Chapter 1
The heavy metal era
Chapter 2
The postwar battle of the brothers
Chapter 3
Synthetics and the predator effect
Chapter 4
The modern space-age boot
Ch 3 · Synthetics and the predator effect
adidas After marketers secretly spray-painted Alan Ball's Adidas cleats white, Hummel sold 12,000 pairs of their own boots the next morning.
Quiz
Which player wore the first pair of white football boots in the 1970 Charity Shield?
adidas Rubber fins attached to football boots dramatically increased ball control and spin.
Quiz
What everyday sporting item inspired Craig Johnston to design the Adidas Predator's rubber fins?
Fun Fact
Spin doctor: The Adidas Predator's rubber fins were proven to increase ball swerve and power by creating more friction.
Quiz
Which Brazilian striker was the inspiration behind the first Nike Mercurial in 1998?
Quiz
What material replaced traditional leather in the groundbreaking 1998 Nike Mercurial?
Glossary
synthetic (noun)
A substance made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product. Nike popularized these materials in 1998 with the Mercurial boot, offering players a lightweight alternative to leather.
A substance made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product. Nike popularized these materials in 1998 with the Mercurial boot, offering players a lightweight alternative to leather.
adidas Bladed Football Boots
We swapped the round studs for sharp blades under the sole, carving the grass for a faster start.
Quiz
What shape of traction element began replacing traditional round studs in the late 1990s?