"25 Years Old" - Full Adidas Predator History - 1994-2020
Oct 30, 2019, by Chris
Adidas will celebrate the 25-years anniversary of the Adidas Predator football boot with a limited edition Mania collection. We take the chance to update our look at the full history of the Adidas Predator, fro mthe first-ever Predator to the upcoming leaked Predator 20.
The Adidas Predator football boot silo was introduced in 1994, 24 years ago from today. The silo became a fans favorite after iconic releases such as the Adidas Predator Accelerator in 1998 and the Adidas Predator Mania 2002. In 2015, Adidas discontinued the Adidas Predator in favor for the Adidas Ace, while the German brand brought back the Predator in 2018.
In the last few years, the Three Stripes brought back the most iconic Adidas Predator football boots (Adidas Predator Mania, Adidas Predator Precision, Adidas Predator Accelerator Beckham).
Adidas Predator - 1994
23 years ago, Adidas changed the boot game with the first-ever Predator football boot. The original AdiPower Predator introduced never-seen-before rubber stripes on the upper to offer more power, more swerve and more control than previous football boots.
Adidas Predator Rapier 1995
The second generation of the Adidas Predator football boot was the first-ever Predator to feature a fold-over tongue and also the first Predator to be released in different colorways. The launch color, however, featured the iconic black, white and red look of the silo.
Adidas Predator Touch - 1996
Again released just around one year after the previous generation, the Adidas Predator Touch Soccer Boot was the first Predator boot with a red fold-over tongue. The boot also offered a larger striking zone than the first two generations of the Predator.
Adidas Predator Accelerator - 1998
Released ahead of the 1998 World Cup, the Adidas Predator Accelerator is definitely one of the most iconic Predator boots ever released . Headlined by Zinédine Zidane, who won the World Cup in Franc wearing the famous boots, the Adidas Predator Accelerator 1998 boots feature an asymmetrical lacing system for a larger striking surface and a semi-transparent outsole.
Adidas Predator Precision - 2000
The Adidas Predator Precision Boot was released in time for the Euro 2000. it was the first Adidas Predator Boot to feature replaceable Traxion studs, allowing players to adjust their boots to certain pitch conditions. Like previous editions, the Adidas Predator Precision also feature much less remarkable rubber fins than the original 1994 release.
Adidas Predator Mania - 2002
For many the most iconic Predator boot of all time, the Mania was released around the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea. The Adidas Predator Mania introduced a ton of new features such as a Kangaroo leather upper, an external heel counter and an elasticated strap to secure the fold-over tongue.
Adidas Predator Pulse - 2004
The Adidas Predator Pulse implemented Adidas Power Pulse System, a sock liner that shifts the boot's center of gravity closer to striking impact.
Adidas Predator Absolute - 2006
With the 2006 World Cup taking place in Germany, the home of Adidas, it was sure that Adidas would bring out a new generation of the Predator. The Adidas Predator Absolute came with changeable PowerPulse sockliners. Zidane received a white and gold version of the Adidas Predator Absolute that he wore in the famous final against Italy.
Adidas Predator PowerSwerve - 2007
Featuring Adidas' new SmartFoam microfiber upper, the Adidas Predator PowerSwerve football boot was the last-ever Predator to feature a fold-over tongue. Adidas released not less than 20 colorway of the Predator PowerSwerve.
Adidas Predator X - 2009
The tenth edition of the Adidas Predator, the Adidas Predator X, introduced Taurus leather and Powerspine technology.
Adidas Predator AdiPower - 2011
The Adidas AdiPower Predator was the first to incorporate the Sprint Frame outsole of the Adidas F50 Adizero line.
Adidas AdiPower SL -2011
Replacing the traditional leather upper with Adidas' ultra-lightweight SprintSkin material, the Adidas Predator AdiPower SL was the lightest Predator boot ever.
Adidas Predator LZ - 2012
The Adidas Predator LZ (Lethal Zones) defined five Lethal Zones that are related to ball control and striking, creating a remarkable design. The Adidas Predator LZ 2012 boot was the first Predator with a synthetic leather upper.
Adidas Predator LZ II - 2013
The second Adidas Predator Lethal Zones edition, the Adidas Predator LZ II soccer cleat features a HybridTouch upper for ultimate touch and control. The boot also comes with a Sprintframe sole plate for less weight and more speed.
Adidas Predator Instinct - 2014
20 years after the original Predator was released, the Three Stripes launched was should be the last ever generation of the Adidas Predator until today, the Adidas Predator Instinct.
Adidas Predator Remakes - 2014
In 2014, Adidas re-introduced the designs of the 1994 Predator, 1998 Predator Accelerator and the 2002 Predator Mania in August 2014. They were crowd favorites and sold out in a few minutes, even though they came without Kangaroo leather uppers.
Adidas Predator Mania 2002 Remake - 2017
The Adidas Predator Mania 2002 Champagne remake football boot was launched on David Beckham's. Bringing back one of the most iconic Adidas Predator football boots edition ever, the Adidas Predator Mania 2002 remake has been the most popular boot in 2017 so far.
Adidas Predator Precision 2000 Remake - 2017
Another remake, another big hit from Adidas. The Adidas Predator Precision 2000 soccer cleat remake was an almost perfect remake of the original boot featuring a full Kangaroo leather upper and a classic tongue.
Adidas Predator Accelerator Beckham Capsule Collection - 2017
Adidas Predator 18+ - December 2017
This is the Adidas Predator 18+.
