It’s been fascinating to read the comments which have come in since we revealed the first official images of the adidas Predator_X football boot.
It seems they fall in to two categories – there’s the “Oh my God, what have they done to a once great looking boot” contingent and then there are the “hats off to adidas, a brilliant job” supporters.
Of course, most are having to go on looks alone. Even with possession of all the technical data, there’s no substitute for getting a pair of boots on your feet and trying them out for yourself. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing at Footy Boots for the past couple of weeks – putting the Predator X through its paces.
So, have adidas come up with a winner or have they created the DeLorean of the football boot world? In my view, there’s no doubt – the Predator X is a belter.
Comfort / Fit
Some things just feel right from day one and the Predator X is very much part of that category. I was trying a pair in size 8.5 and whilst the boots were ‘off the shelf’ they felt like they had been made bespoke.
The Predator X is one of the most comfortable boots I’ve tried on in many a long year. To simulate the feeling, imagine your Grandad pulling on his faithful old slippers that he bought for 10 shillings and a coupon out of the Daily Mail circa 1970! I first wore these for practice on a pretty hard surface but encountered no blistering what so ever. That’s still true 3 games in.
From the first time you lace the Predator X up, the innersole moulds itself to the foot which, when aligned with the Thermoform technology, produced an incredibly comfortable fit.
Some Predator purists will doubtless bemoan the lack of a fold over tongue but personally, with the asymmetrical lacing / wrap around collar, I felt the fit was snugger than ever.
Durability
For the Predator_X, adidas have come up with Taurus calf leather which is super soft but also boasts impressive water proof and anti-abrasive qualities. Indeed, it’s so soft that it’s possible that protection levels maybe a little lower than in previous models. Though, having not been stamped on yet I couldn’t say for certain.
As with almost all adidas boots, they are well ‘put together’ and while only time will tell, I’m not expecting them to start falling apart any time soon.
Feel
With the Predator X, adidas were keen to try and get the players foot as close to the ball as possible.
New Opitfit technology achieves that by bringing the upper materials in all areas as close as possible to the top of the foot. It seems to work too. OK, we’re not talking barefoot, beach soccer here but if you feel the need to run at pace with the ball under close control, the Predator X will give you the confidence to do so. Equally, if you’d rather knock the ball off to a team mate, you’ll get a great touch when doing so.
The new kicking zone of the football boot, which is a rugged but lightweight mix of rubber and silicon, is interesting. It looks and feels pretty similar to the material on pimpled table tennis bats and when you strike the ball cleanly on this zone you certainly feel like you’re getting a bit of grip on the ball.
The grip clearly will help enable spin and swerve and, as adidas claims, it does seem to be pretty effective when wet as well as dry. The downside for me is the positioning of the Predator element. If I am striking the ball with my body over the ball, like in a deadball situation, I regularly strike on the zone. However most of the time during open play I’m not making contact with the Predator element, so it gets minimal usage.
Swerve Lab Test
ConclusionI can understand some people’s initial concern with the aesthetics of the Predator X. It does have the look of a football boot which draws its inspiration from previous versions rather than standing out as a brand new model. But the more I look at it, the more it grows on me and any concerns you may have will vanish when you get the boots on your feet.
They are supremely comfortable and seem to be true to size. The new technology has purpose and succeeds where it needs to. The mantra of the Predator – power, swerve and control – has been adhered to and you certainly can’t accuse the boots of being gimmicky.
I suppose it could be argued that they could be a touch lighter and at £135 they are not cheap. But then, quality rarely is. And these boots are quality.
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October 27th, 2009 at 9:02 am
i hated the look at first, but i think it is not that bad
October 27th, 2009 at 9:25 am
The best predator is predator Mania.
Adidas should re-make it rather than launch the X predator.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:29 am
1. I like how they fit like a sock with your foot so close to the ball.
But - predator concept is the “curve” you can put on the ball with this element so high up how are you meant to do this?? like said.. I was also so dissapointed to see the boot so old looking.. Yet at a price increase im sorry but Im dissapointed and have loved the last 3 versions of this boot..
Miss for me :((((((
October 27th, 2009 at 10:13 am
I might be among a small contingent but I beleive the look of the boot doesn’t matter one bit. We are going to be playing with them, not modeling. All that is important is what features the boot has, how comfortable it is and how durable it is. Once a boot delivers in these three categories it is a good boot and I think the predator X delivers.
