After weeks upon weeks of black-outs and teasing, the adidas Predator LZ is finally here, with a stunning Bright Blue / Infrared colourway to get the ball rolling; literally and figuratively!
Thanks to adidas’ innovative five Lethal Zones teaser campaign, we already know everything that there is to know about the new Predator elements, but for those who chose to be kept spoiler-free for the new Predator, here’s a quick run-down:
First Touch: Soft rubber ribs on the forefoot vamp use a recessed surface to create a ‘vacuum’ effect for great first touch.
Drive: The more traditional Predator element, uses firmer rubber to create a deadly strike zone
Sweet Spot: SL Rubber on the instep toe area for a ‘high risk/high reward’ combination of spin and power when striking.
Pass: Memory foam pass-pad on the instep for a consistent passing surface.
Dribble: Rubber ‘Ribs’ on the medial outstep for precise ‘second skin’ feel when dribbling.
The Predator LZ marks the first time that adidas have been able to incorporate so many Predator elements into a single boot, thanks to the new Hypertouch synthetic material used for the upper.
As the first ‘flagship’ synthetic Predator (we’re not counting the Beckham ones, here), there’s a lot weighing on the shoulders of the adidas Predator LZ – so what does Hypertouch deliver?
In short, the comfort and flexibility of the leather, with the reduced water uptake and lightness of a synthetic. Having tested the boot, we can confirm that the leather isn’t missed too sorely, and Hypertouch is a contender with Kangalite for the title of ‘comfiest synthetic’.
The LZ is also the first adidas Predator to feature miCoach technology, with the latest Pred compatible with the same Speed_Cell as the F50 adiZero and adiPure 11pro, thanks to it’s modified SprintFrame design.
Whilst not the lightest Predator ever, the adidas Predator LZ tips the scales at a respectable 235g in a UK size 8.5 – 10g heavier than the adiPower predator.
Hitting the pitch this weekend, expect to pay £160 / €190 / $220 US for the FG model, with an extra £/$/€ 5 added for the Hybrid SG version.
thank God for moving the pred elements… they been letting mizuno off for quite a bit already.
thank god they are finally changing from the bladed stud to traxion 2.0 or maybe even 3.0
Koscielny looks like a homeless man from 1920’s depression era, who has found some shoes in the street, albeit 2 sizes large.
More like the early Bart Simpson!
It is going to be hard for adidas to beat their Predator X. To me it is by far the best boot on the market.
since i bought  my preds last year i havent looked back, just hope they will release them in the summer, i cant wait!
barf… seriously.
Horrificly over-designed!
son bkn de pana jajjajaja xd saludo a my polola
where can I find these shoes in Indonesia?
this is NiCe PREDATOR