Adidas’ Predator franchise could easily be argued as the most iconic line of soccer (or football) boots of all-time. Thirty years after the first version of the boot launched in 1994, Adidas is now imagining what the original Predator would look like had made its debut in 2024.
The Predator 24 balances the boot’s core DNA along with modern, lightweight technology in its bid to encourage goal scoring. A ControlFrame 2.0 soleplate and heel are optimized for traction while making dynamic movements, as well as stability when striking the ball. A HybridTouch 2.0 upper then brings a moulded fit with cushioning in key areas, while StrikeSkin rubber fins appear at strike zones for gripping the ball. Rounding out the key features is a PrimeKnit collar that stretches for easy entry without sacrificing security.
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Three versions of the Predator 14 arrive as laced, laceless, or classic laced — that latter of which features a fold over tongue in a bid for nostalgia. The Laceless Elite version of the sneaker weighs just 195kg in a men’s size 8.5, tying it with a limited-edition PredStrike for the franchise’s lightest entry yet.
“The Predator 1994 was the silhouette that started it all, and there is no better way to celebrate 30 years of this game-changing franchise than to revisit its early beginnings,” Sam Handy, Adidas vice preisdent of Product and Design, said in a press release. He went on to describe the Predator 24 as, “A modern-day expression of Predator, with the same eye-catching design DNA that made the original so iconic, and instantly recognizable on the feet of the game’s greatest.”
Star players from the men’s and women’s game that will wear the Predator 24 include Jude Bellingham, Pedri, Alessia Russo, and Kaddidiatu Diani.
For the Predator 24’s debut colorway, the franchise’s signature black, white, and red palette sees neon yellow added as a declaration of its own place in Adidas’ history of boots.
The Adidas Predator 24 is out now on the brand’s website, with a price range of $95 to $260 for different iterations of the boot.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
