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If you showed us a photo of the Adidas Predator Freestyle ‘Core Black’ even just five years ago, we would've called you a bit silly. Why would anyone want a lifestyle version of one of the greatest football boots of all-time? In many ways, this sneaker seems kinda blasphemous. But, if you really think about it, it actually makes a lot of sense.
Working on top of a tightly-knit mesh base, the Predator Freestyle is overlaid by panels and panels of ‘Core Black’ suede throughout. Chunky Three Stripe branding features diagonally across the lateral and medial sidewalls in ‘Cloud White’ (kinda like the newly-announced Predator 24), and around the back, you'll find an oversized Adidas logo, as well as “Predator” text written in ‘Solar Red.’
Down below, the midsole is infused with Lightstrike cushioning for extra comfiness and bounciness, and all of this is housed in brown gum rubber that offers even more grip. It's then packed in a special shoebox, just to remind you that this isn't any ol' pair of Preds.
While the Predator Lifestyle isn't officially related to the Samba, it might as well be. Not only does it boast the same kinda construction, it even has the signature T-toe design that's been around since the ‘40s. It also sits on the same gum midsole, and while the Samba is seen more as an everyday trainer these days (thanks to East London menswearheads who drink nothing but natty wine), it was originally invented to be a football shoe. So a Samba-fied Predator doesn’t seem that weird after all.
The Adidas Predator Freestyle ‘Core Black’ is available now at Adidas and select stockists globally, and will set you back £85. Even more colourways are scheduled to drop, too.