adidas predator 20: high or low?

With the launch of the knitted boots back in 2014, a whole new aesthetic of high-top boots or boots with a collar emerged, one that remains to this day to a greater or lesser extent. These collars are responsible for conveying that much-loved ‘boot-sock’ feel and also help to ensure that the fit provided by knitted boots is complete. Now, in 2020, the new adidas Predator 20+ football boots feature one of the most striking collars seen to date and further reinforce the concept of a snug fit in laceless boots.

But, as always, this revolution and such an aggressive collar aren’t to everyone’s taste, which is why the German brand has chosen to offer us more classic options, launching the adidas Predator 20.1 Low football boots. A version that’s exactly the same as the standard 20.1s, but without the collar, featuring a much more classic look and a fit reminiscent of the old adidas Predator boots – quite simply, a real hit.

With or without sock

Now that we’ve set the scene, let’s look at the differences between these two top-of-the-range Predator models. Firstly, it’s worth noting that the Predator 20+ features a Primeknit upper and the long-awaited DemonSkin, which provides grip and power for shots and passes.

What’s more, we’re looking at a laceless football boot – something that’s now commonplace in adidas’s top-of-the-range collections, but which continues to surprise us despite the passage of time. The outsole reimagines grip, featuring a stud pattern that’s much more ‘Predator’-like than its predecessor, with a two-part plate and triad studs, bringing back the aggressive traction that’s characteristic of the silo.

As for the low-top version of the 20.1, it features the same upper design but, of course, with a collar-free fit and construction – something that appeals to those with a more classic taste. The fit reminds me a lot of the adidas X 19.1 football boots, with a minimalist tongue integrated into the body of the boot and a reinforced heel counter. The material is still Primeknit, and there’s been a reduction in DemonSkin, both in size and quantity.

This is limited to the areas that come into contact with the ball, much like the old Predator Lethal Zones, and is smaller in size, blending in more seamlessly with the boot itself, whilst retaining the impact-reinforcement properties characteristic of the Predator range. The inner fit is slightly tighter and will suit those of you with narrower feet better; furthermore, the lacing system provides a really good lockdown.

Internally, the boot has fewer layers of foam, so it doesn’t offer the same level of extreme comfort found in the Predator 20+; however, thanks to its construction, it remains a very comfortable boot suitable for all foot types. As for the outsole, the differences are purely aesthetic; the low-cut 20.1s do not feature the chrome detailing found on the top-of-the-range models, but functionally speaking, they feature the same plate.

In conclusion, we have two top-of-the-range adidas football boots, both of which are equally suitable for professional footballers. The 20.1 Low features that classic fit, the reinforced touch of DemonSkin and a nostalgic return to the style of the old adidas Predator boots. And with the 20+, we have the latest true revolution in football boots: a very, very aggressive look, with DemonSkin covering the entire surface, in a completely laceless design. Could you ask for more? The truth is that the decision, as always, is a matter of personal taste. Which ones would you choose?