Gear
Adidas Predator 25 Elite Review — What’s New & Should You Buy Them?
Are the changes a step forward or step backwards for Adidas’ new Predator?
Following the massive success of the Predator 24 boot from Adidas (you can check out our review here), Adidas knows that fans want a true-to-roots Predator on the market, one which brings the feel and control that iconic boots of yesteryear delivered, albeit with some modern innovations.
Now, for the 2025 season, the next version of the revitalised Predator is here, piggybacking on what made the ’24 model so impressive and refining it even more. We got our hands (or rather, feet) in the Predator Elite laceless model to see if a) the Predator has improved, and b) if the laceless model is worth considering.
At first glance, the new Pred doesn’t look radically different, but even the most casual of fans will notice there’s something fresh about the updated design.
Firstly, the upper — Adidas’ gloriously soft Hybridtouch 2.0 — feels a lot less rubbery and even thinner and softer than the 2024 model. This makes the 2025 Predator feel less like a padded, classic Predator and more streamlined like a speed-boot. With that said, it’s still got that firm and secure feel to it.
The grip elements (a staple of any Predator) on the upper have also changed a bit, with the fins from last year’s entry being swapped out for raised, rubbery ridges. There are fewer of them, but they’re a bit more pronounced, giving you some decent contact and stickiness when making contact with a ball.
And probably the biggest change (that’s also the most difficult to spot) is the thinner silhouette of the boot. It has been redesigned to be a bit more streamlined, with the heel area being far more snug and better-fitting than the 2024 model. The fit in the heel was one of the small drawbacks of the previous version, so the fact that that has been improved thanks to larger padding (what Adidas calls its Geopods) around the ankle area and an all-round adjustment, is a huge win.
As for the soleplate, there haven’t been any changes there, with the same rounded-triangular stud shape and construction as the Predator ’24 making another appearance. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? But as a plus, due to the better shape of the boot, the soleplate feels a whole lot more ‘stable’ and responsive underfoot, with less side-to-side wobble and a more connected feel.
So, the new Predator just fits better, which may sound like a small improvement, but is arguably the most important thing a revision of a boot could do. Now, this is specific to the laceless model, but the Primeknit collar is not as stretchy and mouldable as other laceless options on the market, but it’s for good reason. The firmer collar keeps your foot in place excellently, with basically no slippage and fantastic lockdown. It has to be said that the Predator 25 is one of (if not the) best laceless boots I’ve worn, possibly upstaging the Lotto Solista 100 III Gravity, which says a lot.
On the downside, which is actually to be expected with most laceless boots, they’re not the easiest to get on. If you love gripsocks too, you may have to forgo them, as slipping your foot into the Predator 25 can be tricky and a shoehorn is definitely required; but once you’re in, you’re in. It’s a trade-off.
The changes to the Predator 25 may be subtle, but they’re hugely impactful. The more streamlined feel, softer upper, and better fit around the heel area just elevate an already great boot to new heights. Where with other options, I’d often always promote the laced model over the laceless, it’s hard not to love the 1:1 feel that the Predator Elite laceless offers. So, if that’s your cup of tea, it’s hard to go wrong with this season’s entry.
As per usual, the Adidas Predator 25 comes in a few variations and takedown models, which are listed below:
- Adidas Predator Elite Laceless — R5,499
- Adidas Predator Elite FT (foldover tongue) —R5,999
- Adidas Predator Elite — R5,499
- Adidas Predator Pro FT (foldover tongue) —R3,499
- Adidas Predator League FT — R1,899
