Boot Watch #006 | Cristiano Ronaldo, Arda Turan, Paul Pogba, Neymar
We're back with the newest episode of our Boot Watch series, the first in 2016. As more and more leagues return to action after Christmas break, there's no short supply of interesting soccer boot spots. But let's get right into it.
Cristiano Ronaldo | Nike Mercurial Superfly CR7 324K Gold
In a move to showcase the stunning pair of boots ahead of the official launch on January 7, Cristiano Ronaldo laced up in the white, black and gold Nike Mercurial 324K Gold cleats in tonight's game against Valencia.
Closer look: Nike Mercurial Superfly Cristiano Ronaldo 324K Gold
Raúl Albentosa | Nike Hypervenom I
Málaga's Raúl Albentosa, usually a wearer of the Nike Magista Opus, took to the archives for the last match to dig out a pair of classy first-generation Nike Hypervenom Phantom I boots. Released after the 2014 World Cup, the colorway worn by the center back is labeled "Hyper Crimson".
Check out all colorways of the first generation of the Nike Hypervenom in our overview.
Arda Turan | Customized Nike Magista Opus
Just in time for this Barcelona debut, Arda Turan was back in the Nike Magista Opus in this week's training sessions. And it isn't just the regular Opus sold by Nike, but instead a personal customization from Nike which boasts the sole plate of the discontinued Nike Total 90 Laser IV.
Brandon O'Neill | Whiteout Adidas 11pro No-Dye
Brandon O'Neill, playing for Sydney FC in the Australian league, has been wearing a very special pair of cleats for some time now, and it's high time he's featured in Boot Watch. The uber-classy Adidas 11pro "No-Dye" football boots were released in May 2015 as one of the last-ever colorways of Adidas' old heritage silo before it was canned by the brand.
Emre Can | Blackout Nike Mercurial Superfly IV
With his Adidas contract seemingly up after the new year, Liverpool's Emre Can was back in blackout Nike Mercurial Superfly boots this weekend, once again making all interested brands aware of his availability.
Roberto Firmino | Adidas Ace 15.1
Another spot from the West Ham v Liverpool game was the Reds' Brazilian attacker Roberto Firmino, who recently made the switch from Chaos to Control. Or X to Ace, if you will.
Frank Gore | Custom Adidas X 15.1
At Boot Watch, we don't shy away from taking a look across the pond, or even across to other sports. Especially if the spot is worthy. American football player Frank Gore of the Indianapolis Colts is one example for this, as he sported a truly unique pair of Adidas X soccer cleats which weren't easily on first sight.
Hidden below some layers of type, Gore combined a synthetic left boot with a leather one for the right foot.
Check out our detailed analysis for more details
Claudio Marchisio | Blackout Nike Mercurial Superfly V
Juventus' Claudio Marchisio was once again sighted wearing the upcoming Nike Mercurial Superfly V in a blackout paint job. Set for a debut at Euro 2016, Nike want to make sure everything is ready in time for the big event and have supplied its top players with test pairs to try out have them adjusted accordingly.
Neymar | 'Collar'-featuring Nike Hypervenom Phinish / Mercurial Hybrids
As FC Barcelona returned from its winter break, Neymar wore a seemingly new pair of Nike Hypervenom football boots in training. But what appeared to be an extended "Dynamic Fit" collar turned out to be just an extra pair of socks.
Paul Pogba | Adidas Ace 16+ PureControl
Paul Pogba was back in blackout Adidas Ace 16+ PureControl boots this week after he had been spotted wearing Puma evoSPEED cleats in Dubai, where he was for an award gala. Do you think a switch to the Three Stripes is on the cards for Pogba?
Emmanuel Sanders | Nike Hypervenom Phantom II
Another spot from the world of American football this week was Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who laced up in a pair of Nike Hypervenom Phantom II boots in the "Hyper Orange" colorway.
Albeit not exactly the latest paint job of Nike's agility silo, the orange Hypervenoms proved a good fit with the Broncos jerseys, something which is very important in Sanders' type of football and something which would surely be welcomed over here as well.
In detail: Nike Hypervenom Phantom II "Hyper Orange"
Jamie Vardy | Blackout Nike Hypervenom Phantom II
Jamie Vardy has been one of the hottest subjects of speculation in the boot world in the first days of the year. Having scored 15 goals in the Nike Hypervenom Phantom II, Vardy turned to a blackout pair in the games against Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth. And it's most likely not because he's a purist, but just to make it known to the brands he's available for a new contract, be it with Nike or someone else.
We hope you liked reading up on this week's most important boot spots. Please let us know if you have another spot or found an error in our work.
