The Hype Around the Adidas Predator Tongue: Where Do Things Stand Now?
Aug 30, 2024, by Chris
- Initial Demand: The re-introduction of the Adidas Predator with a tongue in late 2023 caused high demand and scarcity due to a late design decision, which initially made it hard to obtain.
- Production Issues: Adidas underestimated the demand, producing fewer tongue versions than the lace and laceless models, leading to undersupply, but by the summer of 2024 they increased production.
- Future Outlook: Shortages of the standard tongue version are expected to lessen, except for special editions, but the demand management will be tested with the Jude Bellingham signature release.
When Adidas brought back the Predator with a tongue after 15 years in late 2023, the excitement was palpable. The boots, debuted by Trent Alexander-Arnold, quickly became a must-have item, with the first editions being highly limited and difficult to secure. The scarcity added to the frenzy, making them one of the hottest releases in 2023-2024. How has the hype evolved since then?
The Hype Around Adidas Predator Tongue: How Has It Evolved Since the Release in Late 2023
Initially, due to the extreme success, Adidas was not able to offer enough pairs of tongue versions. The tongue was way more popular than the well-known lace and laceless models, which hardly any Predator fans wanted to buy after the tongue came back.
There has been no shortage of Predator Tongue editions
The comeback of the tongue was essentially a "last-minute" decision
This meant that while the tongue version was hard to come by, the other Predator models were easily accessible, leading to a mismatch in consumer interest.
One key reason for the initial shortage of the Predator Tongue was that Adidas decided to reintroduce the tongue feature very late in the development of the Predator 24 generation—it was essentially a "last-minute" decision. As a result, Adidas didn't produce as many of these models compared to the other Elite versions, especially during the first weeks and months after the release.
Additionally, neither Adidas' third sales managers nor independent retailers anticipated the high demand and, therefore, didn't order nearly as many pairs as they could have sold, further contributing to the scarcity.
By late summer 2024, Adidas had significantly ramped up production of the tongue versions. Retailers like Pro:Direct Soccer have seen large restocks, indicating that Adidas is now better equipped to meet demand. Despite this, certain colorways, like the black and white versions, remain sold out on Adidas' website, while more striking designs are still available, albeit not in all sizes.
Shortages of the Predator Tongue certainly become a thing of the past, except for special editions
Looking ahead, it seems likely that shortages of the Predator Tongue will become a thing of the past, with the exception of special editions or particularly unique releases. The upcoming Jude Bellingham signature version will be a telling sign—if it follows the trend of earlier releases, it could either be a rare, hard-to-get item or more widely available, depending on how Adidas chooses to manage the production and release strategy.
First 9 Months of Adidas Predator Tongue - Key Takes
- Initial Scarcity Fueled Hype: The unexpected high demand for the Predator Tongue, due to its last-minute reintroduction, led to a shortage that heightened excitement and desirability.
- Undersupply of Popular Models: Adidas misjudged the popularity of the tongue version, producing fewer pairs than needed, which caused it to overshadow the lace and laceless models.
- Increased Production: By late summer 2024, Adidas ramped up production, making the tongue version more widely available, though some colorways remain difficult to find.
- Future Availability: Shortages are expected to diminish, except for special editions, with upcoming releases like the Jude Bellingham signature model set to test demand.
Were you surprised by the hype surrounding the comeback of the tongue for the Adidas Predator? Do you think Adidas can keep the hype going for them? Let us know in the comments below.
Said El Mala Extends Köln Contract Until 2031 & Takes No. 10 Shirt
1. FC Köln have officially confirmed that star winger Said El Mala has committed his long-term future to the club, signing a contract extension through to 2031. Alongside the new long-term deal, the young attacker has also been awarded the club's prestigious number 10 shirt.
The announcement effectively ends months of transfer speculation surrounding the youngster, who had attracted significant interest from top German clubs including Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig. Köln held firm on their valuation and convinced the player to spearhead the club's project going forward.
Having previously worn the number 13 jersey during his breakout Bundesliga campaign, El Mala now officially inherits the number 10 kit.
Atlético Madrid 26-27 Third Kit Leaked - Official Images
Official images of the new Atlético Madrid 2026-27 third kit have been leaked by @KamilBerberler, offering a detailed and complete look at the upcoming strip crafted by Nike.
The Nike Atlético Madrid 26-27 third jersey is predominantly light grey, officially designated as 'Light Pumice', and accented with horizontal red and navy stripes across the chest, body, and sleeves. The shirt features a sophisticated navy polo collar with subtle red detailing, as well as a retro-styled Atlético de Madrid crest proudly placed on the left chest. The front of the jersey also carries the Riyadh Air sponsor logo.
