New remake: adidas Predator Mania Japan Blue

Although these boots are being released as a standalone launch, just two days after the official launch of the adidas Predator Tormentor Pack collection, this reimagined version of the adidas Predator Mania boots is, without a doubt, the pair that will steal the show and catch everyone’s eye within this collection. It is a special collection, as it consists exclusively of adidas Predator products.

As this is the fourth remake of the adidas Predator Mania boots, many might think they’re just another pair of football boots, but that’s not the case. This is an edition in the ‘Japan Blue’ colourway, steeped in nostalgia for the 2002 World Cup held in Japan and South Korea. These adidas boots were originally only available on the Asian market and were therefore worn exclusively by players from that part of the world. We remember perfectly well that one of the players who wore them during the 2002 World Cup was the Brazilian (naturalised Japanese) Alex Santos.

This isn’t just a colourway change; it’s the fourth remake of the adidas Predator boots. Following the ‘Revenge Pack’ in 2014, the ‘Champagne Pack’ in 2017 and, finally, the reissue of David Beckham’s favourite version, which we saw in November last year, today we are looking at the fourth reissue of one of the most beloved and sought-after adidas football boots in the history of the game. This is the updated reissue of the famous “Japan Blue” boots, in which the colour blue takes centre stage, whilst the rest of the details are finished in white and red.

This remake version features an upper very similar to that of the original boot, combining natural leather with synthetic leather. It also retains the traditional, classic-style inner tongue, with elastic to improve support across the instep, as well as an asymmetrical lacing system that was very characteristic of the Predator boots of that era. The only major difference and update in this remake lies in the outsole; this new 2020 version, just like previous remakes, features a modern outsole that allows these boots to be worn today without any issues.