Adidas Predator

About

The Adidas Predator is a range of football boots introduced by Adidas in 1994, with origins tracing to Australian footballer Craig Johnston's prototype concept. Johnston came across the idea of using rubber instead of leather to build ridges on the top of a football boot while coaching in Australia after his 1988 retirement. A characteristic feature of the Predator range is the presence of rubber patches or strips on the top of the shoe, designed to increase friction between the boot and the ball. Johnston persuaded German footballers including Franz Beckenbauer, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and Paul Breitner to demonstrate the boots in snowy conditions, which was enough to convince Adidas to take up Johnston's design. Johnston received a 2% sales share agreement. The first goal scored by a professional footballer using Predator boots in a top-level match was by John Collins for Celtic in April 1994. Since launch, the Predator line has produced 28 different models and has been worn by elite players including David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane, cementing its status as one of football's most iconic boot ranges.