Are the New Predator Soccer Shoes the Ultimate Choice for Serious Players?
As I lace up the latest Predator soccer shoes for my weekly training session, I can't help but reflect on how far football equipment has evolved. The question that's been circulating among serious players lately is whether these new Predators truly represent the ultimate choice for competitive athletes. Having tested numerous cleats over my fifteen years playing semi-professionally and coaching youth teams, I've developed pretty strong opinions about what makes footwear truly exceptional on the pitch.
The development of soccer footwear has been nothing short of revolutionary over the past decade. When I first started playing seriously back in 2010, the options were considerably more limited - we had basic cleats that provided minimal ball control and comfort compared to today's standards. Adidas has invested approximately $45 million in research and development for the Predator line specifically, with their latest iteration featuring what they call "Demonskin" technology - those rubber elements strategically placed throughout the upper that genuinely enhance swerve and control. The data suggests these elements provide up to 40% better grip on the ball in wet conditions, though in my personal testing, I'd estimate the improvement feels more like 25-30% in real-game situations. Still significant, mind you.
What strikes me most about these shoes isn't just the technological specs, but how they connect to the mental aspect of the game. There's a Filipino phrase that's become somewhat of a personal mantra, borrowed from a teammate I once played with in Manila: "Lagi kong iniisip talaga, life motto ko 'to na everything happens for a reason." This perspective translates beautifully to football - when you're facing challenges on the pitch, whether it's a missed opportunity or an injury, having equipment that gives you confidence becomes crucial. The new Predators, with their enhanced control elements, provide that psychological edge that's so vital for serious players. When you trust your gear, you play with more freedom and creativity.
The discussion around whether these are the "ultimate" choice inevitably leads us to consider what serious players truly need. From my experience coaching over 200 athletes across different skill levels, I've observed that the best equipment doesn't just perform well statistically - it becomes an extension of the player's intent and movement. The way these Predators hug the foot while maintaining flexibility reminds me of that teammate philosophy - "alam ko naman na nandyan 'yung mga teammates ko para mag-step up at gawin 'yung trabaho na naiwan ng kasama namin." Great soccer shoes should function like reliable teammates, stepping up precisely when needed, performing the job required without hesitation. During my testing across 12 matches and 25 training sessions, the Predators consistently delivered that reliable performance, particularly in crucial moments when precision passing and shooting mattered most.
Now, are they perfect? I have some reservations about the break-in period, which took me about three full training sessions - slightly longer than the Nike Mercurial Superfly 8s I tested last month. The price point at $275 is definitely steep, though I'd argue serious players who compete regularly will find the investment justified. The stud configuration provides exceptional traction on firm ground surfaces, but I did notice some slipping during heavy rain on a particularly waterlogged pitch last Tuesday. Still, the overall performance metrics are impressive - the shoes weigh in at just 7.8 ounces for my size 9, making them among the lightest in their category while maintaining the structural integrity needed for powerful strikes.
What ultimately sets these apart from competitors, in my opinion, is how they enhance that connection between foot and ball during those split-second decisions that define matches. The control elements work subtly but effectively - I've recorded approximately 15% more successful through-balls during testing compared to my previous go-to cleats. The finishing accuracy, particularly on driven shots, improved noticeably after the break-in period. While they might not be the absolute perfect choice for every single player out there - those who prioritize absolute speed above all might still prefer the Mercurial line - for the serious player who values control, precision, and that psychological confidence, these new Predators come incredibly close to that "ultimate" designation.
Wrapping up my thoughts, I'd recommend these shoes particularly for midfield maestros and creative forwards who rely on ball manipulation and precise passing. The technology genuinely delivers on its promises, though with some minor caveats regarding break-in time and wet weather performance. Having tested over 50 different cleat models throughout my playing and coaching career, I'd place these in the top 3 for control-oriented players. They won't magically transform an average player into a superstar, but for serious athletes looking for that extra edge in their game, the new Predator soccer shoes represent one of the most compelling choices available today. Sometimes equipment really does make the difference between a good performance and a great one, and these cleats have consistently pushed my game toward the latter.
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Looking to the Future
By 2022, we will establish a pilot for circularity at our Goonoo feedlot that builds on our current initiatives in water, manure and local sourcing. We will extend these initiatives to reach our full circularity potential at Goonoo feedlot and then draw on this pilot to light a pathway to integrating circularity across our supply chain.
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We are the custodians of a significant natural asset that extends across 6.4 million hectares in some of the most remote parts of Australia. Building a strong foundation of condition assessment will be fundamental to mapping out a successful pathway to improving the health of the landscape and to drive growth in the value of our Natural Capital.
Our Commitment
We will work with Accounting for Nature to develop a scientifically robust and certifiable framework to measure and report on the condition of natural capital, including biodiversity, across AACo’s assets by 2023. We will apply that framework to baseline priority assets by 2024.
Looking to the Future
By 2030 we will improve landscape and soil health by increasing the percentage of our estate achieving greater than 50% persistent groundcover with regional targets of:
– Savannah and Tropics – 90% of land achieving >50% cover
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