I would get these but they are out of my price range. The CTR 360 is more affordable but I might consider the entry level trustrike if it has good features. I’m looking forward to seeing the proffesionals use this boot in the coming months. Nice colourways will be coming out and I have no doubt my favourite players will perform well in this boot because it hasn’t skimped on features.
October 27th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Interesting review Andy. What did you make of the traction as I notice you had the blades for the test?
October 27th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Great review, i wasnt to sure on these boots but now im starting to really consider getting myself a pair.
October 27th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Like I said in the release post…I want them but I have 2 pairs of boots I cant afford to splurge 200 dollars on these.
I love the powerspine not so much for the power but for the added stability.
October 27th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Unfortunately, I think that adidas have made a mistake with these boots. They have almost become predapures (adipures + predators) and if you look at what the adipure 3 is going to be you will see what I mean. Both the predator X and the adipure 3 look very old fashioned. I have adioure 2’s now and my next pair of boots are unlikely to be adidas unfortunately as for the past few seasons I have had adidas boots. It is a shame but I do take the aesthetics of a boot into account because over £100 of my own pocket money is a lot to spend on a boot that doesnt look great in my opinion. If my parents decide to buy me a pair of football boots then I may decide to go for these but at the moment it looks like puma will get my cash as I really like the look of the V1.10s or Nike as I like the Maestris. Sorry adidas but this just doesnt cut it for me.
October 27th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I have to totally agree with Hugh (except about the v.1.10s, they’re horrible), the upcoming Adipure and especially this new Predator boot really do look like they were designed in the times of Miami Vice, there’s definitely a strong 1980’s look. Altough I have to admit that these Predators look better in these pictures where they are in action than what they did in the promo pics.
October 27th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
they are alright yy bring out boots like that look so awful the normal black and red preditors were much better
October 27th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
id be more towards puma as the pred x looks a bit too much form over function. the boots i have are the puma v1 06 fg k leather which have been great tho i rarely have time to play football as its more roadie cycling i do.
in my opinion the best boots i have ever seen and i wish i had bought them was the Pantofola d’Oro Lazzarini boots. tho probably some will find the pred x suits them.
October 27th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I agree with you almost completely Kuuku. At first I thought these were ugly but they are starting to grow on me and they certainly look much better in action than they do when they’re not.
I’m not at all looking forward to the Adipure III’s though because they don’t look so good and I feel that they will ruin the range. However when they come out it means I’ll be able to buy a fresh pair of Adipure II’s on the cheap…
haha
October 27th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
what are you people talking about?? these boots are awesome!!!
October 27th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
I think that adidas tried to make the Predator_x into a slick and futuristic boot. It looks very simple, like an adiPure with Predator colours. The Swerve zone looks like rubbery carbon fibre .Even though i will never get to try it out, i think that this is a good predator. Designed to be slick and bold. I love the fact that there is none of that power ellement which just looked to be extra weight on your foot and there to make you slow.
October 27th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
do they remind any one else of the under-armour dominate???
i have always been a bigger fan of T90s to be honest.
but i like the look of these new preds. might have to give them a shot!
October 27th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
haha 3rd that comment! and fifinho you read my mind
October 27th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
i’ve been won over by adidas since i bought my powerswerves on sale a few months ago. but since i just got those boots, i don’t think i’ll be buying these any time soon.
curious about the spine. i’m thinking it’s a gimmick. the youtube clip showing how the spine works shows how a bare foot flexes on contact with the ball. so, duh, a spine increases rigidity vs. bare feet… but what about vs. other boots?
i don’t mind the aesthetics. they don’t look terrible, but i’m not too excited about either of the color schemes for the initial release.
October 27th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I must just make a habit of commenting on this site:
As always, these articles/boot tests are the most brilliant part of this blog. I love them (I think we ALL do). You could not be more right. If you were to blindfold me and have me slip on a pair of these, I’d like them so much that I’d shower in them. They are THAT comfortable. I bought them yesterday at my local store. These boots are the greatest feeling and fitting boots ever created.
Having said that - boy are they hideous. Look, I see the whole “they were trying to draw inspiration from previous Predator generations. They were trying something new…” Well, to those purists I say, “try again.” These shoes look (again, purely from an aesthetic perspective) like someone glued together old parts of rubber and leather. To be sincere, since the release of the Predator Mania (greatest looking boots ever - no f’n question about it) and the Predator Pulse, adidas have gradually lost touch with the simple cuts, outlines and angles of those designs that were loved by so many.
