Lorenzo Insigne has provided the clearest look yet at the next generation adidas Predator 20 series as the Italy forward trained with the national team this week. We've already seen the Predator 20+ and mid-collared Predator 20.1 on training grounds in recent weeks but Insigne's design indicates that adidas are set to release a lo-cut top-tier boot to the Predator collection.
That will no doubt be a welcomed addition to the collection as many Predator enthusiasts have been keen to benefit from the modern Pred's upper technology without having to switch into a collared boot. Consider this move a step back to the original Predator silhouette, albeit using the most advanced innovation that the Three Stripes can apply to football boots.
The new-generation Predator features the most dramatic overhaul since the series returned back in 2017. There's a heavy emphasis on ball control tech on the toe box and striking zones as a rugged-ridged design brings the touch, while a smoother material is then fused to the mid-foot. The Predator 20.1 also features a brand new soleplate with a split design to presumably allow for better flexibility and movement.
Don't expect an imminent release just yet, as the name suggests the Predator 20+ will be launched for the new year and will headline the adidas collection moving into EURO 2020 territory. The Three Stripes do have a tendency to save landmark releases for the end of the year so it wouldn't be unrealistic to see the Predator 20+ in all its glory sometime before we tick into the new decade.
Insigne isn't the first player to slip into the blacked-out boot; adidas are well into the testing phase of the new-generation silo and have already dished out the laceless design to Arsenal's Matteo Guendouzi and Juventus' Rodrigo Bentancur, while Insigne's Italy teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma has also been training in the Predator 20.1 mid-cut edition (below) this week.
So it looks like adidas will launch the Predator 20 series with a choice of three top tiered choices: the laceless Predator 20+, laced mid-cut Predator 20.1, and laced lo-cut Predator 20.1. After a couple of years of mid-cut only designs it'll be interesting to see how many players revert to a lo-cut design which will undoubtably lend itself nicely to that throwback Predator vibe. Expect big things for EURO 2020 from the Three Stripes.
Stay tuned for more on the adidas Predator 20 football boots...
