The Predator ($100) boots are designed for artificial turf and every day wear.  To ensure the Predator DNA is preserved, liquid rubber inserts provide the visual accents.  They combine some of the newest technology from adidas including the Traxion sole, A3 cushioning unit and a light weight synthetic upper.

The boot is designed for use on hard, dry ground or artificial turf. The Traxion outsole is a non-marking design that provides good grip on turf and short grass. Longer grass or wet conditions could be a problem. The midsole is based on a running shoe. The A3 design is an energy management system intended to provide both cushioning and returned effort. Our two testers both liked the look of the shoe for everyday. It will definitely make a quality coaches shoe, cross trainer or Phys Ed shoe. The boots are a bit narrower than typical for the Predator line. They also have a higher arch making them more like a running shoe.

Our testers were thrilled with the all day comfort and the convenience for pick-up games at school and for street soccer.  Because the upper uses a synthetic version of the Predator Absolute, the balance and feel of these boots is excellent.  The asymmetrical lacing makes dribbling, striking and juggling much easier.  Our long-term tester stated "I have much more confidence playing in these because I have a real soccer shoe on when all of my friends are wearing regular street shoes.  I know that the ball is going where I want it to go."

The upper uses different materials than the top flight Predator Absolute.  The synthetic is a microfiber that allows the shoe to breath even in the hottest conditions.  It is light weight and has good feel, but not to the level of the kangaroo leather used in the Absolute.  The shoe maintains most of the other elements of the Absolute.  There is a significant heel counter, asymmetric laces with a cover piece, liquid leather elements to help in controlling, bending and spinning the ball, and the stylized adidas tri-stripe.

Unlike the Tunit Turf shoes we tested, there was very little break-in required for the Predators.  This may be a result of differences in the upper material.  The Tunit uses a stiffer synthetic with center lacing and a full length cover piece.  The midsole and outsole are identical.