PREDATOR X: FOOTBALL BOOTS TEST

29th October 2009
in: Football Boot Review,Football Boots,goalkeeper

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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.

adidas predator x football boots test

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.

football boots test predator x

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.

football boots test adidas predator x

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

The new PowerSpine is also a welcome addition for me offering an extra level of rigidity. And, for what it’s worth, I’m not overly sorry to see the back of the PowerPulse element. All that talk of ‘moving Tungsten powder’ brought back too many painful memories of 3rd year chemistry, which I wasn’t that good at (O level, Grade C in case you were wondering).PowerSpine Lab Test

What I felt when running and striking in the Predator X was the support the PowerSpine provides. Whilst not being restrictive, it was helping to keep my foot straighter when knocking the ball about and while the increase in power wasn’t overly noticeable, I was pleasantly aware of the extra reinforcement. predator x football boots test 1 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.

62 Comments

Jo
November 5, 2009
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?

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Stevie midd ncle
November 10, 2009
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.

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alan
November 17, 2009
7:25 pm

can anybody tell me if the junior pred x absolion will have the silicon pimples on them

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brett widdowson
November 27, 2009
7:49 pm

i hate the new predators
i have tried them on and they are not comfortable
they dont look like predators they need the tongue
i think they look cheap and they are far from cheap

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Bergman
December 8, 2009
3:08 am

Did adidas just copy the powerunit of the valde pro with the “powerspine” of the predator X? Im not going to spend $220 for these when i can get the vlalde pros for $100.
Sorry Adidas but you’re not gonna get my money for copying someone elsese design/technology.

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johnny
December 13, 2009
1:57 am

Does anybody know if the strike area that is covered with the ridges of bubbled silicon tears easily? i found a youtube video but would like more info.

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name undecided
January 15, 2010
1:21 am

does the powerspine actually give you an advantage over other players, or is it just a lab test like the previous technology that was kicked out?

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Julian
January 17, 2010
11:24 pm

I have gotten the Adidas Predators every generation for all 10 years, at first i could not see much of an improvement in my game, but after new technologies came out i could instantly notice a difference. For example, when i switched from one without tungsten to with, i did notice a power difference, but it was the opposite as expected, it more made me follow through and curve the ball rather than pure power. Perfect example of whether it helps curve: in indoor i wear Adidas Sambas. I can curve it but not to the same extent as outdoors with my Predator X. They are phenominal boots, and in addition to their tangible qualities, i love their looks. I wear white socks and i tape up with yellow tape so the white/yellow colorscheme is amazing. if you are looking to get noticed on the field like i am by collage scouts, etc, these are great. Nothing catches my eye on the field more than a beautiful stepover in beautiful shoes. All of this aside, i have not had this problem, but i have seen a review on youtube showing the strike zone rubber peeling off after just a few weeks. I would like others imput.

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Midddy
February 2, 2010
10:48 pm

The Laser has better color? Bright Green? Come on! Besides, the Nike Laser is made out of synth (bad touch and blisters)and is made MORE for power than for touch/spin/power like the X. 360′s are nice for touch and feel, but not as good for striking or spin. X is a COMPLETE BOOT. I think it is way better looking than the PowerSwerve and is nice and clean. One doesn’t need to have the shoes be the show. Keep it simple, not flashy. Let the FUNCTION of the boot be the biggest reason you buy it. THESE KICK NIKE’s Vapor’s and Puma’s butt with quality and functionality. I’ve used them all.

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justin
April 16, 2010
1:07 am

boot sounds and i guess..looks great? but adidas need to work on the pricing.

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Matteo
July 19, 2010
3:25 am

Adidas Predator X are GREAT i just got them form my dad as he came back from italy and got me them. As well as their good looks these boots are light and they give u swerve dip and power but i think this price is too much because my dad got them for like 50.. i like them , thats just my opinion

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Nick
July 24, 2010
10:14 pm

Great comfort, better passing, actually helps swerve, and I like the looks. Best boots I’ve ever had

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