Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
If you haven’t spotted over the past few weeks, Robin Van Persie has made the decision to continue wearing the Adidas adiPower Predator over the newly released Predator LZ. We regularly see older versions of boots recycled and there are always a few players who like to stick it out with one range until they get their new boots fully broken in. But, it is extremely curious that given the publicity he is currently receiving (including a hat-trick at the weekend) Adidas are not insisting he make the full-time switch from his current Slime/Dark Indigo colorway to the Pred LZ.
One thing is for sure, I can completely understand why RVP would want to stick with the adiPower Predator. I regularly get into conversations with fellow players about the Predator range and I must admit that the performance benefits of the adiPower rates amongst the highest in the market. Plus the fact that you can get them on sale now also adds to the value they offer.
But what makes this slightly more curious is that RVP was wearing the Predator LZ for Holland at the Euro’s this summer, so it becomes a case of why did he revert back to the adiPower? For those interested in the Slime/Dark Indigo colorway, they are currently available in limited sizes for $174.99 at Soccer.com.
RVP Sticks with the adiPower
Why would Adidas allow RVP to stick with the adiPower? That is an interesting question and one that has a very vague answer right now. If I was to explain it, his decision to switch back after a disappointing experience at the Euro’s might be a tell-tail sign that Van Persie has mentally checked out of wearing the Pred LZ. That could be based on performance, or just a sign that he felt the hybrid element didn’t suit his style, especially after he played so effectively in the adiPower through last season. Alternatively, there could also be some relation to playing on the Old Trafford surface full-time, with his old boots offering a more reliable and confident fit for Van Persie.
We can’t be sure without RVP’s direct insight, but either way he is scoring goals in the adiPower – and that can only be a good thing for him and his boots. There is always the possibility that he will take the new boots back out for a spin, but right now I can’t see him dropping the boots that are obviously working for him.
Predator LZ – What you need to know
The one thing we do know is that the Predator LZ takes the range in a new hybrid control/power direction. So, what makes the new Predator so different from previous editions? On this release, you get 5 different areas where technology has been employed, producing 5 different levels of performance. Rather than being a Power boot, this latest release is more of a hybrid that offers players more control right throughout their game. 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.
adiPower Predator – What you need to know
The adiPower Predator itself is a pretty fantastic boot and it mimics the qualities we expect from a top line Adidas release. The overall look and performance of the 11th Predator incarnation is very competitive and they offer a great mix of power with a lightweight feel. Adidas has re-engineered the entire Predator Zone in a pretty cool way and now refer to it as the Predator Element. Basically, a silicon rubber is strategically positioned and tuned to create a uniform surface with rebound effect, for those times when you need some extra power behind your shots.
It all begs the following question – leave a comment below, I want to hear your thoughts on this:
Do you think Pro players should have to change their boots due to new releases, or should they be allowed to stick with older versions?
I would like it if players could chose whether or not to switch to the newer version of a shoe or stick to the older one but I do understand for the amount of money these companies are paying players to wear the boots they would be dissapointed to not see them wearing the boots they're selling at the moment.
Yea I agree with 1vn. There is a easy way to wear whatever you want, just don't have boot contract. You'll then be free to change as you see fit. But if you are under contract and are being paid a lot of money then there are certain terms of that contract that need to be fulfilled. But really those contracted players often have their boots made for them. I'm sure Adidas can custom make him a pair of LZs that would be very similar to the adipowers aside from the looks department. Look at what they do for Shweinsteiger and his 11pro's that are really more like the adipure IIIs.
They ARE adipure IIIs
No there is a recent pic (I believe on his Facebook page?) where he showed off his new boots and they had the aidpro logo but certainly were not the adipros. I'll see if I can find it.
David beckham wore the predators x with the external heel counter from the predators powerswerve
Great article Bryan and got comments so far, agree with both. I think the main point here is leather. I believe that RVP prefers a leather upper and maybe just cant get to grips with the new synthetic on the LZ. I've played in a pair of LZs and although they are good, the upper is not really anything like leather especially when compared to the CTR 360 III upper. So if Adidas would develop a better synthetic upper, or even produce a leather version im sure RVP would take them up. We all know that Nike are the kings of synthetic uppers so why don't Adidas stick to providing leather options for now. What do people think? I do believe that RVP will soon be forced to change boots though.
Maybe it's only a matter of time before RvP releases a statement saying the Predator LZs lack ambition…
More seriously, I do kind of understand where he's coming from. He wore the LZs during the Euro, had a bad tournament and is now starting what is a pretty high pressure season with Man U. I can see why he'd want to wear something he felt more confident in.
As an aside, I can really understand if players are frustrated with having new boots come out right before major tournaments. IMO the most important thing about a boot is feeling comfortable in it, and after changing boots, they never feel as comfortable as the old pair until you've played in them for a while.
It's got to be something to do with either, the arsenal kit man is lazy and doesn't use DHL for shipping goods( see what i did there ;]) or maybe even image rights? there is leather version of the LZ though, as Im sure alonso is one of the players wearing the leather version. But a nicely broken in leather boot beats any synthetic boot.
LOL man!
CT Croatia ole ole ole
They should do whatever they like to do.
You saw Schweinsteiger wear the AdiPure iii's for ages, this is because I think a lot of adidas wearers are being alienated by Adidas not using leather. I wish they'd go back to a bit heavier but more solid boots
And adidas have just announced they are using less % leather too. But that was k-leather, But the adipower taurus upper was so fast, felt alot different compared to the X upper.
adidas should use this and make more adipowers and try sell them
It's sad that Adidas has moved away from proper leather especially in the adiPure and Predator range. The Predator was always a POWER boot, there is nothing "POWER" about the new LZ version. Nowdays you can only get a Copa in all leather but it's design is very very old.
The last great modern leather cleat Adidas made was the adiPure IV SL. Just pure class those things were. Shame they were made in such a limited run. If you ever find a pair, do yourself a favour and buy them quick.
I wear Legend IV Elites, another cleat that has stopped being made. Full Kangaroo leather boots just the way I like them. Nothing offers the touch and control that a full Kangaroo leather upper offers.
You can get a pair of diadora maracana full k leather for a great price awsome cleats !!
A friend of mine has AdiPure 11 Pro's like Schweinsteiger's, I have no idea how he got them though, they are the white ones but have an awesome black and orange TRAXION stud patterns like on the older AdiPure's, and the leather itself seems nicer than what I've seen of regualr 11 Pro's. I hope the AdiPure VI is nothing like the newest AdiPure, I just wish they never stopped making the iii's!
I just got this cleats from my friend! wussupp lol
he's really superstitious, and since he had a bad euros, then he probably thought the LZs were bad luck
No dought that adipower is a great boot. Its a good thing that RVP switched to a confortable boot. I was formally using an Adidas f50. Also a light weight boot with good grip and curl on the ball. I just bought an adipower because f50 were out of stock but it was RVP that gave me the confidence to use an Adipower……and now I am enjoying it. 🙂