Creative Soccer Culture

adidas Predator LZ SL Football Boots - Black/Silver/Infrared

adidas Predator LZ SL Football Boots - Black/Silver/Infrared

The new Predator LZ has been given the SL treatment by adidas. After revealing three colourways on the standard issues adidas have now dropped a superlight version of their Predator wrapped up in a strong looking Black/Silver Infrared colour combo that weighs just 199g.

If you hadn't figured it out yet SL simply stands for super light - adidas have stripped back the Predator LZ to create an even lighter boot than the standard editions. The splashes of colour look insanely sharp on the black backdrop to create a stealth like boot that looks as if it's been plucked out of the footballing future.





All measures have been taken to keep the weight down to a minimum on the Predator LZ SL. The SL features the same sprint frame sole plate as the f50 adizero rather than the soleplate of the normal LZ which doesn't wrap around the heel.





The lethal zone technology hasn't been sacrificed on the SL - as on the standard editions adidas have re-engineered them with a new geometric rubber design to make these the most lethal Predator SL football boots yet. The geometry, shape, height and thickness of each zone was determined by the requirements of players.

The SL rubber has been wielded directly on to the ultra-thin SprintSkin upper to almost create a boot that feels like an f50 but has the technology of the Predator. adidas have minimised the amount of layers giving the Predator LZ SL unrivalled ball feel.






Another area where adidas have kept weight down is on the tongue, the SL has been issued with a tongue similar to the f50, it's slim and lightweight compared to the more padded tongue on the standard Predator. These modifications to the outside of the boot are to offer the lightest platform for the Predator without jeopardising comfort and inside the SL you'll find the same comfort in that of the original Pred.





For improved passing with the outside of the foot, adidas have increased the surface area of the 'Dribble' zone from the first LZ model by 80% while the addition of SL rubber from memory foam increases the precision of the 'Control and Pass' zone. The 3D 'Drive' zone has been enlarged by 28% to offer a larger, more aggressive kicking area on the instep. All these changes also feature on the standard Pred LZ as well as the SL.





This isn't the first time we've seen SL versions on the Predator, last season adidas dropped four SL colourways on their boot. The SL didn't receive much on pitch time from the pros, in the Premier League only Brad Friedel was a regular wearer of them in the Spurs goal.

A top looking boot and an ideal choice for players looking for a lighter alternative of the Pred but without losing the lethal zones technology, they will however set you back on average an extra £60 than the standard Predators.






The Black/Silver/Infrared adidas Predator LZ SL is available now from selected stockists including Pro-Direct Soccer. Let us know what you think online, on Twitter and on Facebook.

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