Great article. I wish the boots were better looking, that’s all.
October 27th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
P.S: The predators used in the “Powerspine” test video are ridiculously hot! If Adidas were to release these boots in an all-black version, my god… hold on to your hats, people.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
any negative comments thrown towards this shoes could only mean one thing:
that guy haven’t tried on this baby
October 27th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I also hated the look of this boot when it first came out, but got to admit the inside look of the boot looks quite nice actually. Still not to keen on the outside.
As for comfort if this boots is as comfy as the powerswerves then I will probs get a pair
October 27th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
The description makes me think of CTR360, anyone care to share whether this is valid or not? And looks aside, which one performs better?
Honestly, I didnt like the 360 when i saw the photos but the more i look at them, touch them and feel them, the more tempted I am to try them… ie buy!
So wondering if its the same with the new preds…
and can I say… dont the CTR360 and PredX colourways look similar???? WASSUP???
October 27th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
As far as power boots are concerned, I don’t think Adidas is going to be able to keep up with the Laser III from Nike. Sure you will have your hardcore pred wearers who wouldn’t wear anything else, which is understandable. However when looking at players who want a good power boot (pred vs. laser), I think many will choose the laser. Nike has far better colorways, and the technology is quite similar. I’m not saying that the pred X is a bad boot (haven’t tried it), but I think they are gonna be in tough with the release of the Laser III and the Maestri. I think Nike is gonna take over. Only time will tell.
October 27th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
People who look at the colour and design of the boots are pussies. They are interested in looking nice not playing football. That’s why preds are nice football boots and lasers a good looking piece of you know what.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
They actually remind me a LOT of the Reebok Valde. Power spine vs Power Unit. The same rubber/latex on the instep. Just different colours, design and studs.
It’s a very comfortable boot. I do very much like them I just now wonder what the difference between the Predator X and the new Absolion is. They are also Taurus Full grain calf leather, and have the rubber/latex. I just don’t see the power spine.
I just don’t see what the C$100 (£50) difference is.
Would you happen to know?
October 27th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
at the end of the day unless you are wearing clogs or something the boots wont make that much difference when it comes to curling or power, there is no substitute for skill so clearly aesthetics do matter because other than comfort the boot wont make that big a difference on skill level so looks cant be ignored and these boots look horrible they look more like f50s to me majorly lacking the iconic tongue which is the sole reason a lot of people i know get these boots, it is clear adidas have gone for an old school look and have failed i just cant get past how ugly this latest version is disappointment.
October 27th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
that looks awesome i have gotten predtaors for a LONG time! the are amazing boots
October 27th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Tony V, the Laser III isn’t even out yet, and I’m assuming only a small number of folks (besides players) have even tested them. So I think it’s unfair to predict how the Predator X will do against the Laser III and to say that most players will choose Nike’s power boot.
As far as colorways are concerned, let’s wait until Adidas releases more colorways of the Predator X too. Think how many colorways and versions of the PowerSwerves were available. I’m sure we’ll see the same thing with these.
October 27th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
i take my comment back on the ugliness of the boot. looking good is a psychological issue. but when these boots come in a whiter edition, i’d consider buying them when my second adipure 2’s are done with…well done adidas, u continue to push nike off the shelf
October 27th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
i think the boots look awesome, but i think it would be better if the stripes ran all the way under and around the boot rather than just on the outside and the inside.
October 28th, 2009 at 1:33 am
I have no idea what you guys are talking (complaining) about, I think they look great. I must say I have to agree with Laser that a football boot should be all about functionality, however if you wanna look at it from a fashion point of view, 80’s inspired Designs are IN.
With that said, I’m pretty sure this is my next boot, loved the Preds 2 generations back, and hated the last one, but if these are as comfortable as ppl say, I can’t wait. so, yeah, HA!
October 28th, 2009 at 4:38 am
Are They Wide???
October 28th, 2009 at 4:39 am
comfortable? good. but look at the ugly ball, please use a decent one.
