Old Prototypes Of Predator Mania Boots - Metallic Coated Soleplates
Dec 11, 2021, by Khoi
When it comes to product development, prototypes are essential. Unfortunately, some prototypes will never actually make it to the shelves. In the case of the 2002 Predator Mania, Adidas probably could have created a couple of instant hit back in the day.
Adidas Predator Mania 2002 Prototypes
Check out these prototype Predator Manias here. Thanks @thebootpredator for the pictures.
In terms of structure, they are identical to the released versions of the Predator Mania. This is likely Adidas experiments with different colour combinations.
What really caught our eyes are the coating of the soleplates. The White/Blue version got a shiny metallic paint that is very similar to how many modern football boots have today.
Meanwhile the Black/Red ones had a more glossy silver coating to them. We'd even argue that this look even better than the official release.
Football boots with paint coated soleplates is something we are quite familiar in recent time. However, if Adidas released this back 2002, we think it definite would have caused quite some stir. Given how football boots were much less flamboyant back then.
Do you think Adidas should have released these beautiful prototype Predator Mania? Comment below.
First Time in 12 Years: Juventus Bring Back Long-Sleeved Kits on Pitch
Making his Juventus debut in the match against AC Milan, Nick Woltemade was the only Juventus player on the pitch wearing long sleeves. Excluding special-edition kits, the German strike became the first Bianconeri player made this choice since Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio back in the 13-14 season.
Remarkably, even Cristiano Ronaldo, a long-sleeve icon, never wore one during his time in Turin.
Liverpool Could Use a Text-Only Turkish Airlines Sponsor?
Liverpool have announced that Turkish Airlines will become the club's new shirt sponsor from the 2027-28 season, ending the Reds' 17-year partnership with Standard Chartered.
While early fan concepts have used Turkish Airlines' familiar circular bird logo above the wordmark, a text-only sponsor could also be a realistic option.
The airline previously used a simplified two-line “TURKISH AIRLINES” wordmark on River Plate's shirts between 2019 and 2022, while Turkish clubs such as Galatasaray and Samsunspor have also used streamlined typographic versions of the branding.
A text-only layout could give Liverpool's future Adidas shirts a cleaner, less crowded look. The final sponsor application has yet to be confirmed, with the partnership set to begin in June 2027.
