The reveal of the latest Electricity adidas Predator X football boots stirred up some football nostalgia here at the SoccerBible, so we decided to open up the Boot Vault once more to bring you a retrospective look at the original Electricity Football Boots - the adidas Predator Accelerator Liga.
It's been over ten years since the launch of the famous Electricity football boots, and speak to any fan of the Predator range and almost all will put the original near the top of a list of their all time favourites. The release of the modern adidas Predator X football boots in an Electric colourway has brought back a lot of fond memories for boot fans, so we dug out our old pair to give them a 2010 reflection!
You'll be lucky to get your hands on a pair of the Accelerator Liga's today as these ultra colourful Predator versions hit stores back in 1999, around a year later than the Accelerator series was first released to coincide with the 1998 FIFA World Cup.Which has only increased their popularity, and they are now the reserve of collectors and lucky auction site winners!
The adidas Predator Accelerator was the first Predator boot to include asymmetrical loop lacing, combined with redesigned rubber vamps which were less pronounced, so more boot surface area came into contact with the ball. A super soft heel counter and outsole design meant the foot was held more firmly and was able to improve a players movement - thus giving the boot it's Predator name, Accelerator, as players could be quicker around the pitch.
Many Predator fans may wish this boot was still in production, but like all great boots it's time has past and now it makes way for the next generation in footwear. Viewing the two boots side-by-side puts into perspective how adidas have updated the technology, innovation and design of the Predator range.
The adidas Predator X football boots feature the new upper material developed by adidas called Taurus leather. Combining full grain calf leather, for softness and ball feel, while providing a durable and abrasion resistant upper. Although by the looks of the Accelerator, the K leather upper seems to have stood the test of time.
The Pred X Electricity does benefit from a host of performance and technological advancements compared to it's elder brother. The tongue has been removed to reduce the material between the foot and ball, and the new collar gives a more secure fit during movement. The famous adidas Predator element has been redesigned to completely cover the striking zone with a rubber-silicon mix, and to increase shot power the Predator X features the Powerspine sole-plate, to minimise energy loss and transfer maximum shot power directly into the ball.
We don't think in any way that adidas are attempting to replace or topple the Accelerator Liga from its throne, we see the new Electricity Predator X as more of a tribute to one of the all time greats. And we just love opening our Boot Vault to share a boot classic with our fans. So it's a 'well done' to adidas for releasing the new Electricity colourway which we hope also becomes a classic, because it's certainly proving popular with players at the moment.
