We’ve known it was coming, but today adidas officially launch the Superlative Pack, which, along with updated colourways for the X and Nemeziz, also boasts the next generation of Predator, the Predator Freak.

Adidas has been in the habit of releasing a full pack in support of the launch of a next generation silo recently, and that’s the case with the launch of the ‘Superlative Pack’, which sees vibrant new colourways for the Nemeziz and X Ghosted complementing the big news story of the drop, the Predator Freak. And for this, the Three Stripes pull out all the stops, tweaking and revamping the tech and look of the Mutator to bring something even more wild to the scene.

The first thing that springs to notice with the Predator Freak is that the already aggressive aesthetic of the Mutator has been taken to another level, and that’s thanks to an evolved Demonskin upper, which is intended to promote enhanced ball control and swerve. First introduced last season, the performance innovation is created by a layer of rubber spikes – calibrated by a computer algorithm – laid in a formation that aligns to key contact points with the ball, and this coverage has been extended, deliberately positioning them with the aim of enabling superior control and increased ball swerve.  

That comes along with a transformed silhouette; the result of the new split-cut collar design. This allows the foot a greater range of movement and improved adaptability to feet of different shapes. Also forming part of the reimagined upper, a purecut laceless PRIMEKNIT collar and two-piece sock construction enables an effortless instep for eased entry into the boot and a total locked in fit around the midfoot and ankle, as well as creating an even surface area for continued added ball control. 

The Predator Freak has also received an expressive aesthetic update. Referencing notable heritage designs including the 1998 Predator Accelerator and the 2000 Predator Precision, the dramatic look sees the iconic three stripes wrapping from lateral to medial sides and around the underside of the boot. Luminous yellow Demonskin spikes pop against a bright all-over blue colourway, to round off the striking look. And it’s from this look that the Nemeziz and X Ghosted take their cues.

The Nemeziz continues the launch look from the ‘Precision to Blur’ pack, with a new colour combination for the 3D screen print in the upper that provides further definition of the shapeshifting optic, while also highlighting one of the tech upgrades that marked it out as a next-generation boot. Certainly no-less eye-catching.

For the X Ghosted, the change from the ‘Precision to Blur’ is a little less obvious, with a shift in shade from green to more of a volt yellow. A white soleplate and heel cup offers up a further point of difference. But there’s no sign of the COPA in this drop… further fuel for the suggestion that it’s next generation is also not far away.

Shop the adidas Superlative Pack at prodirectsoccer.com