Global Football Boots Spotting - 21/01/13

Theo Walcott (Arsenal) Nike Mercurial Vapor IX

Theo has established himself as lead asset for the 'young masters' Mercurial squad. Much like the creation of the GS II squad, Nike have unified their young talented assets by placing them in the Sunset colour. Theo duly delivered a performance by netting in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, and as we know from our interview with Walcott, he is particularly fond of his new boots.

Marek Hamsik (Napoli) Nike Mercurial Vapor IX

Mercurial player Hamsik is another to wear the new Mercurial Vapor IX this weekend, although at 25 years of age has been deemed to old to represent the youthful Sunset squad. A popular boot amongst the pro's, it also appears Nike have got the sole-plate right for the ninth incarnation, as Hamsik is just one of a number of players wearing the standard SG plate.

Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace) Nike GS

We're thinking Yannick Bolasie might have been inspired by team-mate Wilfried Zaha, after appearing in the Nike GS football boots this weekend. Admittedly, Bolasie is wearing the first incarnation whilst Zaha has recently been playing in the GS II. Bolasie has been wearing Mercurials of late, but made the interesting choice to switch between the GS and adizero's against Bolton?!

Seydou Keita (Mali) PUMA v1.06 v1.08

Many PUMA speed fans have never moved on from the v1.06, and will argue it is still PUMA's best boot. One such player is Milos Krasic, and now we're seeing Seydou Keita still wearing boots from many years ago. Indeed, perhaps Keita is down to his last few pairs as he's having to mix up the colours to get a match fit pair. Although the boots clearly still do the job, as the Mali captain scored the only goal in the game as Mali were victorious in the African Cup of Nations.

Diego Ifran (Real Sociedad) Nike Mercurial Vapor IX

Not everyone is a fan of the giant Nike logo on the inside of the Mercurial Vapor IX. Real Sociedad striker Diego Ifran obviously didn't want his boots to be any more of a running advertising board for Nike than they already are. The Uruguayan took the time to apply a layer of blue pen over the Nike branding. Nothing that's going to go unnoticed here though!

Mateus Alberto (Angola) adidas f50 adizero

The African Cup of Nations always produces some interesting boot spots. One boot we've not seen too much of - the Green Zest/White/Navy f50 adizero - was in action on the feet of Angola and Real Valladolid striker Mateus Alberto as Angola played out a frustrating 0-0 draw with Group A rivals Morocco.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) Nike Mercurial Vapor IX

Cristiano Ronaldo led Real Madrid's demolition of Valencia, scoring twice in his sides 5-0 romp. Ronaldo was out of his limited edition CR Vapor IX boots to join the rest of Nike's Mercurial roster in wearing the Fireberry launch colourway. Interestingly Mesut Ozil didn't make the switch from his Vapor VIII boots despite recently training in the Vapor IX.

David Williams (Melbourne Heart) Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII

It's one of the best things about boot-spotting in the Australian A-League. We're always on the look out for Daren Dunn originals - an artist who has gained quite a reputation for designing custom aboriginal boots for A-League pros. Melbourne Heart striker David Williams was spotted wearing the Clash colourway of the Vapor VIII in typical Daren Dunn fashion.

Alessandro Del Piero (Sydney FC) adidas adiPURE 11Pro

Del Piero stole the show this past weekend, producing a four-goal master class as Sydney FC crushed Wellington Phoenix. The Italian football legend has been wearing the black-out adiPURE 11Pro boots since moving down under. When you've reached his level, their really is no need for flash colours! Black boots always do it best.

Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan) Nike Mercurial Vapor IX

Nike are heavily backing AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy and rightly so. The Italian international signed a long term sponsorship deal with Nike last year and is quickly becoming one of the most recognised faces of the Mercurial line. The 20-years-old was in action wearing the Sunset colourway of the Vapor IX as AC Milan beat Bologna 2-1 in Serie A.