Boot Watch #018 | International Duties Bring Diverse Spotting
Jun 18, 2017, by Chris
We are back with a fresh new kickstart to our Boot Watch series, and just in time for Summer 2017's International events. With countries from far and wide preparing themselves for friendlies or qualifiers, the amount of interesting boot spots are at an all time high. Only so many can make our list today, let's see what they are.
Cristiano Ronaldo | Mercurial Superfly V CR7 CAMPEÕES
The man who's on top of his game at the moment has once again rolled out in custom wheels. Nike saw fit to gift their star man with another limited edition non-retail release of the Superfly, this one embodies the Country for which CR7 captains and after the season he's had, he actually deserves them. Much like every other Superfly Ronaldo has worn, the dynamic fit collar has been made to his specific standards (shorter than the retail versions), and the studs are his preferred SG-Pro variation.
Benjamin Henrichs | Adidas Glitch
Germany's defender is one of only a handful of professionals sporting the highly limited interchangeable boot silo from Adidas. Taking a bright perspective, Henrichs slipped on one of the Mirage Editions of the Glitch which provides an AgilityKnit forefoot. Yes, the same synthetic that was applied to the now discontinued Messi 16.1 and 16+ boots.
Paul Pogba | Adidas Ace 17+ PureControl Dust Storm
That's right Paul, We saw you. As the French and English International teams collided in what was a very exciting friendly, the usual big name players rolled onto the pitch sporting their usual footwear. However there seems to be something unusual about the particular boots Pogba slipped on... a very cheeky customization by the frenchman showed the neon yellow Adidas stripes being blacked out. Split black and white Purecontrols? Now that's something I'd fight for.
Francesco La Manna | Adidas World Cup
It's always interesting to see what the youth are lacing up on their feet, and it's even more interesting when they lace up in something way older than them. Young Francesco of the Juventus U15 team took us back to a simpler time in the football boot world with a 6-stud World Cup boots. Classier than this is pretty hard to find, well done Francesco.
Paolo Dybala | Adidas X17+ PureSpeed Blackout
This spotting actually makes me very happy. The moment Dybala had stepped into a pair of blackout Superfly V's months ago, I wanted him with Adidas. Now, seeing him in a blacked out pair of X17's makes me incredibly happy. Hopefully the deal goes through and Dybala can add an extra stripe to his forearm tattoo, he'd be an amazing addition to Adidas' roster of players.
Tim Cahill | New Balance Visaro 2
I always loved Tim Cahill, especially to see what boots he's wearing. From his days in Warrior boots, to his recent time in the Visaro line from New Balance. However much like all the other NB players, he seems to have opted for a modified version of the boot. Looks like only the soleplate has been swapped but doubt that's all. Honestly thought he'd be in the Furon rather than the Visaro... anyways the launch colorway of the second generation Visaro is still being used because unlike the other brands, NB doesn't constantly release new colors every month, not a bad thing if you ask me.
Nicolae Stanciu | Modified Nike Superfly IV
Like a lot of other players, this man had the courage to break his warranty with Nike. Taking scissors to the boots and ridding them of their dynamic fit collar has been pretty common, I guess Nike realized that when they got to their Hypervenom III. Goes to show that the ankle collar isn't what everyone thought it would be.
James Rodriguez | Adidas X17+ PureSpeed
So much talent here, besides his boots I truly hope James doesn't stay on Madrid's bench next season. His boots, like usual, are the latest and greatest from Adidas. Opting for the somewhat laceless X17 PureSpeed, James is still leading Colombia and can yet again surprise us all this upcoming World Cup.
Ronaldo | Nike Mercurial Vapor XI
Charity matches! My favorite place for boot spottings. I can go on and on about every single player there but I definitely had to squeeze in the legendary and original Ronaldo. Sporting a fresh pair of Vapors like in the good ol' days, his waist line may have changed but his choice of boots has not.
Martin Valjent | NikeID Mercurial Superfly V
As the Under-21 UEFA European Championships take place, a wide variety of boots have been spotted on the future stars of Europe. Poland's team is no exception, a handful of them recieved their very own custom NikeID boots to match their white and red kits. Beautiful touch from Nike and something Adidas should probably have gone for as well.
Dmitry Poloz | Adidas X17+ PureSpeed Confederations Cup
The opening game at the Russia 2017 Confederations World cup also took place recently, and just like any other major tournament, there are some nifty spots. This one is certainly a beautiful one, Russia's Poloz is see sporting the brand new X17 colorway by Adidas made specifically for the Confed cup. Goes well with that kit too.
