[2][3] 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.

In late 2010, Adidas designed the new "Power-spine" technology, which they claim improves shot power by reducing the amount the foot bends back as it kicks the ball.

[5] Footballer Craig Johnston retired from the game in 1988 to return to his native Australia to help care for his seriously injured sister.

[3] Whilst coaching a group of schoolchildren in Australia, he came across the idea of using rubber instead of leather to build ridges on the top of a football boot to, theoretically, aid control of the ball.

The initial focus in Predator commercials was on shooting strength, but this gradually move more to the effect on ball spin and precision.

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.

He scored the opening goal in a 1–1 draw at Ibrox Stadium against Rangers, direct from a free-kick on the edge of the penalty box.

This boot featured a re-engineered TRX ( traxion) outsole, asymmetrical lacing, fore-footed rubber vamps sewn into the leather, and a "feet you wear" insole.

Controversy arose over the boot's ball-directing striped-line zone in 2002 when Hungarian football gear inventor László Oroszi launched a copyright lawsuit against Adidas.

[9][10] Oroszi had registered the patent in Hungary in 1996, explaining that the striped zone at the tip of the shoe permitted footballers to shoot more accurately.

[11] Eventually in 2014, the Hungarian Courts ruled that Adidas had incorporated Oroszi's design into their Predator Precision shoes and that he is entitled to compensation.

[10] Adidas released the Predator Mania to coincide with the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

Problems with reliability of the XTRX Blades meant a revised version was released in late 2003, which incorporated minor changes to the layout and design of the studs.

"Blue Mania" were only released in small numbers, primarily in the North American market, Japan and Korea; they are rare in Europe.

There was also a difference in the size and length of the tongues on each boot, compared to the Mania and the achillies protector on the heel was not plastic.

There has been a retro version which was released in 2017 in the champagne colorway, its limited quantities made people sell them on eBay at monstrous prices.

Adidas claims the Power-Pulse Sockliner shifts the boot's center of gravity closer to the point of impact, which they say offers more powerful shots on goal.

Most of absolute's Power-Pulse is 40g, however only Red version is 60g.A very limited edition of this boot was released called the David Beckham Ying Yang box set.

They claim it gives the Predator element more rebound power, swerve, and improved control through longer ball contact.

The Dynamic Power-Pulse technology in the sole of the boot and the special hi-tech foam in the forefoot upper material make these improvements possible.

[13] The Power-Pulse element filled with tungsten powder, which shifts weight toward the point of impact, enables players to put more power behind every shot.

Footballers such as David Beckham, Xavi, Robin van Persie, Michael Ballack, Raúl, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Kolo Touré, Edwin van der Sar, Petr Čech, Brad Friedel, Anderson and Eiður Guðjohnsen have all worn Adidas Predators.

The Adi-Power, like other Adidas football boots released in 2011, faced an increase in price, with RRP set as £155 in the UK[15] and $200 in the United States.

Released in May 2012, but previously tested by professionals in blackout versions,[16] the next Predators will be called the LZ due to the five "lethal zones" on the boots.

In May 2013, Adidas officially released the updated version of the Predator LZ, named the Predator LZ II, and it was debuted by several players in Europe, including Napoli's Pepe Reina; Chelsea's Fernando Torres, Oscar and Petr Čech; Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Özil and Per Mertesacker; Real Madrid's Ángel Di María and Xabi Alonso; and Chelsea's Juan Mata.

[18] First released in a Ray Green colorway, the next-generation Predator boasts new raised rubber lethal zones which add increased friction between your foot and the ball for ultimate control, touch, passing and shooting.

Other features include the Hybrid-Touch upper which is designed for optimal performance in all weather conditions and Traxion 2.0 stud configuration and Sprint-Frame soleplate.

[20] The Predator 18 marked the first time a laceless upper was used in the collection, initially launching in black as part of the "Sky-stalker" boot pack.

This design ushered in a new era of Predator, making use of modern Primeknit materials which includes a layer of CONTROLSKIN, ideal for controlling the ball and dictating the play in midfield.