History of the adidas Predator Pulse
Wed, Sep 22.21
The adidas Predator Pulse was released in 2004, 10 years after the initial introduction of the boot in 1994 am took over from the Predator Mania, which was released in 2002.
The Pulse implemented the brand new adidas Power Pulse system, which was a sock liner that shifted the boots centre of gravity closer to the impact of the ball, to give maximum power when striking the ball.
The original Predator Pulse was black with red accents, on the upper, tongue and back of the heel. The three stripes wrapped around the bottom of the boot which is something the brand did again later in 2009.
In 2005 adidas released the adidas Predator Pulse II which provided a small update to the previous variant. The Predator Pulse II original colourway was a dark and metallic blue, and included the powerpulse technology, kangaroo leather upper and a new technology which allowed the bot to adapt to different playing surfaces.
Since the Predator’s inception in 1994, the boot has been used by the best midfielders in the world and that was certainly the case in 2004 with the Predator Pulse. The list of starts who laced up in the boots includes; Zinedine Zidane, Xavi, Patrick Vieira, Frank Lampard, Kaka, Michael Ballack, Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard & David Beckham.
Steven Gerrard of course made Champions League history in the Predator Pulse in 2004/05 as Liverpool claimed their 5th European Cup. AC Milan went into the match as favourites and went ahead in the first minute through Paulo Maldini with Hernan Crespo adding two more before half time, the first fed through by Kaka who was also wearing the Predator Pulse. Gerrard was instrumental in staging a dramatic comeback, scoring the first of 3 goals in 10 minutes just after the break. Liverpool went on to win in penalties with Gerrard being named the UEFA footballer of the year.
In 2004, adidas released a special silver & red colourway of the Predator Pulse for David Beckham who had just moved to Real Madrid only releasing 723 pairs, 7 being his number for Manchester United & 23 for Real Madrid. The unique footwear design was created exclusively for the England footballer who was directly involved in the development of the boot design. Adidas even went to the extent of only producing pairs that were the exact size specifications of Beckham's feet meaning the boots were only available in size US 9 ½.
The adidas Predator Pulse was worn by the best midfielders in the world during 2004/05 and was worn by the two best players on the pitch in arguably the best Champions League final of all time, giving the boot a special place in Champions League history.
Share this:
Shop Now
