Adidas adiPOWER Predator SL:

Adidas adiPOWER SL:
Background/opinion on adidas line & opinion/questions regarding adiPOWER Predator.

Footy fans here is a picture of the adidas adiPOWER Predator SL, soon to be the lightest Predator to ever hit the pitch. With the normal version weighing 8.2 oz, I am predicting that the SL version will be around 7oz.


Like Nike, adidas is making an elite version of their boots called the SL series which features adidas patented sprint frame outsole that drastically reduces the overall weight of the boot. With the speed boot craze still in demand these SL/ elite boots by adidas will be a big hit with consumers .

With the success/popularity of the adiZERO in 2010, adidas is looking to use that momentum to dominate the boot market in 2011. Not only is adidas looking to build momentum but for so long like Nike at the moment was at a stand still, adidas was not able to innovate and create new styles/boots which is where Nike still holds holds the upper hand; especially with the insertion of the CTR into their line of boots. With the SL series it will give adidas consumers more options and allow adidas to have more styles, which they lack. When you look at adidas boots/line you have the predator, adiPURE, and the F50. From my perspective, as a consumer I feel limited looking at the adidas line. In addition, by making the predator lighter I feel like adidas is killing the once ever popular power boot. With the new predator being lighter I am interested to see the comfort, durability, and technology all footy fans associate with the power boot. The predator will always be a power boot in my mind and I'm not sure if this is the direction I would have taken the boot. Sometimes what you give up in weight you sacrifice protection and power which I think matters to some consumers and professional athletes. In the end, what I am trying to say is that too much emphasis is being put on how lightweight boots are, but in this instance I think the predator fans will categorize this boot as a speed boot rather then a power boot.

In addition, thanks to eBay I have found another image of the soon to be adiPOWER. Looking at other images floating around the net I believe adidas has learned that they can no longer play it safe and from the look of their color ways it looks as if adidas has really stepped their game up. Let's face it, when you are watching games on the tele the brighter the boots the more they standout. Like Nike, adidas is following the bright color demand from a younger generation of footballers who love the flashy colors.




Concerns about the adiPOWER predator:
- Due to it's decreased weight will the boot have durability and comfort issues?
- will it still offer the patented predator game changing technology or will it just be another speed boot labeled the predator with plastic on the top for another market gimmick.
-Will the price of the SL version be reasonable or will they make the same mistake Nike made and kill the boot off with a 400 dollars price point?

What do you think about the Predator SL and about the direction adidas is taking the line?

adiPOWER Predator, adiPURE SL..

So it is final and all the speculation about what adidas has in the works for 2011 can be put to rest with this post. In my opinion, with the combination of the adiPURE, F50, and the new Predator adidas has improved on all of these styles and has also added an elite version of boots to compete with Nike’s line. For example, the picture below feature the adiPURE style but utilizes the F50 sprint frame to decrease the overall weight of the shoe.

Could 2011 be the year that adidas becomes number 1 in soccer due to Nike’s inability to improve the Vapor and their other boots?

Furthermore, what was called the Predator Kinetic will now be called the adiPOWER Predator and from this image and the other images I have shown you, is that this will be the lightest Predator to date weighing just 8.2 oz. adidas was able to change the upper, midsole, and outsole to decrease the weight of the boot. Here is what the tech sheet says about the boots:


AdiPOWER Predator-
Master the ball in the lightest Predator ever. Features Traxion outsole, sprint frame construction and proven Predator technology for skillful touch on firm ground. Upper: Power spine technology in the forefoot creates maximum shooting power by minimizing the energy lost while shooting. Taurus: a newly developed full- grain calf leather for a glove -like fit. Highly abrasion resistant with low water uptake. Silicon rubber Predator technology for maximum swerve and ball control. Lining: Nubuck touch heel lining for super soft comfort. Inlay: Pre-molded EVA sockliner with additional anti-slip EVA inserts on the backside. Midsole: Internal chassis constructions that holds the revolutionary power spine, providing never-before-seen shooting power. Outsole: The sprint frame construction uses geometrical learning’s and a new stud shape to offer the perfect balance between light weight and stability. A new dual-density superlight Traxion FG outsole for optimum grip and stud pressure distributed on firm natural grass pitches.
Size: 5.5-13.5

AdiPURE SL series will feature the adi outsole sprint frame to decrease the overall weight of the boot for the elite players looking to get a boot that is very light. adidas did this to compete with Nike's elite boots, but I am hoping that adidas price points are much more reasonable... Only time will tell.

Adidas Predator Kinetic?