https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPdDkKQ08GA
And aren’t they just gorgeous?
Take a straw poll amongst football boot lovers worldwide, and particularly in Ireland, and you’ll find that the Adidas Predator Mania, released in time for the 2002 World Cup, figure quite high if not on top of the list of the best boots ever made.
Unfortunately – much to the chagrin of GAA players everywhere, some of whom have forked out exorbitant amounts to buy a pair on eBay – the boots haven’t been on release for a number of years now, but a new limited edition range under the ‘Instinct’ title have been released as part of the 20th anniversary of the release of the original Predator boot.
Pics via designboom.com
As you can see from the pictures, Adidas have rightly decided not to tamper too much with a classic; apart a new ‘control frame’ that extends around the boot and a new sole structure (the fact that it’s not all white will come as a disappointment to some) it’s pretty much the same boot, right down to the three white rubber grips near the toes and the red tongue with an elastic strap to hold it in place.
As you’d expect, the new boots don’t come cheap and getting your hands on a pair from popular boots website Pro-Direct will set you back £260 or approximately €330.
Worth it? For a boot as iconic as the Predator Mania, we’d be inclined to say yes.
Now shut up and take our money!
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