Never Seen Before: Adidas Predator Mania, Precision and Accelerator Prototypes

It's always interesting when discarded boot or shirt prototypes resurface, giving us a look at what could have been. Recently, boot seller @classicsoccercleats has been showing off some concepts produced during the design phase of what is considered by many to be the best boot of all time, the Adidas Predator Mania, as well as its predecessors, the Accelerator and the Precision. You can check out the images below.

Previously Unseen Adidas Predator Prototypes

These prototype boots seen above date from the late 90s and early 00s, as that was the era of the Predator Precision and Predator Mania. They seem to combine elements of the final versions of these two boots, as well as some features from the original F50.

The first design shown has a Predator Precision paint job, but underneath we can see Three Stripes similar to those of the Predator Pulse, from 2004, while the front of the boot looks similar to the Mania.

Particularly notable is the slip-on design of the boot in the middle, with an elasticated section in place of traditional laces. This feature has gone on to be very common in the boot industry with most major brands offering at least one laceless silo. Otherwise, this boot appears to be a stripped back version of the Predator Mania, with several features removed, such as the Three stripe and trademark tongue.

Lastly we have something closely resembling the Predator Mania we know so well, with modified branding and forefoot stitching.

Predator Accelerator Prototypes

@classicsoccercleats also gave us a look at two prototypes of the Predator Accelerator, which was released in 1998. The prototype designs show an alternative shape and position of the famous rubber strips on the forefoot, which protrude from the boot much more than those on the final design.

Predator Precision Prototypes

These two concept Precisions may carry many of the features of the boot that was released, but a major difference is the absence of the rubber vamps on the forefoot and an altogether different material used for the boot shown here on the left.

The original release models of the Predator Accelerator, Precision and Mania

What do you think of these prototypes? Can you spot identify any other features that were used on the final versions of Adidas boots? Let us know in the comments.