Few things on planet football pique our interest like black-out football boot prototypes, especially when they’re as unusual as the ones Mesut Ozil is sporting here.
The German international was clocked warming up for this weekend’s FA Cup rehearsal against Hull City wearing a pair of prototypes that are genuinely a mystery to us.
Having worn the adidas Predator since his arrival to the Three Stripes last season, would would guess the Arsenal Assist machine is trialling the new incarnation of adidas’ legendary ‘Power’ boots.
However, we already think we’ve clocked the latest Predator – rumoured to be called the adidas Predator Instinct – on the feet of Juan Mata, Per Mertesacker and Xavi amongst others, and we’re 100% certain these aren’t them.
Made distinctive by unusual white dots across the front of the boot, these adidas prototypes are like little we’ve seen before.
The Three Stripes on the instep are noticeable from some angles, but the eye is drawn to those distinctive dots.
With the Predator refresh imminent and the F50 and 11pro silos having had an update six months ago, the Nitrocharge seems like the next likely option.
And despite Ozil being a Predator player, the Nitrocharge has struggled to penetrate adidas’ stable of players this season – and swaying a star like Ozil into the boots for a new generation would do wonders for the boots image. Even if he doesn’t embody ‘The Engine’ archetype.
The other option is that Ozil is wearing something limited edition; following on from the surprise release of the adidas Samba Primeknit earlier year, it’s hard to write off adidas creating something headline grabbing, especially with the ‘Unlock the Game’ campaign in full swing.
What do you think Mesut Ozil could be testing for adidas?
Let us know in the comments!
Boot spot credit to the irrepressible DDChile and Images via the Arsenal Facebook Page
