Paying homage to the true OG, adidas once again reshape the Sobakov silhouette, adding in some Predator ’94 detailing for two new options. Preserving the authentic feel, they also adopt a leather upper in place of the suede that’s more synonymous with the sneaker.
Authenticity to progression: that’s the mantra that adidas often work to, and the two latest reworks of the Sobakov epitomise the approach, taking key elements from the original Predator and presenting modern interpretations – a standard Sobakov and a boost-infused beast. The Sobakov has paid tribute to the Precision and the Accelerator since its inception in 2018, but this is the first time that the OG Pred has been called into focus.
First up, on the more traditional Sobakov the trademark chunky sole is still present, with the ’94 Predator callbacks being reserved for the upper. There’s a notable switch from suede to leather, although the same cushioned ribs remain across the vamp, while suede still has its place on the tongue. There’s then a change to the presentation of the Three Stripes, which adopt the tapered fang-shape of the OG Predator in textured white leather overlays. And that throwback detail links it to the sneaker’s stunning sign-off – a delicious use of the Predator’s signature rubber fins, here placed on the heel as opposed to across the forefoot.
Next you’ve got the Sobakov 2.0, which sees the heel of the chunky outsole replaced by a Boost unit. On the upper there’s a switch up which interestingly sees no space for the Three Stripes, the space instead occupied by the rubber fins. In their absence, the heel takes on something of a Samba vibe, with a white textured leather overlay sitting above the heel cup. The stitching across the forefoot is not what you’d expect from a Sobakov either, looking far more like the vamp of a more performance-focused shoe.
Internally, the original Predator font and logo has been altered to read ‘Sobakov’ on both sneakers for one last nod to where it all started. Yep, this is a proper callback to the beginning, with the details lifted and tweaked to perfection, providing two brand new takes on an all-time classic. Sobakov satisfaction guaranteed.
Pick up the '94 Predator adidas Originals Sobakov sneakers from adidas.co.uk
