adidas Predator Mania was that football boot that gained immediate popularity upon its release in 2002. Besides being a generational update for a hugely successful silo, the Mania graced the feet of the likes of Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Raul and Alessandro Del Piero on the grandest stage of the Japan/South Korea World Cup. Fast Forward to 2024 and the Stripes brand has decided to bring back the Mania and its popular colourways in through the Made in Germany (MIG) range.
2024 Made in Germany (MIG) Remakes
Black/Red/White
Nope, it’s not the same 2002 picture of Alessandro Del Piero biting his Predator Mania. It’s a 2024 recreation of that iconic marketing photo when the MIG range finally remade the classic Predator colours of black, red and white. Even before the Mania featured in many World Cup highlight reels, the boot (in this particular colourway) already became part of the iconic Zidane volley goal in the UCL finals.
Pearl
For the second 2024 Mania remake, adidas gave the range a classy, elegant colourway rather than a straight-up adaptation of a classic one. The off-white look permeated across the entirety of the upper, giving it a distinction from the more pristine whiteness of the brandings and the swervy elements. And what better way to release a remake of a classic than tapping one of its legendary players in the form of Alessandro Del Piero!
Japan Blue
Made in Germany started with the connection of the Predator Mania to the 2002 World Cup. As such, the range first revived the Japan Blue colourway, with the dominant colour obviously referencing to the one of the host countries and the fact that the brand contracted some of the players to wear said boots back then. Japan Blue had the fold-over tongue in red, and the Stripes and logo in white. The elements had a tinge of grey for this paintjob.
OG 2002 Predator Mania
Let’s take a look at the components that made the Predator Mania popular not just in looks but also in function. First and foremost, the Mania’s rubber elements were positioned prominently on the instep on a swerving pattern, reinforcing the idea of that the boot’s DNA. Those elements sat flush on one of the finest K-leather upper that covered the boot from toe to heel. Along the off-centred lacing system was the nostalgic strapped fold-over tongue. The rubber Stripes on the lateral side flowed majestically towards the midfoot of the sole.
The split-sole showcased massive bladed studs that screamed aggressive traction. We doubt though that the configuration would be able to make a comeback in today’s tooling. On-feet, like any classic football boots, you’ll have to dedicate some break-in time to make the boot truly mould around your feet. It surely would be on the heavier side now when it comes to weight.
