Adidas Predator Elite FT Review — Re-Booted Renaissance?

You don’t even need to be a boot nerd to know the look and reputation that Adidas’ Predator boot range has. The long-running boot silo, which has always been about having great control on the pitch, is known for three iconic things: ball control elements on the upper, a grippy stud pattern, and, in years gone by, a trademark foldover tongue. The range has seen some serious evolution in recent years, with 2022’s Predator Edge reinventing the Predator (to an extent) before 2023’s Predator Accuracy brought back some nostalgic elements along with some noticeable improvements (you can check out our review here). However, in 2024, Adidas has gone back to its roots and released the Predator 24 — a throwback, of sorts, to some of the greatest Predators of all time, but bringing with it some exciting new features too.

The Predator 24 takes a proper shot at the old-school look and feel while bringing new-age innovations into the design. The most visual callback is that the boot comes in the famed black, white and red colourway, although the colouring is definitely more on the orange side of things. Why? Maybe Adidas is just teasing us at this point, but it admittedly does look great with a brighter accent along with some vibrant yellow taping on the Adidas logo on the tongue and heel counter.

Adidas has redesigned the upper to be a vastly more soft and pliable material which they’re calling HybridTouch 2.0. It’s fully synthetic, but has that old-school rubbery type feel to it, although it is incredibly soft and moulds to your foot with ease. There are some subtle rubber fins too, veering away from the more gnarly and aggressive spikes seen on yesteryear’s Predators, like the 2021’s Predator Freak. This is a more subdued Predator in terms of its upper grip, and it’s all the better for it.

Around the ankle collar, you get Adidas’ Primeknit material, which is a nice touch to give a little bit of a snug feel on a boot that traditionally has a more ‘loose’ fit, bringing a modern, softer comfort to a classic style.

The Predator silos have gone through some serious changes in terms of the sole and stud pattern in recent seasons, but Adidas has gone for a more well-rounded stud layout and design with the Predator 24. The standard layout of 6-front studs and 4-heel studs is utilised, although the studs themselves have a triangular ‘tri-star’ shape. While they look aggressive at first glance, the studs have relatively smooth edges, so while they aren’t completely round, they do have a similar feel to conical-studded boots, albeit with a little more of an aggressive bite on natural grass.

The soleplate itself features a relatively stiff structure, with a notable firm midfoot. This gives you a lot of stability with the boot, and while it may not be as snappy or flexible as a speed boot, players who love that secure and responsible feel will like what the Predator 24 brings to each step and angle change on the pitch.

Of course, we can’t talk about the Predator 24 without mentioning the tongue. There are non-tongue models available, but this ‘FT’ (fold-over tongue) edition is really the syrup on this stack of waffles — you don’t need it, but you’ll want it, and it makes the Predator 24 so much sweeter.

With the way boots are designed these days, there’s not that much need for a tongue given that the laces are not that obtrusive when striking a ball, but there is something just so nostalgic about pulling the elasticated loop over your toes and under your studs, giving the boot a classic ‘closed’ look. We’re fans, and all for the #BringBacktheTongue movement in the football boot world.

If the tongue isn’t your thing, and you’re a bigger fan of the more modern look, the Predator 24 does come in a laced and laceless version without the tongue. The price of the FT model is nothing to scoff at, but realistically, this is a boot for die-hard fans who have fond memories of pulling on their first pair of Predators and feeling like David Beckham. And you can’t put a price on that.

The Adidas Predator 24 FT mode is priced at R5,999 and available online at Totalsports. There are also takedown models available (the Predator Pro, League, and Club).

Win a Predator contract with Adidas!

From January 30th to March 13th 2024, participants can enter the challenge by recording and sharing their most spectacular goals on social media using the required tags and hashtags:  @adidasZA #PredatorGoalChallenge. Every week, four finalists will be chosen through a public vote, leading to an intense head-to-head battle between four finalists in the final week.

The grand prize winner will receive the coveted title of the next Adidas Football star and enjoy a year’s worth of top-of-the-line Adidas products. This is a unique opportunity for aspiring footballers and fans alike to be a part of the Predator legacy and make their mark in the world of football.