Adidas have linked up with Paul Pogba and fashion designer Stella McCartney to drop the brand’s first ever 100% vegan football boot.
The Predator Freak is a limited-edition, gender-neutral boot that serves as the latest iteration of the iconic Predator series. The artistic, expressive playstyle of the French international has been captured through the design of the boot, in addition to the sustainable and innovative nature of McCartney being incorporated through the materials and manufacture of the model. As a result, the components have been closely analysed to ensure they conform to both vegan and elite performance standards.
It is said that the duo first came up with the idea in May 2020, during the midst of the UK’s national lockdown. The initial conversation took place in Adidas’ content series ‘The Huddle’, where the two both discussed their mutual passion for fashion and sport. Little over a year later, and the pair have co-created a staple and focal point of the combination between football and fashion.
Paul Pogba was seen to play an integral role in developing the Predator Freak. The distinctive silhouette boasts a fresh-white Primeknit upper, embellished with leopard and ‘Earth Protector’ graphics. Adidas’ Demonskin rubber spikes feature in ‘Signal Orange’ on the lower, and have been ‘calibrated by computer algorithm to afford improved ball control and swerve’. Detailing from Stella McCartney involves an opalescent finish, whilst the ombré rainbow mirror metallic plate and heel logo marks the first time a football boot has carried this feature.
Speaking on the collaboration, Stella McCartney has stated:
“We’ve continued to push the boundaries in high-fashion and performance wear so it’s incredibly exciting to be expanding into the world of football with the superstar athlete Paul Pogba”
“This is just the beginning of Adidas by Stella McCartney’s work in this space, and we can’t wait to share what else is to come!”
Paul Pogba also shared similar viewpoints regarding the new release:
“I have a huge interest in fashion and design and I’ve always wanted to explore this further. This collaboration has been particularly special for me because I’ve been a fan of Stella McCartney’s work for a long time.”
“The boots we created with Adidas are bold and unique, and I can’t wait to wear them when I step onto the pitch.”
