The all-new adidas Predator LZ has mainly focused on the 5 Lethal Zones that are set to help footballers in their game, but the upper constitutes yet another point of difference.

Unlike past incarnations of the Predator range, the 2012 LZ edition does not involve leather, but it features a microfibre upper instead that is called “HybridTouch”, and this has been a major source of criticism of this boot.

Despite abandoning the traditional leather, adidas have gone for this this technologically advanced synthetic material, which seems to be similar to Nike’s favoured Kanga-Lite.

This HybridTouch material is deemed to have the properties and feel of traditional leather while offering the benefits of synthetic at the same time, namely reducing weight, being water resistant and fitting to the form of your feet.

The LZ is something completely new and fresh for adidas Predator fans to try, but you will definitely find it easier to go for this boot as you consider the following advantages of the HybridTouch synthetic upper:

It takes 4 times longer than traditional leather to absorb the same quantity of water.

It is more resistant under stress conditions and maintains its snug shape for a longer period of time.

It is 40 % lighter than natural leather.

Its bonding material performs impressively in both wet and dry conditions.