October 28th, 2009 at 4:40 am
are they wide
October 28th, 2009 at 6:49 am
wow, so many info about this predattore, and im gettin used to this boot hahahaa, publicity
well, ths is the same than the ctr360 and the nike boot is cheaper
October 28th, 2009 at 8:47 am
These boots just appeal to everything I look for in a boot. They are talked of as insanely comfortable, I absolutely dig the wrap around tongue rather than the fold over and the impact area just looks brilliant. I cannot see anything wrong with these boots apart from the colours I guess. I’m a zippy player and I would have liked these boots to be a bit lighter, but they appeal to me on so many other levels that I have to get them. The aesthetics definitely don’t bother me, and from prior experience, I know the footy boots crowd can be quite a harsh judge (remember the very popular Vapor lll cactus colourway that got lambasted on here and turned out to be a favourite?). A nice colour and I’m set.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
these boots look terrible by themselves , but they look actually quite nice on foot and sorta like absolutes , but they also look very durable and comfy , and for all you haters out their , these are better than most boots , not to gimmicky but quite simple yet powerful , i think adidas got the right vision for it , i think the only think lacking is the outside of the boot , it looks like a strange fabric , they should have put the stripes in
red and the background of the stripes in black , that would have made this boot much more attractive , either that or a black/gold colourway like the adipure 2
October 28th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
WHAT HAVE ADIDAS DONE!!! this is the worst decision since they changed the original f50 to the f50 tunits with the see through back. theyve just ruined the classic predator to some ugly contraption. i think ill stick to the nike tiempos this year after looking forward to the new preds this is a shocker adidas!!!!!
October 28th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Quite right. But the price is a sticking point. If I didn’t have to worry about price I would definitely get these.
October 28th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
the word horrid fits the look of these boots
October 29th, 2009 at 9:36 am
does anyone find that wearing predators actually makes any difference? does it really help swerve the ball?
the powerspine looks quite silly. sure a bare foot flexes a lot, but the sole on a vapor for example is really hard, so that probably doesnt flex much at all.
i’m a nike wearer but am considering the switch to adidas. but i struggle to find any real technology which convinces me adidas are making a serious attempt to improve my game.
at least with nike, they have real scientific theories behind their gimmicks so it sounds like it might actually work.
October 29th, 2009 at 9:52 am
How would you say the Leather on these boots compares to the adiPure’s or the Predator Powerswerves?
I noticed it said “super soft” and i would just like a comparison.
October 29th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
“at least with nike, they have real scientific theories behind their gimmicks so it sounds like it might actually work.”
Nike are not scientists, they are inventors. They can claim what they want and you will believe it. Science is what you can read in scientific books or special journals http://www.sciencedirect.com/ . To understand science you have to go to school and university not buy nike shoes.
October 30th, 2009 at 4:21 am
Unlike most, I love these boots and the design, already picked up a pair in the white colorway.
October 30th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Lets go back and look at all the other new boots that were released before and how many people said they hated them and they looked terrible then once they bought them oh how everyone loved them. Same with these and what counts the most is from this review how well they perform and how comfortable they are which is the ONLY thing that should matter when you play
October 31st, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Beside the spine that you’ve noticed, Absolion won’t be using Taurus Leather & there will be no silicon in their rubber - so perhaps different feeling in the element.
November 1st, 2009 at 2:31 am
Matt Giteau debuted these last night i think. It was a rugby match, but still, i counts.
November 1st, 2009 at 11:39 am
who was the first player to score in the new Pred X?
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:46 pm
[…] You can read much more on footy-boots.com where the new adidas Predator X got a very good review from the soccer experts as well as many […]
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 am
How’s the fit with these? Cause it seems with the powerswerves they made the k leather pairs a half size smaller to allow for the stretching. Do these fit in that similar style or do you have to order down a half size and do they even stretch as much as k leather?
November 5th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
I am thinking of buying a pair of Predators. I need something to give me more power (really, or subconciously!) Should I go for these or did the tungsten powder in the last lot actually give more power? Also, can anyone advise if any of the predators have studs/blades you can change with the type of ground. I notice a lot say either FG or SG - are you able to buy alternative blades/studs for one of these, or would you need to buy a pair of each type of boot? If that is the case I might as well buy the F50i tunits - not sure if they help with power though- :-$ Can anyone help?
November 10th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Really didnt lyk them at first glance bt wen u luk again n again n read reviews they are a must have love them now . There great and thank god no sily tongue which made ur boot wide open in rain n mud . Praise for adidas pred x getin them on the 14th nov.
November 17th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
can anybody tell me if the junior pred x absolion will have the silicon pimples on them