With a storied history spanning nearly 30 years, the Predator continues to shine, cementing its place in the game. It’s spikes have been deliberately crafted to wrap the front and side of the boot in a formation that aligns to key contact points with the ball, combining to give players enhanced control and touch on the ball, while also promoting spin when striking. We are talking a minimal style bounce, one that makes it a little easier to get the ball out of your feet and into open space. There is no shoehorn included with these, so it might take you a minute or two to loosen the laces and open them fully up to make entry easier.

It also means that the brand is spending less time trying to figure out how to make the materials through that area work in unison with stressing out other parts of the boot. From inside-out you get a soft inner lining, then a second layer that includes the rubber elements placed through the Primeknit material. For me, the freedom you get from a standard cut, where your ankle is more mobile and free from added material over the ankle bone, makes them much more appealable to me. Plan to wear them with the laces completely open for the first five minutes, just to get a feel for them.

In fact, this is an area of the boot where they really excel and I was more than pleased wearing them on both surfaces. Icons like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Zidane and Xavi donned them in the past, while contemporary stars like Jude Bellingham, Pedri, Russo and Gabriel Jesus continue to sport these world-class elite boots. In game, I had several moments where I really appreciated what they had on offer, one example being when I rounded a keeper and shot from a very tight angle. Innovative Demonskin uppers are engineered from head to toe and designed to be durable, breathable and comfortable. Across the entire time I’ve worn them, none of the spikes have been damaged or shown sign of probable wear.

Playing on turf, they give you solid traction without unnecessary bite, so they release from the surface very quickly allowing for quick acceleration. The knit textile upper on these football boots wraps around your foot for a true 360-degree fit, while the mid-cut collar at the ankle offers a seamless feel. Its exceptional accuracy, power, and touch make it a top choice for those seeking peak performance on the pitch. Right out of the box, you are going to spend valuable time trying to comprehend what the wild upper styling is all about. Having laces and a lower ankle cut just makes the material so much more pliable and easy to manipulate when on foot.Visually with their more regular style ankle cut, they seem to tick all the boxes that many expect from a true Predator release, but will that play out on pitch? I don’t think I’ve ever used that description before, giving you some indication that they are very different from other boots on the market. The model numbers on adidas Football Boots represent a tiering system that distinguishes various levels of quality and performance. The Mid-Cut collar offers a sock-like feel, whereas the Low-Cut collar delivers a more traditional playing experience.