puma future 18.1 netfit

In a modern era of laceless design, PUMA's Future 18.1 NetFit boot provokes a theory; were laces ever the problem? Or were we just doing them wrong the whole time? One boot. Unlimited possibilities.

PUMA are preparing to hit up the World Cup with a dynamic duo of the ONE 18.1 and the Future 18.1. It's the latter we focus on here. Featuring EvoKnit turned into an ankle-cut collar, and a thin upper covered in an odd honeycomb pattern, the Future 18.1 series is instantly intriguing. While the obvious USP for this boot is all the numerous different ways that you can lace it up, it’s practically everything else that really steals the show. Is the Future bright? Or will we be looking for a time machine? We laced up to see what it's all about.

Read More

Adidas Predator 18+

To carry the Predator name takes responsibility. For the boot it's the perfect balance of control, power, comfort and unmistakable visual identity. For the player it's character that complements ability. These are the ingredients to the Predator plate. After a two year break we're ready to see if adidas have cooked that up with the Predator 18+.No pressure then. The return of the Predator 18+ comes with a heavy weight of expectation. Players will naturally pine for the Predators of old. Red tongues, leather uppers and free-kick fire. That’s understandable, but at the same time it’s unrealistic to expect adidas to simply revert to the old school vibe. There’s a reason that no boot silos from a decade ago are still on the scene – far better technologies are available.The first piece of advice we can give about the adidas Predator 18+ is to be open minded. Were we big fans of the old Predator models? Of course we were, but we advise that you don’t go comparing it to the Mania, Powerswerve, Absolute etc. This is a different beast.

It’s impossible for a boot to be iconic from day one. Yes, previous Predators became legendary. Big players produced big moments – Beckham’s free kicks, Zidane’s UCL Final volley. The story of the Predator 18+ is there to be written by the likes of Dele Alli, Paul Pogba & Mesut Ozil, that’ll take time and big games… a World Cup say.

Will today’s kids be talking about the Predator 18+ in the same manner as we talk about the Mania or Accelerator? Perhaps not. But that comes down to the fact that the Predators of the late 90s and early 00s were at the early stages of innovation, completely unseen before. There wasn't anywhere near as much boot choice or innovation. There’s so much more now, so much that it becomes harder to stand out. Boots and colourways come and go far quicker.

Read More