Fernando Morientes | Adidas AdiPower Predator
Here's a gorgeous football boot. Between amazing performance, legendary status and modern technology, the AdiPower remains one of my all time favorite Predators. This man knows his boots and definitely earned the last spot in this weeks boot watch.
Hope you enjoyed the new boot watch, please let us know if you have another spot or found error in our work.
No More Tolledo: ASA de Arapiraca Announce Junpe Kit Deal
Brazilian side Agremiação Sportiva Arapiraquense (ASA) has officially announced a new technical partnership with sportswear brand Junpe Uniformes. The deal will see the São Paulo-based company take over as the club's official kit supplier starting with the 2027 season, replacing previous manufacturer Tolledo Sports.
The partnership marks another significant expansion for Junpe across Brazilian football. Founded in 2018 in Bernardino de Campos, the manufacturer has quickly built a strong presence in the domestic market, providing kits for roughly thirty clubs, including Alagoas rivals CSA as well as teams such as Brusque, São Bento, and Santo André.
ASA and Junpe are expected to present the club's new match kit and training collection ahead of the 2027 campaign, in which the Alvinegro will compete in the Campeonato Alagoano and national tournaments.
Virgil van Dijk Fronts High-Tech Nike x Hyperice Air Zoom Hyperslide
Nike and wellness technology brand Hyperice have officially launched their newest collaborative innovation, the Nike Air Zoom Hyperslide. Fronted by Liverpool captain and Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk, the high-tech slide is engineered to bring professional-grade post-match recovery into an effortless everyday silhouette. The release represents the second major chapter in the Nike x Hyperice partnership following their high-top Hyperboot debut.
The slide integrates Hyperice's heat and massage therapy directly across the bridge of the foot using a removable, magnetic Hyperslide Pod housed inside an adjustable strap. The pod provides three adjustable heat levels reaching up to 47°C (117°F) alongside three targeted vibration settings designed to ease foot tension and boost circulation in 15-minute cycles. Underfoot, Nike supplies a low-profile, full-length Air Zoom unit to ensure high-end impact cushioning, with settings easily adjusted through on-device buttons or the companion Hyperice mobile app.
Designed for travel and post-training downtime, the slides are TSA carry-on friendly and offer up to an hour of battery life via USB-C recharging. The Nike x Hyperice Air Zoom Hyperslide is available in both Black and Orewood Brown colorways for $249 via Nike, Hyperice, and select global stockists.
Arka Gdynia 26-27 Third Kit Released - Celebrating 100 Years of Gdynia
Polish club Arka Gdynia and technical partner Macron have officially launched the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. The special jersey has been created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Gdynia receiving city rights in 1926, paying homage to the city's rich maritime history and coastal identity.
The Macron Arka Gdynia 26-27 third jersey features a sandy beige base color inspired by the Baltic beaches and the city's centenary celebrations. Across the front panel is a tonal sublimated street map of Gdynia, referencing the city's famous concept of being built from sea and dreams. Contrast detailing arrives in dark brown on the sponsor prints and Macron branding, while the ribbed crew collar and sleeve cuffs are finished with brown, white, and yellow striping.
Several bespoke elements are incorporated into the design, highlighted by the exact geographical coordinates of the club's municipal stadium embroidered in gold thread on the upper back. The left sleeve displays a stylized 100 Gdynia anniversary badge, and custom neck tape carries a dedicated club motto inside the collar. The kit completes Arka's 26-27 match collection alongside the home and away jerseys released earlier this summer.
Mantova 1911 26-27 Third Kit Released
Italian Serie B club Mantova 1911 and Adidas have officially unveiled their new third kit for the 26-27 season. Dubbed the "LOTO" jersey, the design is deeply rooted in local natural history, drawing direct inspiration from the lotus flowers that were introduced to the Mincio River and Lago Superiore in the 1920s and have since become a defining spectacle of the city.
The Adidas Mantova 1911 26-27 third jersey combines a dark base with brushstroke-like textured graphic patterns in shades of blue across the torso, evoking the flowing waters around Mantua. Traditional club identity is maintained through red and white trim on the crew-neck collar and sleeve cuffs. The Adidas three-stripe performance emblem appears in white on the right chest, placed opposite Mantova's classic crest.
The new jersey completes the club's matchwear collection for the 26-27 campaign alongside their clean white home and red away kits, delivering a distinct, nature-inspired alternative look on the pitch.
