Adidas Predator LZ First Thoughts

My newest arrival to my boot collection has been the Adidas Predator LZ in the Infrared color way. This boot has had much speculation, much hype, and many players who have switched to the boot; the biggest switch was Real Madrid's youngster, Mesuit Ozil. Possibly the biggest switch this year so far, especially having previously worn Nike Mercurial Vapors for many years.
By Andres

Specs of the boot:

• Technology: miCoach/Lethal Zones
• Five 3D Lethal Zones
• External Heel Counter: no
• Lacing: Asymmetrical
• miCoach compatible
• Outsole Material: TPU
•  Upper Material: Synthetic/ Hybrid L-S
• Weight: 8.0 oz.

Having worn the Predator series before, I was curious to try out the new Lethal Zones boot. The fact that some predator lovers are still questioning where the flap is doesn’t surprise me. The LZ is a completely redefined boot, it ditches the original aim of the boot; power. Now the new predator series attempts to attempts to be a more complete boot with the inclusion of the five zones: Drive, First Touch, Sweet Spot, Pass Pad and Dribble. The boot in a way reminds me to my CTR 360 Maestris, and for many reasons I consider the LZs to be a control boot. The zones are meant to help master tour touch, passes, and control for the ball.

Taking the boots out the box I noticed the weight of the boot, at 8.0 oz the boot felt lightweight yet stable. This is great in a boot because sometimes when you buy a lightweight boot you may pass up on feet protection. For example having worn the F50 Adizero I feel in love with the weight, but I risked protection. Trust me when I say this, but when you get stepped on or cleated roughly it HURTS. And the upper on the Lethal Zones definitely steers me away from the idea of losing protection on my feet.

The upper of the boot uses a hybrid leather-synthetic upper, much like the Kange-lite used on the CTR Maestris. In fact the upper is one of my favorite aspects of the boot; it’s thin and feels great on your foot. Initially the material does not mold to your feet, but that does not mean it takes a long break in period. In fact, SPOILER, I did not need a break in time, used them in a game right out of the box.

Now the time has come, lets talk about the zones. I’ll start off with the pass zone, which perhaps is what sparked the interest in boots back when Ballack was spotted in a black out boot with what was believed to be the CTR 360 Maestri direct opponent. The pass zone is pretty sweet; it is different from the CTR one by the fact that it doesn’t have any type of rubber, like the other zones. It is made out of memory foam which is supposed to help receive the ball. This zone is definitely important to a player, because passing and controlling the ball can make a player. I’m not saying with these boots you will become the best passer, but they will help improve.

 The First Touch zone does help out a bit, but whether you actually get the suction effect like the commercials is something else.

 I haven’t had much use with the dribble zone on the boot, but they what I got out of them was a bit more of a closer feel of the ball. 

The sweet spot zone to me, is kind of pointless, it’s a bit too high up and haven’t gotten that curve one would expect after seeing the advertisements.

 And now to my favorite, the drive zone, the replacement for old predator series for power. I am a big fan of the drive zone because when you strike the ball you get a really good sense of where the ball is going and you do get a bit of more power being added on to the shot.

Adidas did a great job with this boot, they were stable, lightweight, and good boot for what you are paying. Many were disappointed in the changes adidas had made, but I personally love them. I expect big things out of these boots.

You can buy these at Aztecasoccer.com !

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