Adidas is throwing it back to 2002 by bringing back one of the most iconic football boots in its 75-year history.
The Adidas Predator Mania will release next week in its original black and red colorway first launched ahead of the 2002 World Cup. Starring in the soccer cleat’s campaign is Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero, who wore the very same shoe more than 20 years ago and recreated his campaign photo biting down on it. While refitted with a modern Predator 24 soleplate, the Predator Mania stays true to its original form and features premium “Made in Germany” construction .
Jan 2002: Alessandro Del Piero of Juventus and Italy with the new Adidas Predator Mania football boots during a photoshoot in Oxford, England. Gary M Prior/Getty Images
Adidas launched its Predator franchise in 1994, and the Predator Mania was the first model to make use of kangaroo leather and placed rubber strategically for ball contact. Its standout feature, however, was a strap for its fold-over tongue that wrapped around the bottom of the boot rather than using velcro. Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham also starred in the Predator Mania’s 2002 campaign, and the French legend was wearing it for his famous Champions League Final goal against Bayer Leverkusen to secure Real Madrid’s ninth European title.
As part of its 75th anniversary celebrations featuring classic models from its history, Adidas has released two other iterations of the Predator Mania “Made in Germany.” The black and red colorway is the first OG colorway to make a return, though.
The Adidas Predator Mania in black and red will release Monday, September 9, through Adidas’ website. Pricing is set at $300.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
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