Just being released by Adidas is the latest version of the long lived Predator series. Coming in the release color of a blue with some orange-red and white highlights, this boot is so unique and different compared to older models, that some may say that “it should not even be called a Predator”. Nonetheless, the LZ will not dissapoint regarding technology. On the upper, Adidas has engineered five regions to enhance all aspects of your game.

In the past few weeks, Adidas has released each week a new “Lethal Zone” to the public while the main sponsors such as Xavi and Kaka have been wearing a whiteout LZ with orange highlights to showcase the new zone. The five rubber elements are named as follows: First Touch, Dribble, Drive, Sweet Spot, and Control/Pass.

First Touch – The first touch zone is equipped with thin, long ribs to ensure a large contact area with the ball. These ribs are supposed to act like a vacuum to bring the ball into your foot and under control. I am not sure how this is supposed to work, but it sure is an interesting concept!

Dribble – These are the most outside lying pads. The surface is quite small, but they are meant to ensure maximum grip when you dribble.

Drive – Raised, thick 3D fins are to give greater distance on your shot. To me, they seem very similar to the hard rubber zone on the T90 Laser IV.

Sweet Spot – This is the small, almost half-egg shaped rubber zone on the instep meant to create spin and speed on your shots.

Control/Pass – Memory foam padding with a tacky coating to cushion the ball while also providing close control and precise passing.

Also with the Predator LZ release, a new upper material has been engineered to give a leather like touch and feel without losing its shape and absorbing water. Sound familiar? Adidas has named it Hybrid L-S and when I first saw this I automatically made the connection to Nike’s Kanga-Lite. After already testing Kanga-Lite in a few boots, I am interested to see how Adidas’ new synthetic compares.

Along with all of the new technology, the Predator LZ is miCoach ready for those players who want to track performance statistics. The boot also comes in at a listed weight of 8.0 oz. which is 0.2 oz. heavier than the adiPower Predator, but it is definitely not a heavy cleat whatsoever. If you are interested in buying a pair, they are actually on pre-order on many online retailers such as Soccer.com for a retail price of $220.