Pristine Predator Absolute
“The middle child that shined in an iconic line’s prime”.
Predator
Fresh out of the crackled box seventeen years after their release. Finding a brand new pair of classic boots is like finding a clip of Onana saving a shot for United – Hard to say the least. So, when I came across a pristine pair of predator absolutes in my size it was Christmas in September.
Opening the box filled my aura with joy and enthusiasm. I pulled the untouched right boot into my hands and my mind was flush with memories of Xavi, Zidane, Beckham and visions of me megging any geezer who defended me while wearing these.
Coming off the ten year anniversary of the Predator line – the eighth rendition of the Adidas Predator had to make a name for itself with the 2006 World Cup approaching.
As Ronaldo Nazario dazzled in the comparably iconic Mercurial Vapor III and Wayne Rooney dominated the scene in T90's, Nike boasted a formidable lineup for Adidas to compete with. Adidas knew they couldn’t disappoint, and the Predator line carried a heavy weight with it’s name.
Dropping the ball here wasn’t an option, thus Adidas dropped a masterclass instead. The Adidas Predator Absolute in the classic red & black colorway released for public eyes to gaze upon.
The Features
Remaining true to its origins, yet embodying an innovative and entirely unique silhouette, this boot seamlessly joined the prestigious lineage of its iconic predecessors. A classic leather upper with rubber elements vigorously lining the instep, toe box, and outside of the boot.
Continuing the ‘powershot’ technology from the predator pulse – a weighted insole meant to increase power when striking the ball on the ‘sweet spot’ – with the ability to swap the insole for a non-weighted version.
A far cry from the boots of today which only continue to become thinner and lighter, but just another nod to the uniqueness of the predator line. Summed up in the absolute’s graceful stripes from heel to toe and smothered in the classic fold-over-tongue.
Mr. Elegance himself shined in the most outrageous predator colorway of all. Zinedine “Zizou” Zidane strides out from the tunnel against Brazil – France’s first game of the 2006 World Cup – flashing the world an all gold pair of predator absolutes.
The level of class was palpable as he twisted and turned his way out of pressure and took a few megs in transit. It seemed imminent the golden boots would be united with the golden World Cup trophy, but one heinous header saw the them walking right past the gold and into the dark.
Other legends such as Kaka, Gerrard, and Beckham had fans in a frenzy to get their signature colorways. Three players who put the power-pulse technology to use – banging in goals and pinging sixty yard passes to a tee. You had to ‘bend it like Beckham’.
David Beckham became the main poster-boy for the Predator line, and fans began to see the now classic arm-out silhouette on the tongue and other unique models such as the blue dragon Champions League colorway.
The Lineup
The Adidas Predator Absolute is the eigth silo of the iconic Adidas Predator boot line. A boot that when released scratched football fans itch for a new yet true Predator model.
Crafted with unwavering authenticity, the boot embodies its origins, and is meticulously designed to stand as a timeless classic. Although, the Absolute model is often overshadowed by the Predator Mania (2002) and Predator Powerswerve (2007), but it’s the middle child that shined in an iconic line’s prime.
Still a beloved and sought after boot; you can find Kaka’s Predator Absolute gold and black colorway listed today at $799.99 USD.
The Predator Absolute is a part of the golden era for Predators; Most commonly marked as ending after the Predator Powerswerve model. A nostalgic era fondly remembered in the hearts of fans.
Today, Adidas has returned to it’s roots with the Predator line. Bringing back the iconic fold over tongue for the 21st rendition in an effort to captivate young & old fans alike.
Repping the boots are the iconic players of the modern game: Trent Alexander Arnold, Jude Bellingham, Pedri and more. The Predator line has captivated fans for over two decades now and it’s popularity only continues to grow.
