The Predator range is iconic and heralded around the globe by countless boot fans and players alike. The boot itself is the epitome of power and art. Since its launch in 1994, each incarnation has topped the previous boot in terms of design, functionality and success. Everyone has worn a Predator at least once in their lives and many may wear the boot to emulate their idols – I remember when I wanted every Predator boot Beckham wore! – or simply because it’s tailored to their game. The latest addition, the adiPower, marked a change in direction for the popular brand and the D5 is set to turn the tables…
The adidas Predator Powerswerve was the last addition to feature that iconic tongue which many loved and admired. It was the hallmark of the Predator boot and adidas ditched it for the Predator X – something which we thought was a big mistake. To us, it couldn’t be a Predator boot without the tongue we all loved! It’s safe to say that the X represented the direction adidas wished to take the Predator in: trim the boot down so that it was simple but still sufficient for the Predator loyalists. The next incarnation, the adiPower , would take the X ‘s design as a starting point, but revitalise it by taking their famed Sprint Frame from the adiZero and slapping it on. In addition to this, adidas reengineered the silicon Predator element: combining power, swerve and even control into one area.
Despite the dramatic weight loss – weighing in at 230 grams – and speed aspects, the adiPower is still true to the Predator’s origins, albeit with less of the power and more of the control. At Soccer Reviews, we have sufficient evidence to prove that adidas’ next boot, the D5, will replace the adiPower as the Predator’s flagship boot – something which is quite intriguing and this also lead me to discover a revelation of sorts. As for the revelation, you guys will have to wait a little longer to read about that!
Over the past few months, adidas’ suspect competitor to the CTR360 range, the D5, has been making the odd appearance on the feet of Ballack, Kaka and Nasri. We also managed to get our hands on exclusive images of the boot itself in its launch colourway merely weeks ago. However, what surprised us the most was when we discovered that the D5 would be branded as the Predator D5. Now, we originally assumed that adidas would be providing the D5 with its very own silo under the name of adiControl for obvious reasons. After hearing this, we thought “Well, they are probably doing this in order to increase its exposure and slot it side-by-side with the adiPower as there is no harm in that!”
How wrong we were to think that. The tell-tale signs were there when the Predator X was released in 2009. The boot wasn’t a stereotypical Predator and the adiPower continued the trend in May; incorporating aspects of control and speed into the Predator range for the first time ever. adidas normally update or dish out a new Predator altogether prior to a major tournament, and the D5 itself is pencilled in for a May release – just before Euro 2012 kicks off. Furthermore, we know that a blackout adiPower is due to be released in March. Blackout boots mean two things: 1. It’s a prototype or 2. It’s the end of the line. This was true with the Stealth Predator X which was the last of the X range.
We for one aren’t happy with the fact that adidas is seemingly scraping the adiPower only 12 months on from its arrival. The boot has proven to be another success and the players on its roster is simply unbelievable, so why discontinue it? We have that answer and MUCH more to unveil very soon! You will just have to stay tuned to hear more on the D5′s true purpose!
Are you happy with the way adidas have evolved the Predator line in recent years? Do you really think that the D5 marks the end of the true Predator and everything it symbolises?
As a BIG fan of the line, the Predator is my boot of choice since when I could.
The X was an incredible boot, the toebox was much better for control and shooting was very good. I liked the slim fit that the “no-tongue” gave us.
I didn’t like any of the colorways of the adiPower(too flashy) and I was curious about the adiPure IV and bought one. Great boot, but I miss something when I am shoting (something about centered lacing and short toebox).
If we don’t see a Powerboot from Adidas I will be very disappointed. But I will not die, I guess I will go for the 11pro’s, unfortunetly we don’t have Worldcup’s or Copa Mundial’s here, or they would be my boot of choice.
From the pictures, the D5 still has off-centered lacing and I think it’ll be a power/control boot mix. When you have 5 special regions, surely you must have one for shooting? The wide strips along the boot seem to be for aiding your shooting?
I meant the adiPure lacing… Yeah I hope those strips near the laces are for shooting, the ones in the inside front are for swerve, toebox is for dribbling, outside front is for passing and that pod in the inside is for control. 5 deadly zones… Let’s see…
although i wasnt happy with the direction that Adidas went with the predator. They have all panned out in my opinion. I trust adidas to make a boot that works, and works well. still miss the tongue ha
I wonder if Adidas still have a accuracy or power boot ready on the cards. I don’t think they would let the T90 be the (virtually) only “forward” boot in the market.
I wonder too if the pods(more like fins) in the toebox of the D5 are like the ones in the Mizuno Ignitus Wave(made for control at dribbling) or if they are designed to aid accuracy or spin. Or maybe both. If is the case, would be very good.
As a forward looking for confort and touch I hope a powerboot of sorts to come from Herzogenaurach.
PS: Sorry for the bad english
To me, I stopped buying Predators after Adidas decided to ditch K-Leather. I guess that will be the case (ditching K-leather) in the next AdiPure range (11pro)..
And to this day I’m still hoping for Adidas to bring back the Champagne (Predator Mania) color.
You know the d5 won’t even be cowhide leather, it’ll be synthetic.
Nope. Not happy at all. Like you said, the elements of being a predator are there but it doesnt feel like a true predator. If they would put the tongue on the pred X, Adipower. It would be a different story. Adidas never responded to the questions about the future of the tongue if its truly gone or ever coming back.
As a Adidas fan boy I must say I am deeply saddened at what they are doing to all of their boot silos. The designs that they are coming up with are terrible. The new adizeros look horrible compared to the original. And the color options do not help. They nailed the design on the adipowers (we in the states had to wait a while until a black colorway was released which didn’t make me happy). My boot of choice, the adipure, is loosing the k-leather and looks terrible in its next generation 11pro version. And the 11pro SLs look terrible too. The adipure IV sls were one of the best looking boots ever. And now we take the predator. The adipower is hailed as a great boot. It looks fantastic, there are some durability issues but for the most part it gets rave reviews. When I saw the D5 I wanted to throw up. What kind of design is that? A predator should convey power and passion. I really think that Adidas has fired its past design team and replaced them with clowns. I don’t mean that as a euphemism, I’m talking Ronald McDonald real clowns, because all of these new boots look like clown shoes.
sad… no more adidas power boot.
Adidas are going to lose the popularity they gained by releasing the adiPOWER and by scrapping it they are going lose that popularity. This could be a blessing for NIKE AND PUMA they should release a boot similiar to the predator.
@ SoccerReviews You guys are just down right Evil…. We (the SoccerReviews faithful) are you friend…
You can tell us your secrets!!! Why the torture of waiting!! why!!!
Some great comments you guys! I agree with the majority of them too! Ah, Yaseen: we just love to make you guys wait! Stay tuned
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it will be a mixed boot best ever