Excellent Boots but Beware (Adidas Predator)

Member Name: tommy7

Product:	Adidas Predator
Date:	04/02/01 (3435 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent boots

Disadvantages: Blades!!!!

I have bought Predator football boots for the last 5 seasons. My favourite pair was the very first pair I bought. They weren't as advanced or as comfortable as later pairs but they had one huge advantage, studs.

The last 4 pairs I have had have all had blades instead of studs. Whilst this can reduce the amount of injuries in a match I have had serious problems with the blades. With every pair one or both of the rear blades have fallen off after varying lengths of time.

The problem seems to be with the design as it has happened to every pair and a friend had similar experiences. You must wonder why I kept buying the boots then (looking back I’m beginning to wonder myself). I tried other boots but none of them came close to the Predators and I invariably went back for them. With each new year there was a new design on the sole of the boot which was supposed to combat the blade problem. To date Adidas haven't resolved the problem which is very disappointing as the boots would be perfect without studs.

The latest model has "studs" which can be replaced. These studs aren't conventional studs. They are based on the blade design. I thought that this would be the answer to my problems. However the assistant in the shop could not give me any replacement blades. I was told I would have to contact Adidas direct. What is the point in having replacements if you can't buy them!

I was also told that people had brought them back (this was 2 weeks after the boot was first sold) complaining about the rear blade problem. With these boots the rear blade becomes loose ad cannot be replaced as the tread is damaged. Why can't Adidas just go back to conventional studs???

The blades are also sold as being suitable for all weather pitches. However, the blades wear down unbelievably quickly when used on this surface. On average they will last about 8 games which again is no use to anyone.
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br>Finally, the price. Up to £120 can seem excessive for a pair of boots. Whilst I would agree that they appear expensive without giving it too much thought. However when you do start to think about it, try comparing that price with buying golf or tennis equipment and you soon realise that as a sport football isn't expensive to play.

I still wear the Predator boots and this season's have not broken yet (after about 15 games). Fingers crossed!

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