Better Pictures: Koke and Rakitic Reveal Laceless Adidas Predator 18+ Boots
Update: Rakitic 'laced' up in blackout Adidas Predator 18 boots again, which resulted in a new batch of pictures which give us the best look yet at them.
Returning to training from international duty, Adidas midfielders Koke Resurrección and Ivan Rakitic, of Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona, respectively, have offered us a first detailed look at the finalized Predator 18+ football boots. Replacing the Ace 17+ Purecontrol, the Adidas Predator 18+ soccer cleats will continue the former's laceless legacy with key elements inspired by the Predator line.
Avid followers will know that Rakitic was previously spotted wearing what was initially supposed to be the Ace 17+ Purecontrol and it's clear that today's prototypes are an evolution of the model seen back in February.
This evolution is visibly inspired by the iconic early Predator models, with subtle control elements present both in the front and the inside.
Clearly following the construction and aesthetic established with Ace 16 and 17+ Purecontrol, the laceless Adidas Predator 2018 World Cup cleats have a laceless design with a heightened collar. It looks like the pull tabs on said collar were removed, though. Again as with the Ace 16 and 17, the Adidas Predator 18+ World Cup cleats see the 3 Stripes placed on the outstep, with the inside being left clear of any (major) brandings.
As could be seen with the Predator 18.2 that leaked a while ago, the sole plate on the Adidas Predator 18+ boots is quite similar to the one of the current Ace, and again features an external heel counter for protection.
The Adidas Predator 18+ will be introduced in early December in two debut colors, one black and one white with details in red and the respective opposite color. Pricing is expected to be the same as with the Ace currently.
Are you happy with what is highly likely to the final form of the Adidas Predator 18+ boots, considering production times and the fact that launch is just three months away? Drop us a line below, and check out the Boot Calendar for all the latest leaks and release dates.
Premium Material Returns to the World Cup Champions Badge
Alongside the second star above the crest, Spain officially unveiled a new 3D embossed World Champions badge during their recent 3-2 victory over England in the UEFA Nations League. This badge previously appeared on Spain's jersey after their 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph.
Compared to the heat-applied plastic version seen on Argentina's kits, the new badge from Cromotransfer offers a significantly more premium look, featuring an embossed surface and a multi-layered structure. Before that, Adidas has increasingly shifted to pre-applying tournament and champions badges directly in its manufacturing facilities.
However, this upgrade will be exclusive to the authentic player-version jerseys. The fan-version replica shirts will continue to feature the standard heat-transferred plastic badge.
Big thanks to @whatthekit_x for the collage.