Completing the kit are matching light grey shorts and white socks. The Atlético Madrid 2026-27 third kit is scheduled for an official launch later this month.
Leeds United 26-27 Third Kit Released
Leeds United and adidas have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 26-27 campaign. Inspired directly by the city of Leeds, the new design completes the club's uniform collection alongside their already released home and away strips.
The adidas Leeds United 26-27 third shirt is built on a dark grey and black base, detailed with an intricate tonal geometric graphic referencing local urban architecture and iconic city landmarks. Complementing the dark aesthetic, light grey detailing is used for the adidas Three Stripes across the shoulders, the performance logo, and a monochrome woven Leeds United crest, while the Red Bull sponsor logo sits prominently across the chest.
The new Leeds United 26-27 third jersey officially goes on sale on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 8am BST through the club's official retail channels and online store.
Botev Plovdiv 26-27 Away Kit Released
Following the home kit 3 months ago, Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv have officially released their new away kit for the upcoming 2026-27 season, made by Macron.
The design features a fresh sky blue base combined with subtle pinstripes across the shirt. The polo collar, sleeve cuffs and side seams are all in navy blue, matched with the brand logos and shirt number. The club crest uses an interesting monochrome colorway of navy and white, adding depths to the overall look.
What do you think of the new 26-27 Botev Plovdiv away kit by Macron? Let us know in the comments.
CS Sedan Ardennes 26-27 Home Kit Released
French club CS Sedan Ardennes has officially unveiled its new home kit for the 2026-27 season, manufactured by Kappa. Following the earlier launch of their off-white away strip, the new home shirt embraces a strong retro aesthetic steeped in the club's traditional colors and identity.
The Kappa CS Sedan Ardennes 26-27 home jersey features the club's classic green base detailed with tonal vertical pinstripes. A prominent white polo collar with red edge trim gives the shirt an elegant throwback feel, complemented by matching red and white sleeve cuffs and Kappa's signature logos along the sleeves. The club crest sits on the chest alongside the white Kappa branding and local sponsor E.Leclerc Sedan.
Presented inside the historic Château fort de Sedan, the jersey celebrates the team's Ardennes heritage under the motto "Fort depuis 1919." The new 26-27 home kit is now available to purchase through the club's official online store.
US Catanzaro 26-27 Away Kit Released
Italian Serie B club US Catanzaro 1929 and technical supplier EYE Sport have officially unveiled the club's new away kit for the 2026-27 season.
The EYE Sport US Catanzaro 26-27 away shirt is predominantly bright yellow, featuring an intricate marble-like abstract swirling graphic in off-white across the front and back. Contrasting red accents appear on the V-neck collar, sleeve cuffs, and side trim. The club crest is placed on the left chest, accompanied by red EYE Sport branding and the large Coop sponsor logo across the torso.
The new away uniform completes the club's lineup for the 26-27 campaign alongside the previously revealed red home shirt and the special third kit inspired by artist Mimmo Rotella.
Oldham Athletic 26-27 Third Kit Released - 60th Anniversary Throwback
Oldham Athletic and Puma have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Celebrating a notable anniversary in Latics history, the shirt marks exactly 60 years to the day since Oldham first took to the pitch in tangerine on August 20, 1966.
The Puma Oldham Athletic 26-27 third jersey is predominantly tangerine orange, complemented by clean blue and white detailing. The design features a buttoned henley collar with white and blue trim, matching two-tone ribbed sleeve cuffs, and white side panels. A blue owl crest sits on the chest alongside a white Puma Cat logo and the white Bunkabin sponsor.
Blue shorts and tangerine socks complete the look of the new Oldham Athletic 26-27 third strip. Constructed using Puma dryCELL moisture-wicking technology and RE:FIBRE recycled materials, the kit is now available through the club's official channels.
Moneni Pirates 26-27 Home, Away & Third Kits Released
Eswatini Premier League side Moneni Pirates have unveiled their new kit collection for the 26-27 season, crafted in collaboration with kit manufacturer Umbro. The new collection highlights the club's distinctive pirate identity with bold, aggressive graphical treatments.
All three jerseys feature a prominent skull graphic illustrated across the lower front of the torso. The home shirt comes in a dark charcoal and black base with white and subtle red details, while the away version opts for a clean white design with tonal skull artwork. Completing the set, the third kit features a striking bright red base paired with bold white graphics and black trim.
Each jersey is rounded off with Umbro branding on the chest, the club's skull-and-crossbones badge, and the sponsor logo across the center.