adidas Predator 18+ vs Puma FUTURE 18.1: A Detailed Comparison

Two of the most talked-about recent innovations in football footwear are the adidas Predator 18+ and the Puma FUTURE 18.1. Both boots aim to blend new technology with strong on-pitch performance, but they take very different approaches. This side-by-side look breaks down their key features, upper design, traction, fit, and packaging to help you understand which boot suits different playing styles.

Key Features

Predator 18+ – Return of a Legend

The Predator returns without laces, modernising the boot that became iconic on the feet of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Zinedine Zidane. The laceless construction is central to its design.

FUTURE 18.1 – Customisable Fit

The FUTURE 18.1 is the first boot to feature NETFIT technology, offering a truly customisable lockdown fit. The lacing system allows the wearer to lace the boots in any configuration they choose.

Upper Design

Predator 18+ – ControlSkin and Primeknit

Adidas uses ControlSkin, a super soft synthetic material that creates a clean, effective touch on the ball. Despite a tiered Predator styling that looks rigid in images, the built-in foam structure is incredibly pliable and soft to the touch, with a stretch-like feel that sets it apart from standard synthetics. Primeknit is used through the midfoot and extends into a compression mid-cut collar. This combination enables the laceless design, where the constrictive fit eliminates the need for laces.

FUTURE 18.1 – NETFIT Doubled Up

Puma doubles the use of NETFIT through the strike zone, where the knit material adds definition that influences ball feel. The construction gives a slightly more rigid feel compared to other knit boots, with less natural flex through the forefoot and a more compact upper. This rigidity should provide greater durability over time. An evoKNIT sock around the ankle offers a dynamic, aggressive cut that creates a tight connection around the foot.

Traction and Soleplate

Predator 18+ – ControlFrame Outsole

The Predator 18+ uses a ControlFrame outsole that provides significant flex in both directions – bending naturally with the toe and also in the opposite direction. This design is intended to deliver leveraged spring-back when striking the ball. The soleplate can be used competitively from the first wear if the upper feels naturally in tune.

FUTURE 18.1 – RAPIDAGILITY Outsole

Underfoot, the FUTURE introduces the RAPIDAGILITY outsole made from super lightweight and reactive PEBAX. It features a mix of conical and bladed studs aimed at maximising traction and stability. Unlike recent Puma releases, the soleplate here bends in only one direction, providing added spring-back when releasing from the surface.

Fit

Predator 18+ – Accommodating Laceless Fit

The laceless style and tight ankle entry may initially seem off-putting for some players, but the fit is surprisingly accommodating for a wide range of foot shapes. Once on, the upper stretches in a unique fashion, delivering a terrific overall feel.

FUTURE 18.1 – Versatile NETFIT System

The FUTURE’s fit is highly customisable thanks to NETFIT, a net that runs around the upper. Where the net is separated from the upper, laces can be threaded through different areas, allowing the wearer to create dramatically different fits. Tension can be specifically enhanced in particular zones depending on the lacing pattern chosen.

Packaging and Colorways

Predator 18+

The boots come in a flip-style box. Inside, alongside the boots, there is a perforated Predator boot bag, a black shoe horn, and an additional pair of comfort insoles. Several colorways have been released, with the Lone Hunter version being the only one to step outside the norm, and the current Deadly Strike version arguably being the best looking to date.

FUTURE 18.1

Given the focus on lacing, the FUTURE includes an additional set of laces for custom designs. The boot was first introduced as a limited edition release in late 2017, and several new colorways have since been launched, including the recent Texture version. The Fizzy Yellow edition is considered the best so far.

Summary

The adidas Predator 18+ represents the next level of innovation with a hint of mystique. Adidas had already proven it could create a game-ready laceless boot, and this build takes the Predator to a place it has never been before.

The Puma FUTURE 18.1, meanwhile, takes fit in a completely new direction. It is a boot with multiple functionality, capable of suiting both narrow and wide-fitting players.

Choosing between the two is difficult. Each has unique traits and performance benefits, and they are not intended to serve the same category of player. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you are looking for in a boot. Both deserve equal respect.

A post shared by SoccerCleats101 (@soccercleats101) on Apr 8, 2018 at 1:06pm PDT

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