Dezeen Magazine

Adidas relaunches iconic football boots made famous by David Beckham

Adidas has launched a new version of its classic Predator Mania boots, in the cream and red colour combination worn by footballer David Beckham during the 2002 World Cup.

The Predator Mania boot, which was much coveted after being worn by Beckham, has been revived by the German sportswear brand as part of its new "champagne pack". Its release coincides with the former England football captain's 42nd birthday.

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfield David Beckham holding the new Predator Mania boots.
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid footballer David Beckham made the Predator Mania boots famous

The Predator range was a huge success for Adidas. It was first unveiled in 1994 and spawned 18 different models, including the Mania, which became a popular choice for professional footballers and fans around the world.

The 2017 version of the champagne Predator Mania features a cream synthetic leather upper, rather than the kangaroo leather selected used for the original design, and a bright red tongue.

The new Predator Mania boots feature the signature black rubber pads and red tongue

Carried over to this iteration are the boot's classic asymmetrical laces. Wearers are able to hide these away neatly by tying down the red tongue with an attached elasticated strap.

The signature Predator black rubber pads also make a return. They are placed on the top of the boot to offer increased kicking power and accuracy for football players.

Adidas has incorporated its SprintFrame technology – a lightweight chassis that provides stability –  within the transparent outsole, bringing the classic style up to date with recent boot designs.

To accompany the re-release of the Predator Mania, Adidas has unveiled new matching versions of its Ace, Copa and X football boots, as well as the Purecontrol Ultraboost trainer, which features a Primeknit upper.

The Ace 17+ Purecontrol boots have been released in the same iconic colour combination as part of the new "champagne" collection

"The champagne design was one of Adidas Football's most iconic for our most iconic boot, the Adidas Predator Mania," said Sam Handy, vice president of design at Adidas Football.

"With the new Adidas champagne pack, we've been able to fuse a classic with our modern innovations, giving it the current twist that we know football lovers want," he added.

The Predator Mania and accompanying champagne pack are available now on Adidas' website.

Adidas ranked 18 on Dezeen Hot List, an index of the 400 designers, architects and brands our audience most wanted to read about.

Earlier this year, the brand collaborated with fashion designer Stella McCartney to create a version of its Ultra Boost trainer which is made from recycled plastic from the sea.

It also recently unveiled designs for trainers made using a new additive-manufacturing technique that "overcomes shortcomings" of 3D printing.