this week the adiPure was on display on the feet of Crystal Palace midfielder, Will Hughes in his side's 2-0 win over Hartlepool in the FA Cup.
Erick Pulgar (Galatasaray) adidas Predator Pulse
Another spot from the adidas "Legends Pack' came courtesy of Erick Pulgar, who opted for the nostalgia-laden silo for a Galatasaray training session this week.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (AS Roma) Nike CTR 360 Maestri II
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has always been a fan of a throwback in training, and while it seems that his boot future is up for grabs, switching between the Swoosh and the Three Stripes with regularity in matches, it's the former that he often leans towards on the training ground. This week it was the Nike CTR 360 Maestri II.
Jonas Ramalho (Osasuna) Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII TC
Probably due to the pandemic, but last year we didn't get a 'Tech Craft' pack from Nike. Thankfully, players like Osasuna's Jonas Ramalho are still happy to wear the 2020 pack, and rightly so. The defender wore the Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII for his side's 0-0 draw with Sevilla.
Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan) adidas F50 adizero 2
The Milan derby is a special occasion, with both sides battling it out for supremacy in the San Siro, blue vs red. AC Milan's Alexis Saelemaekers wore the adidas F50 adizero I for the clash, and we'd like to think they helped his side to the three points. OK, maybe not more so than Giroud's double, but a little bit at least.
Christopher Ikonomidis (Melbourne Victory) Nike Magista Opus I
While the U.K. took in the fourth round of the FA Cup, Down Under they enjoyed the final of the FFA Cup. Melbourne Victory's Christopher Ikonomidis scored a 95th minute winner against Central Coast Mariners, and he did so in the Nike Magista Opus I. What a way to win it.
