Boot Watch #008 | Messi, Vidal, De Rossi, Vardy
We're back with the latest episode of Boot Watch which comes a little earlier than the last few times. Today's spots include an illustrious set of players, spanning the likes of Lionel Messi, Daniele De Rossi and Jamie Vardy. But let's get right into it.
Lionel Messi - Adidas Messi 15.1 Platinum Edition
Lionel Messi finally debuted this latest signature boots, commemorating his fifth Ballon d'Or win and dubbed Adidas Messi 15.1 Platinum Edition. As some imagined, on-pitch is where Messi's new football boots really shine in their pristine beauty.
Closer look: Adidas Messi 15.1 Platinum Edition.
Demarai Gray - Adidas F50 adizero IV
Just a few days after joining Leicester City, Demarai Gray has already made a name for himself in the boot game. His latest acquisition, showcased in Leicester training this week, is a very rare Adidas adizero. Released as a women's-exclusive colorway, the Adidas F50 adizero IV cleats worn by Gray combine a Samba Blue upper with Glow Orange accents.
Emre Can - Nike Mercurial Superfly IV
It's all but officially confirmed now. Emre Can has joined Nike after spending his entire career in Adidas football boots, opting for the Nike Mercurial Superfly IV.
Daniele De Rossi + Edin Dzeko - Adidas Ace 16.1
AS Roma training this week provided two spots in Edin Dzeko and Daniele De Rossi, who both laced up in the soon-to-be-released next-gen Adidas Ace 16.1 boots.
Whereas De Rossi trained in the regular "Solar Green" colorway, Dzeko showed off a pair of blackouts, and his choice might be the more interesting one in another way as well. The Bosnian attacker has been wearing 2015 Adidas F50 adizero boots to this day. Both were back in their respective current boots in the today's Serie A game against Verona.
Jamie Vardy - Nike Hypervenom Phantom II
After wearing blacked-out boots to start the year, Leicester City's Jamie Vardy was back in regular Nike Hypervenom boots this week, hinting at a renewal with Nike.
Kevin-Prince Boateng - Nike Mercurial Superfly IV iD
Via Footy Headlines user Chrolle, Kevin-Prince Boateng laced up in a pair of unique Nike Mercurial Superfly IV iD boots. Boateng opted for his club's red and black colors as a base and rounded off the design with striking yellow brandings and spotted laces.
Aleix Vidal - Nike Mercurial Vapor X
Playing only his third game for the club after a six-month break, Aleix Vidal has already ditched the Nike Mercurial Superfly IV to instead sport the lower-cut Nike Mercurial Vapor X.
Gaetan Krebs - Adidas F50 adizero
With the Bundesliga winter break slowly coming to an end, Bayern München traveled to Karlsruhe this weekend to perfect their form for the business half of the season. It didn't all go as planned, and with Karlsruhe emerging as 2-1 winners, the hosts also provided us with the top boot spot of the day; French midfielder Gaëtan Krebs laced up in a pair of women's-exclusive Adidas F50 adizero boots that were revealed in March 2015. The Lucky Blue / White combination proves a great fit for the striped KSC home kit.
Javier López - Adidas Gloro 16.1
The Adidas Gloro 16.1 was unveiled just over one month ago, following on the first generation of Adidas' current premier leather boot.
Unfortunately, the Gloro continues to barely feature on the feet of any Adidas-sponsored top players. That it wouldn't be a back look at all, especially compared to most Adidas Ace and X colorways released thus far, was proven once again by Chivas midfielder Javier López who chose the "Black / Night Metallic" paint job.
Marouane Chamakh - Adidas X15.1
Crystal Palace forward Marouane Chamakh meanwhile laced up in what appeared to be blackout boots at first sight. Upon closer inspection, Moroccan striker was in fact wearing a black-and-yellow Adidas X15.1 colorway that was released in July. The gigantic Solar Yellow Adidas Performance logo gives it away, kinda.
That he started wearing Adidas boots just before the new year suggests a change of brand is on the cards for the player who had been with Nike (Mercurial Superfly) before.
Wataru Endo - NIKEiD Tiempo Legend VI
On the other side of the world, the AFC U-23 Championship has finally started, meaning that Japan's Wataru Endo got the chance to give his stunning NIKEiD Tiempo Legend VI football boots a runout. May they help him reach the Olympics.
Closer look: Wataru Endo's custom Nike Tiempo Legend VI iD.
Santi Mina - Adidas F50 adizero
The Football Revolution hasn't quite reached Valencia's Santi Mina yet. Once again, the young forward opted for a boot from the discontinued adizero line, choosing the "Black / Solar Green" paint job from February 2015.
Closer look: Black / Solar Green Adidas F50 Adizero.
We hope you enjoying reading through this week's Boot Watch. As always, please let us know if you have another spot or found an error in our work.