Based on the cutting-edge Adidas Ace Purecontrol football boots, the Adidas Predator 18+ combines a laceless upper with traditional Predator rubber elements to bring the Predator back into the present.
Adidas Predator 19+ - December 2018
This is the Adidas Predator 19 football boot.
The Adidas Predator 19 soccer cleat was launched in December 2018. The boot was very similar to the previous generation, again available as laceless and laces version.
Adidas Predator 25Y Icon Collection - March 2019
In March 2019, Adidas celebrated the 25th anniversary of the release of the initial Predator with the special Adidas Predator Icon 25 Year pack. Designed in cooperation with Beckham and Zidane, the Adidas Predator Icon 25 Year pack includes htree different boots.
Adidas Predator Mania Collection - November 2019
In late 2019, for the 25-years anniversary and also to increase the Predator hype ahead of the Predator 20, Adidas releases a special Predator Mania collection. Inspired by the 2002 Predator boots, the Adidas Predator Mania Pack brings us three unique Mania boots.
Adidas Predator 20 - January 2020
The upcoming Adidas Predator 20 football boots do not enter a new era for the Predator, but they somehow rather bring back some things of the trademark style of classic Predator boots - they come with remarkable rubber elements in the forefoot area.
The Adidas Precision 20 will be also the first modern high-end Predator to be released in a special additional high-end low-cut version. The all-new Predator 20 Low Cut does not come with a classic fold-over tongue, unfortunately.
What's your favorite Adidas Predator boot? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Macron Showcases Rimini Calcio Hooped Shirt in 'Unveilievable' Campaign
Italian sportswear brand Macron has spotlighted an eye-catching Rimini Calcio 1912 shirt as part of its ongoing 26-27 "Unveilievable" campaign. Celebrating the club's identity under the label's "Fashion in Sport" banner, the design offers a sharp, vintage-inspired hooped aesthetic that complements the team's traditional red and white quartered look.
The shirt is defined by bold red and white horizontal hoops, each red band carrying subtle fine lines running horizontally across the fabric. A ribbed V-neck collar and matching cuffs feature coordinated red and white striped trims, while a raised, metallic-effect heritage crest sits prominently on the chest. The historic emblem incorporates the Arch of Augustus, the city's red cross shield, and an old-school leather football. Sleeve graphics round out the local touch, featuring the pirate motif of Rimini landmark Bounty on the right sleeve alongside La Mi Ma branding on the left.
Rolled out as part of Macron's broader 26-27 portfolio campaign, the release demonstrates the Italian brand's emphasis on bespoke design across every tier of its club roster. While Rimini continue their campaign on the pitch in their signature checkered shirts, this hooped edition offers a stylish tribute to more than a century of club heritage.
CD Guadalajara 26-27 Away Kit Released
Spanish side CD Guadalajara has unveiled its new away kit for the 26-27 season. Produced once again by Kappa, the new release offers a sharp, colorful alternative that directly complements the club's primary identity.
The Kappa CD Guadalajara 26-27 away shirt is predominantly bright yellow, paired with bold purple accents honoring the club's signature morado shade. Purple covers the rounded crew collar, sleeve trim, and sponsor branding, including the Hercesa chest sponsor. Kappa's iconic Omini logos run in purple along the shoulders and right chest, while matching yellow shorts with purple hems and side logo tracks complete the full kit.
This away strip follows the launch of Guadalajara's 26-27 home shirt earlier in September, which brought a classic all-purple foundation detailed with crisp white piping and logos.
Wydad 26-27 Home Kit Released
Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club and Kappa have officially unveiled their new home kit for the 26-27 season. Built around the club's traditional red base, the shirt features subtle tonal geometric striping across the front panel for a clean and textured appearance. A retro-inspired red and white striped V-neck collar anchors the classic design, complemented by contrasting white Kappa Omini logos on the chest and shoulders alongside a monochrome white club crest.
Albacete Balompié 26-27 Third Kit Released & Debuted
Spanish club Albacete Balompié debuted their new adidas third kit for the 26-27 season during their La Liga 2 fixture against Girona at Montilivi. The Adidas Locker Room shirt features a black base adorned with a red geometric gradient stripe pattern across the front, highlighted by vibrant orange accents on the crew collar, the adidas Three Stripes running down the shoulders, and a monochrome orange edition of the club crest. Completed with matching black shorts and socks featuring orange detailing, the kit joins the club's traditional white home and away strips for the ongoing campaign.
Atalanta 26-27 Third Kit Released
Atalanta and New Balance have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Completing the Italian side's set alongside the previously launched home and away strips, the jersey introduces an elegant aesthetic rooted in the architectural heritage of Bergamo.
The New Balance Atalanta 26-27 third shirt is finished in a warm beige base officially dubbed 'Toasted Sesame', accented by black and 'Taffy Blue' trim on the V-neck collar and sleeve cuffs. Subtly woven across the body is a geometric jacquard pattern inspired by the famous sundial of Bergamo's Palazzo della Ragione. The chest prominently features Atalanta's retro 1964 crest, which depicts the running goddess alongside traditional black and blue stripes.
The New Balance branding appears in black, while Lete's red logo and SNAIFUN complete the front sponsorship. Inside the collar, a bespoke graphic highlights the Bergamo skyline accompanied by the motto 'LA MAGLIA SUDATA SEMPRE'. Crafted with breathable NB DRYx technology, the new kit is available now via the club's official channels.