Every so often, the German brand adidas takes aim and fires straight for the nostalgia factor. As always, they hit the mark with practically every football boot enthusiast. Once again, we have to talk about remakes, and although the boots coming out next aren’t on my own list of remakes we'd like to own, the truth is they’ve hit the nail on the head with a completely unexpected release.
To the question, ‘Don’t you think the current market is oversaturated with packs and limited editions?’, our answer is quick and concise: YES, we do. This doesn’t mean we are not excited by every release; however, it does make us think about what brands are offering, given the durability that football boots used to have. Here’s the best example: the 2006 adidas Copa Mundial and adidas Predator Absolute.
Eternal Pack from adidas Football – A blast from the past
The three-stripe brand boasts an archive unlike any other, and has once again delved into it to create the “Eternal Class”, which combines the 2006 Predator Absolute – the timeless World Cup boot, which has been reworked to bring it up to date with the modern game – with the 1998 adidas Predator Accelerator. The first two boots are adorned with winter white leather with gold and black detailing, whilst the latter features a striking all-black design, creating a sense of luxury whilst maintaining the same performance on the pitch.
adidas Predator Absolute Eternal Class
This may not be one of the favourites in the history of the Predator, but we can all agree that it’s one of the most attractive. Once again coinciding with a major sporting event—this time the 2006 World Cup in Germany—adidas brought us the Predator Absolute. It featured a tongue that was slightly smaller than its predecessor’s, yet remained a hallmark of the range. On this occasion, we won’t see the ‘power pulse’ on the sole, which allowed for the use of two insoles, one lighter and one heavier. Also notable was the reinforced heel, which provided greater grip and support in that area.
The Predator Absolute is reminiscent of Kaká and the 2006 World Cup, whilst this new version bears a strong resemblance to David Beckham’s Absolute Swerve from the same year.
adidas Copa Mundial Eternal Class
For the Copa Mundial, the changes are a little more significant, but the essence of the original remains very much intact. As expected, the same premium K-leather is used on the upper, ensuring the same feel and sensation that has made this boot so highly regarded for its comfort over so many years. The iconic tongue has been lowered, leaving virtually no room for error when lacing it up. Meanwhile, the biggest change is at the bottom, in the studs, where the latest COPA 20+ sole has been incorporated, providing the stability and traction required by the modern game.
The collection is rounded off with two further Copa Mundial variants, once again presented in pristine white: one for grass pitches and another for indoor surfaces. Here, K-leather is combined with suede overlays, providing the level of durability required for small-sided games.
-48%
€199.99
€104.99
-48%
€99.99
€51.99
-51%
€149.99
€73.99
adidas Predator Accelerator Eternal Class
It has been two and a half years since what many have considered one of the best launches in recent times, thanks to the adidas Predator Accelerator Yellow Electricity and the adidas Predator Accelerator 1998 remake. On the natural leather upper, we find the characteristic “Predator Element” – those rubber elements attached along the toe of the boot. This technology, introduced in 1994 on the first adidas Predator, gradually became smaller over time, but remained for two reasons: firstly, to form the cornerstone of adidas’ marketing strategy, and secondly, to give players the opportunity to generate greater speed and spin on their ‘curved’ shots.
Naturally, there are several aspects of this masterpiece that have inevitably had to be left behind, such as the laces. On this occasion, the Predator Accelerator Eternal Class features so-called ‘mouse-tail’ laces, as the ends where the laces are tied are wider than the section where the tightening pressure is applied. Another difference from the version released 22 years ago is the studs. The 1998 version featured the iconic laminated studs, so much so that they appear symbolically on the insole. Now, with conical studs, they’re a real hit, as the reality is that the soles made today are better, lighter and with studs adapted to today’s pitches—and let’s not forget that these boots are made for playing football, not for sitting on a shelf. On top of all this, adidas continues to bring its football designs to street trainers, featuring the incredibly comfortable Boost technology – something that die-hard fans like us can’t help but appreciate.
What do you think of this list? Would you add any more to it? Just a reminder: this is OUR PERSONAL LIST of remakes we'd like to see. They don’t have to be the same as yours. If there’s one you’d like to add, leave a comment below or get in touch via our social media channels.
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