Predator X

The Predator X was the tenth generation of the boot, and the first to leave the fold-over tongue behind. That tongue had been a signature of the line through the 1990s and 2000s. In its place came a wrap-around collar, asymmetric lacing and a simple promise from adidas: less material between boot and ball.

Unveiled in late 2009 and pushed as adidas’s boot for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, it was also a Zinedine Zidane project. Retired from playing since 2006, Zidane had already helped shape the PowerSwerve. For the X, adidas again credited his input, and said that after testing it he found it more powerful than any Predator he had worn.

Losing the Tongue

adidas explained the change as a performance decision: remove the tongue and there is less material to interfere with the strike. The boot closed with asymmetric lacing and a new “Taperlace” system, finished with a wrap-around collar.

The Predator element itself was redesigned. Earlier generations spread rubber across several strips. The X replaced them with a single rubber-and-silicon pad on the kicking zone, carrying the Predator name.

Spine, Traxion and Taurus

adidas listed four headline developments: PowerSpine, a mid-foot structure for support and power; Optifit, for fit; an X-Traxion outsole for grip; and Taurus, a new full-grain calf leather. From its own testing, adidas claimed the X delivered on average around 7% more kicking power than the Predator before it. That is a manufacturer’s figure, not an independent one, so treat it as marketing.

Who Wore the X

Zidane tested it, and adidas named Steven Gerrard and Michael Ballack among its wearers at launch. Xavi is widely associated with the boot, Raúl is listed among its wearers in some histories, and David Beckham had two special editions of his own.

The launch colourway was the classic black, white and red. Louder editions followed, including the bright “Electricity” colourways of 2010.

The X sits between two very different chapters: the PowerSwerve of 2007, the last Predator with a fold-over tongue, and the lighter adiPower Predator of 2011.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the adidas Predator X?

The Predator X is the tenth generation of the adidas Predator, unveiled in late 2009. It was the first Predator without a fold-over tongue and was developed with help from Zinedine Zidane. Its main technologies were PowerSpine, an X-Traxion outsole and Taurus leather.

When was the Predator X released?

Reports date the unveiling to October 2009, with retail from around November 2009, and adidas marketed it for the 2010 World Cup in early 2010. Most histories file it under 2009.

Was the Predator X the first Predator without a fold-over tongue?

Yes. The PowerSwerve of 2007 was the last Predator with one. The tongue did not return until the 2024 Predator Elite, some 17 years later.

Did Zidane design the Predator X?

adidas says the boot was developed with his help, and that he tested it and gave feedback. That is the extent of the claim we can verify.

Read more: Predator Mania · Xavi · adiPower Predator