Phantom GX vs Predator 2024

With the Phantom GX vs Predator 2024, you arguably have two of the best football boots as far as ball grip is concerned. But like any other football boots, there is always much more to it than just their central features. In this section we put the boots side-by-side, discuss where each boot has a comparative advantage, and help you decide which suits you best…

What You’ll Find On This Page:

Your GX and Predator 2024 Boots

Model	Quality	Pitches
GX Elite	Gripknit & Flyknit upper		>> Get Elite Phantom GX2 at Nike
Luna Elite	Gripknit, Flyknit & sock collar		>> Get Phantom Luna at Nike
adidas Predator Elite LL	Hybridtouch 2.0 Upper Strikeskin Grip Elements Primeknit Tongue
adidas Predator Elite FT	Hybridtouch 2.0 Upper Strikeskin Grip Elements Fold-over Tongue
adidas Predator Elite	Hybridtouch 2.0 Upper Strikeskin Grip Elements Synthetic Tongue

Gripknit vs Strikeskin Fins

Well, there it is…Both the Phantom GX and the Predator 2024 put ball grip at their core, but do so in their own unique take. The Nike boot has Gripknit technology that combines sticky yarns with high-tenacity ones into one, seamless upper. On the other hand, the Predator 2024 has mini rubber grip fins proliferating across the instep of the toe box.

Suffice to say that both grip technologies work, and they do so without being too overpowering! In short, the grip in both boots feel optimal and functional. So our guess is it all boils down to the look that you would like to rock. The GX does look clean and smooth in its execution of the Gripknit technology, while the Predator exudes boldness and fierceness with the predator-skin like visuals of the grip fins.

I might choose Gripknit though if I need more grip for passing and dribbling, just because the grip is scattered across the upper. Which means that I probably would select Strikeskin for shooting, as the adidas grip technology is more concentrated on the instep.

Phantom and Predator Fit and Feel Compared

Both uppers feel comfortable against the feet, offering a sensation that is relaxed and more-form fitting rather than the seatbelt-like strapping when wearing a speed boot like the Nike Mercurial (with a slight advantage to the GX for being soft and pliable straight out of the box). However, the GX offers a relatively sharper touch on the ball without feeling overly barefoot because of the knit, whereas the Hybridtouch upper of the Predator slightly leans on being rich and padded as it mimics the benefits of leather. In terms of weight, the GX is generally the lighter of the two.

True-to-size is the best way to go for the GX and the Predator, but it must be said that the former perhaps has an additional quarter size length. As far as width is concerned, they are relatively wide-fitting. Narrow-feet players may experience some dead spaces here and there regardless of which boot they go to (highly recommended to wear either with grip socks in this case).

However, the Predator looks to be the friendlier boot to those with narrow feet as their is an attempt from adidas to make it more anatomical in shape. This might be the provide that marginal advantage in terms of responsiveness and lockdown.

Soleplate Profiles

The blades on the GX can only mean one thing: studs that easily penetrates the ground and grabs onto the soil well in each of your step. This is especially important on the Cyclone 360 forefoot configuration, where the blades are placed in a circular formation so you can pivot well. On top of that, the soleplate itself falls on the flexible side of the spectrum, which is intentionally designed to be as such so that it can flex naturally with the foot just like how the Gripknit upper does.

The solid triangular blades from the Predator’s Controlframe also have some aggressiveness on it, but the shortened width might actually lessen that traction in favour of a bit more rotation. The soleplate has that strategic flex point where it does flex at a certain point and then goes on to be rigid and stable on the midfoot. One thing to call out though on the Controlframe is that multiple wearers have already reported about cracking issues.

GX and Predator Stars

Because of their inclusion of grip, both the GX and the Predator appeal most to players who operate on the middle third. And anyone who usually like to operate from the deep would also appreciate that assistance they get for ball control. Nonetheless, the stars wearing the boots span from the backline to the frontline.

There is no shortage of stars on either boot. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden get their technical skills enhanced by the Nike Phantom GX. Going on to the other side, it must be exciting for the adidas Predator 2024 to have the likes of Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

GX vs Predator: Which Boot To Pick?

In conclusion, we can only say that each boot has its reasons to prevail over the other. Disregarding the point of similarities between the two like the grip and wide fit, here is a summary of where they differ and, thus, where you might find your reason for picking one of them: