Today is Resurrection Wednesday. For today adidas Football revives an icon that was laid to rest in 2015 and has been mourned ever since. Pound for pound the most innovative football boot of all time is reborn, reimagined and released. The adidas Predator is back.
A boot with such status and such magnitude was never going to rest easy. The Three Stripes have been twitching since the ACE Purecontrol replaced the Predator in 2015 – limited edition colourways and celebratory remakes have filled the void, as well proving that the Predator was always on the mind of those at adidas HQ. The one they couldn't say goodbye to. The one they'd drunk search google images of after a heavy night on the town. The one they couldn't let go of – and now they don't have to.
It was a break up that saw adidas fall for the ACE Purecontrol series. A move the shocked players worldwide, but a move that has shaped the way the Predator 18+ looks today. The ACE taught adidas a few new moves, and now the Predator is reaping the rewards. The ACE had a relatively short life-span but it was influential in laying the foundation for laceless design. It's served its purpose and paved the way for the almost inevitable return of the Predator.
The boot. What's the adidas Predator 18+ all about? The first hi-collared Predator launches as part of new 'Skystalker Pack' which will be joined by colour updates of the X and Nemeziz silos in the coming days. The adidas Predator 18+ itself takes inspiration from iconic Predator models while being brought up to date through modern tooling and innovation.
The adidas Predator 18+ features a black, red and gold colourway and includes an updated Primeknit SOCKFIT COLLAR, engineered to naturally expand to the foot's shape while ensuring a supportive fit. The red shines through when the collar is expanded, and the white stripes reflect light for a further visual display. The Primeknit material includes a layer of CONTROLSKIN for optimal grip in any condition alongside an ANATOMICAL UPPER which mimics the heel's shape to provide ultimate lockdown.
Ridges are tactically incorporated into the CONTROLSKIN to act as that trademark shooting and passing tech that the Predator is famous for. This technology isn't as aesthetically prominent as the Predators of old, but this isn't a Predator of old. It's very much the next-generation.
A PURECUT LACELESS system ensures maximum surface control while a FORGED KNIT integrated midfoot support structure creates medial and lateral stability to support complex movements. An updated CONTROLFRAME with high performance polyamide layers is designed to stabilise movement and a new hybrid stud tip configuration amplifies rotation and traction. A full length BOOST midsole is included to provide energy return with each step.
A lot to take in, right? The DNA of the Predator is still on show but the Predator 18+ has an identity of football's future. Iconic boots make iconic moments and it's down to the next generation of Predator players to write a new testament for the silo. Step forward the likes of Dele Alli, Paul Pogba, Ivan Rakitic and Mesut Özil, all of whom will switch into the Predator 18+ this week as adidas make the first big move of their 2018 World Cup plans.
Pick up the adidas Predator 18+ from prodirectsoccer.com
