After the extravagant launch, numerous promotional campaigns and high profile player endorsements, the Predator adiPower season truly begins now! With a full season in its sights, the revolutionised adidas Predator adiPower is ready to attack the 11/12 season in true Predator style.
With all of the changes made, will the modernised adiPower Predator remain the 'go-to' boot for players of all levels across the world? We thought it was time to deliver our SoccerBible verdict on the new adidas Predator adiPower. Take a look and share your thoughts online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
With our size 9 adiPower's in hand, we were desperate to see just what adidas' statement boot had to offer. Fresh out of the box, we expected the adiPower's to feel a little tight from the start – much like previous Predator editions. After some short running exercises and drills, the boots became really comfortable, with the soft leather providing a very responsive stretch to the shape of your foot.
It wasn't long before the adiPower Predator really came into its own. The forefoot and mid-foot material softened up impressively fast, with the Taurus upper allowing plenty of give and support to the arch. After just 20 minutes into the play test the boots had loosened up, becoming super comfortable – a significant improvement from the Predator X.
As the exercise went on, the toe area provided an increased amount of room – an ideal scenario for those with medium to wide feet, but a potential issue for narrow footed players. Combine this with the narrow sole-plate and mid-sole region and you will find it difficult to achieve a snug fit if you have narrow feet!
The asymmetrical lacing system offered a superb amount of flexing on the top of the mid-foot. Compared to the very rigid feel of the Pred X, the adiPower Predator provides significantly less pressure on the top of the foot and the perfect amount of flexibility throughout the entire shoe. Every issue regarding fit from the Pred X has been addressed by adidas, resulting in arguably the most comfortable Predator yet.
By this time, the significant weight difference of the new adiPower was impressing us. If you haven't held or played in the adiPower, just believe us when we say this is an staggeringly light boot! What's most impressive about the weight is that adidas have been able to combine it with a boot that still feels like a true Pred. The adidas adiPower is a super lightweight boot with the trusted security of a traditional Predator.
There was minimal stud pressure throughout the entire exercise. The new Sprint-Frame will take a little longer to break in, but is well worth the short time period for the dramatic weight loss. The boot reacted differently to sharp movements and turns as the test went on, but soon felt comfortable enough to be pushed to the max. As we previously explained initial stiffness can be expected, but before you know it they will be contoured to your feet and ready for action!
One of the major innovations with the new adidas adiPower is the re-structured Predator Element. Importantly, the new design is thinner and more refined this time around, but with all the added ball contact benefits you would expect. Every shot we executed had noticeable amounts of added power, with the raised grooves acting like rebound springs for the ball. The Pred Element is extremely flexible, while the hexagonal pods offer assured contact for effective swerve.
Another great addition to the adiPower Predator that shouldn't go unmentioned is the new heel lining. The hexagonal inlay with Nubuck touch material keeps your ankle securely comfortable, offering a soft padded feel. The newly designed tongue is now far more adjustable than the Predator X, that often provided unnecessary discomfort.
The shape of the new adidas adiPower is far truer than former Predator's. Length wise, the adiPower boots fit true to size – so a normal size 9 now means an adiPower size 9! Throughout the test, there were no signs of major tear, with the boot holding up superbly. A number of SoccerBible recruits have selected the adiPower as their weapon of choice for this season and can't wait to get started!
