The Pricing System of Adidas' Laceless Predator Boots is Ridiculous
Nov 30, 2017, by Chris
Adidas this week launched the all-new Adidas Predator 18 soccer cleat, including the first-ever laceless Adidas Predator in history. However, when the laceless Adidas Predator 18 soccer shoes landed in full in the Adidas online store, many of you certainly quite astonished about the prices of the different versions of the laceless Adidas Predator available.
The Pricing of the Laceless Adidas Predator 18 Boots is 'Optimized'
With Adidas' website featuring a well-structured design, the facts are easy to see. The laceless Adidas Predator 18+ FG / SG soccer cleats retails at a price of 250 GBP, whereas the indoor / turf versions for small-sided football are available for just 170 GBP (The difference in the United States is even more extreme - 330 USD vs 180 USD). What is the reason for this price gap?
In fact, tech-wise, the small-sided and 11-a-side versions of the laceless Adidas Predator 18+ football boots are almost identical, with the only major difference the sole plate (the upper of the indoor version is optimized for indoor surfaces). In terms of production costs, there should be no huge price gap between making a FG outsole and an indoor sole plate. So why is the one boot so expensive and the other boot rather cheap?
The reason for this is both marketing and consumer behavior. First, Adidas prices their laceless boots at that high price to show off that the are the most cutting-edge boots (Nike's best boots cost 275 USD, the laces Adidas Predator 18.1 just 225 USD). Second, the high price possibly makes them even more desirable for players. Yet another, more obvious reason is that players are not willing to spend 330 USD for a small-sided football boot (durability of the sole plate etc).
However, this pricing system is nothing that Adidas introduced with the Predator 18+ but something that was the same for the laceless Adidas Ace 17+ (e.g. Adidas Ace 17+ Purecontrol 330 USD, Adidas Ace 17+ UltraBoost - 200 USD).
In fact, the same also applies for Nike and their high-cut / low-cut / indoor boots. The Adidas Predator 18.1 football boots and trainers available (225 USD vs 150 USD) are priced very differently as well.
What do you think about this? Do you think it is fair / reasonable that Adidas makes the high-end laceless soccer cleats so expensive? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
AEL Limassol 26-27 Home Kit Revealed
The new AEL Limassol 26-27 home kit has been revealed. Manufactured by Macron, the new AEL Limassol 26-27 home jersey introduces a stylish design for the Cypriot First Division club's upcoming campaign.
Spartak Moscow 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Russian club Spartak Moscow have officially released their new home and away kits for the 26-27 season. The new kits are made by Russian sportswear brand Jogel, which continues to supply kits for the team.
The launch of the Spartak Moscow 26-27 kits took place on the exact same day as the release of the new Zenit Saint Petersburg 26-27 kits. Both sets of jerseys were unveiled concurrently by Jogel in a coordinated drop for two of the most prominent clubs in the Russian Premier League.
The new Jogel Spartak Moscow 26-27 home and away shirts will be worn throughout the upcoming domestic campaign. The simultaneous release highlights the manufacturer's growing presence across Russian football.
Hradec Králové 26-27 Home & Away Kit Released
Czech First League side Hradec Králové have unveiled their new home and away kit, made by Jako and to be worn in the upcoming 2026-27 season.
The two kits bring contrast approaches: The home kit is an interesting take on the traditional black and white stripes, with subtle abstract inside each stripe and a horizontal black band for sponsor placement. The away kit, on the other hand, is a simple yellow design with similar graphic and black accents.
What do you think of Hradec Králové 2026-27 home and away kits? Leave your thoughts in the comment below.
Airdrieonians FC 26-27 Home & Away Kit Released
Scottish League One side Airdrieonians FC have introduced their new looks for the upcoming 2026-27 season, made by Puma.
Both of the new designs share one identical idea: a huge red V-shaped band across the chest - which is also the club's signature graphic. Similar feature also appear on the sleeves, creating a matching full looks. While the home kit use traditional white base, the away kit is in all black.
What do you think about Airdrieonians FC 2026-27 home and away kits? Leave your thoughts in the comment below.
Aston Villa Announces Visit Rwanda as Front-of-Shirt Sponsor
Aston Villa have officially announced Visit Rwanda as the club's new Principal Partner, Official Tourism Partner, and Official Coffee Provider.
Starting from the 26-27 season, the Visit Rwanda logo will appear on the front of all men's, women's, and academy team shirts. The partnership expands the Rwanda Development Board's strategy of utilizing high-profile football sponsorships to promote global tourism.
Described as the most lucrative sponsorship deal in Aston Villa's history, reports indicate the agreement is worth up to £20 million per year including bonuses.
Brackley Town 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
National League North side Brackley Town FC have officially launched their new Adidas home and away kits for the 26-27 season.
Produced in collaboration with Pro Direct Soccer, the Brackley Town 26-27 home shirt features the club's traditional red and white stripes. The Brackley Town 26-27 away shirt introduces a sleek look with a black base complemented by striking golden-yellow pinstripes.
Both the new home and away kits are available to purchase online, retailing at £50 for adult sizes and £45 for youth sizes.