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?
