Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
The latest and most advanced boot in the Predator range has been released – the Adidas Predator LZ. The LZ stands for “Lethal Zones” and gives you some indication about the direction Adidas has headed with this release. This weekend, the boot makes it official debut and we will be at the Adidas release event to bring you full details on the boot, will some play test details.
Until then, here are the basics that you need to know to get you up to speed on the new boots. As reference, as of today the initial Bright Blue/Infrared/Collegiate colorway is available to order at both Soccer.com and WeGotSoccer.
What is so different about these boots is that there are 5 different areas where technology has been employed, producing 5 different levels of performance. Adidas teased us before release with the following descriptions of each zone:
- First Touch is magnetic. The ball can’t resist its grip. Kill the ball with one move and kill them with the next.
- Drive is a sledgehammer. Take a swing and nail that explosive long pass.
- Dribble is voodoo. Leave a trail of spellbound defenders behind.
- Pass is a skeleton key, opening any defense with speed and precision.
- Sweet Spot is a sniper who can curve a bullet. Take aim, fire and wait for the crowds to explode.
Check out more details on each zone and extra images below….
But taking a deeper look, there is more to each strategically positioned zone that serves its own specific purpose.
- The large First Touch zone has recessed ribs to cushion impact and stop the ball. It’s a vacuum effect for instant control.
- The Drive zone has a raised and thicker 3D shape following the natural curve of the instep to help create rebound distance and open the game.
- The Dribble zone is designed for quick contact with the ball and close control.
- The large Control/Pass zone is memory foam with a sticky coating on top. This ensures consistency, precision and killer passing.
- On the Sweet Spot zone 3D ribs ensure longer contact with the ball to generate speed and spin.
As is the current trend with new releases, the upper has been re-engineered to combine the properties of a leather and synthetic upper. The material used is a mix of synthetic and a new Hybrid SL, adding an interesting twist to the release. The real test will be how they perform in game – something I will update on after this weekend. The Predator Zones are each composed of a SL rubber that adds a new element of control.
In terms of weight, they come in at 8.0oz, which is just a slight bit heavier than the adiPower Predator and is definitely lightweight for a power boot. Within the soleplate, Adidas has again placed a cavity for players who want to take advantage of miCoach technology. Finally, they are going to have an initial retail price around the $220 mark.
Stay tuned for a much more detailed look in to the new Predator Lethal Zones over the next few days.
Powerspine anyone?
ruined the predator range…
actually it has been getting worse the last 3 now
wow no powerspine? im disappointed
Sounds like you need one then lol
I agree with Danny LePage Adidas totally killed the predator series there's no tradition anymore it all about selling 'so called power boot' which everyone knows no boots gives you more that your actual potencial. shameful for adidas.
i don't know about you but i quite like them but will that sticky coating on pass wear off?
Predator Accelerator and Predator Mania’s still one of the best Predator’s out there. Only Preds I own that have not split apart between the soleplate and upper.
I don’t know why everyone is complaining about the boot. I was disappointed at first as well because this boot shouldn’t be called a predator. But then that’s what the predator range is all about, evolving! Everyone was complaining about taurus leather as well, but look at Adipowers, probably one of the best preds till now. So give them a try and the judge the boots. As for me I trust Adidas and I’ll get a pair as soon as they have a more reasonable colorway 😀
I agree 100%. IF YOU WANT TRADITION GET PUMA KINGS!! Predators are all about evolution and bringing new technology to soccer cleats. who cares if there is no powerspine, it looks like the soleplate is thicker anyway. People need to get a grip.
ugly af. No leather, No heel counter NOT A PREDATOR
do these come in indoor
There is one thing that I know for sure about this release, the launch colorway is better than the launch colorway of the adizero. Over time Soccer Boots evolve, look at the 1994 Predator. Who would ever thing of wearing that thing again? It is probably a piece of crap. Some people will like the evolving soccer shoes and some can just stock up on the older ones for the future.
what does the "sweet spot" do?
read above ^^^^^^^^^^^^
Think of it this way, at least real predators will cost less now.
Now the only good boot Adidas makes is the copa mundial. All the technology does not do a damn thing. We just need to make things like copas, stadio primatos, tiempos, lazzarani’s, and morelias.
Those old school kangaroo leather shoes (the new tiempos are better excluded from your list) sure feel great at first but they loose their shape with use and give less and less support which is good if you run a lot (and especially if you run fast). I've had friends in Copas injure their ankles because of the lack of support.
They need a disclaimer saying all that added technology doesn't help at all unless you learn how to do those things perfectly using a classic leather boot. I hate seeing kids wearing these things while developing their touch.
OMG the predators are now starting to look like the F50s :/
Thanks god there is no heel cover, That's where a majority of my old pred's ripped apart where the plastic heel met the material. I tried these on in store and they feel awesome, not sure if I like the grip on the lethal zone spots but I'm sure its something that will wear down and i will get used to, I love the design of these boots.
Don't care about "keeping the tradition" especially in a cleat, then you just get the same boot over and over again…. boring!!!!! these change it up
This is the best shoes in the world :X….the lethal zones are really good