When we saw Omar Gonzalez unveil his new LA Galaxy customised adiPower Predators, we couldn't help but think we'd seen those colours on a Predator football boot before, so we went searching in the SoccerBible Boot Vault and came back with some interesting results...
After some searching, we found that the black/yellow adiPower designed by Omar Gonzalez reminded us of these versions of the adidas Predator Absolute football boots. After sorting through the SoccerBible's collection, we then decided why show just one Predator Absolute when we've got a whole collection to showcase!
With over ten incarnations of one of the most popular boot ranges of all time, not surprisingly different versions have cult following, and the Predator Absolute is no different. When in their prime back in 2006, the Predator Absolute could boast David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Kaka, Raul, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard as wearers, and as you can see this was celebrated at the time as each of our colourways are personalised with an iconic star.
It's interesting to look back at previous colours of a particular boot silo, as you start to wonder how much inspiration designers of the latest football boots are taking from the old versions. But it's just great to see the colour palette of a boot range, and we're sure everyone has a particular favourite?
Launched in 2006, the adidas Predator Absolute football boots were the lightest, most accurate and most powerful Predators to be engineered. A more radical design than the Predator Pulse that went before, the Predator Absolute maintained the asymmetrical lacing and kangaroo leather upper, but were further enhanced as adidas incorporated new and unique innovations.
The Predator technology was re-engineered for the Absolute, with strategically positioned 'liquid rubber elements' running down the Power Zone. These offered better ball adhesion to achieve more control, swerve and accuracy, and complimented the rubberised Predator Technology which was more subtle and now formed the adidas three stripes.
Probably the biggest innovation for the Predator Absolute was the exchangeable PowerPulse technology, incorporated into the sockliner, which was developed to deliver the sort of 'sweet spot' science usually found in golf clubs. The PowerPulse could increase ball speed by 5% compared to standard football boots, as the technology shifted the weight and mass of the PowerPulse (40 grams) when striking the ball.
Despite the five year difference, similarities between the Absolute and the adiPower can be seen in design principles. Both delivering ball strike technology through a synthetic Predator element, and generating additional power through an innovative outsole. We now have similarities between the colours, but in reality isn't this always going to be the case? Either way, it's a great excuse for us to show some old favourite football boots, and we'd love to hear which was your favourite colourway...
Stay tuned to the SoccerBible as we reveal even more soccer cleats from the Boot Vault, showcasing the best retro, classic and once forgotten boots and bringing them back to life! As always we'd love to hear your opinions by joining the conversations with the SoccerBible community online, on Twitter and on Facebook.