Punjab FC 26-27 Third Kit Released
Indian Super League side Punjab FC have officially revealed their new third kit for the 26-27 season, crafted by domestic kit partner Shiv-Naresh. The new release completes the club's wardrobe alongside their previously launched home and away strips.
The Shiv-Naresh Punjab FC 26-27 third jersey introduces a clean white base paired with vibrant orange accents on the round crewneck collar and sleeve cuffs. What sets the design apart is the rich orange floral artwork placed along the lower flanks and running across the sleeves, celebrating traditional Punjabi artistic heritage. A subtle all-over tonal pattern runs across the fabric, adding extra texture beneath the surface.
The shirt is finished with the black Shiv-Naresh panther logo on the right chest, the full-color Punjab FC crest on the left, and dafaNEWS branding placed in the center.
Fleetwood Town Unveil Commemorative Puma Shirt for Arsenal Carabao Cup Tie
Fleetwood Town have unveiled a special commemorative Puma home shirt to celebrate their upcoming League Cup fourth-round clash against Premier League giants Arsenal. The Cod Army secured their place in the last 16 following an impressive cup run featuring clean-sheet home victories over Chesterfield, Shrewsbury Town, and Sheffield United. The historic tie is scheduled to be played at Fleetwood's own Highbury Stadium on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
Manufactured by Puma, the special edition 26-27 kit builds on Fleetwood's traditional look with a red body, contrasting white sleeves, and black-and-white detailing along the collar and cuffs. The standout addition is the embroidered match inscription placed neatly on the chest between the Fleetwood Town crest and the Puma cat logo, detailing the fixture, tournament round, venue, and date, sitting directly above the Ruby Energy main sponsor.
The shirt is the centerpiece of a broader official commemorative merchandise range released by the club for the occasion, which also includes a bespoke matchday programme, souvenir ticket, and commemorative scarf. Available in limited quantities, the jersey has been launched for pre-order through the club's online store priced at £70 for adult sizes and £60 for juniors.
Nike "Joga Bonito" React Gato & Streetgato Boots Released
Nike has introduced Brazilian-inspired "Joga Bonito" editions for the React Gato and Streetgato, paying homage to the brand's iconic 2006 campaign. The lifestyle and small-sided Streetgato arrives in a vibrant canary yellow upper with white accents and a classic gum outsole, while the indoor-focused React Gato is dressed in royal blue with silver detailing and embroidered "Joga" branding on the heel tab. Both models feature soft synthetic leather across the forefoot for an enhanced touch, combining heritage flair with modern court performance and React cushioning.
PSG to Wear Special Pink October Kit Against Lyon
Paris Saint-Germain and main sponsor Qatar Airways have unveiled their fifth consecutive Pink October initiative to support breast cancer awareness and patient care. For the campaign, PSG's 26-27 home kit features the iconic pink ribbon placed underneath the Qatar Airways logo, complete with a pink gradient effect and matching pink player names and numbers on the back. The men's squad will wear the special shirt during their Ligue 1 clash against Olympique Lyonnais on October 25 at the Parc des Princes, following appearances by the women's team against OL Lyonnes on October 17 and the handball side on October 10. Match-worn shirts from these fixtures will be auctioned off to raise funds for the AP-HP Sorbonne Université hospital network.
In-House FC Barcelona 92-95 Remake Kit Released
FC Barcelona has officially launched a brand new retro collection paying homage to one of the most celebrated eras in club history: the 1992-1995 Dream Team period. Fronted by first-team stars Pedri, Gavi, and Raphinha, the release takes heavy inspiration from the classic home kit worn under legendary manager Johan Cruyff during an era defined by domestic dominance and European glory.
The centerpiece of the capsule is the 1992-95 retro shirt, which recreates the aesthetic of the iconic 1990s Kappa design without Kappa logos. It features traditional wide blaugrana vertical stripes, an authentic spread polo collar, and an all-over tonal jacquard pattern woven into the fabric. As an in-house club production rather than an official Kappa reissue, the original manufacturer branding and sleeve tape have been replaced with a stylish cursive "Barça" script on the chest and repeated along the sleeves.
Complementing the jersey, the retro capsule also includes matching blue shorts with branded side striping, an 1899 striped knitted sweater, and period-inspired socks, alongside optional #10 printing on the back of the shirt.
The Barcelona 1992-95 retro collection is available now exclusively through the official Barça online store and physical club shops, with the flagship shirt priced at €69.99.