The adidas Predator Mania “Gunmetal” Brings Beckham’s Iconic Look Back to Life

Few football boots hold a place in the sport’s collective memory quite like the Predator Mania. Its design, its attitude, and the players who wore it helped define an entire era of the game. Now, adidas is tapping directly into that legacy with the return of the Predator Mania “Gunmetal,” a revival that blends early-2000s nostalgia with modern construction.

The colorway itself is steeped in history. The metallic gunmetal finish became instantly recognizable during David Beckham’s first appearances for Real Madrid, where the combination of silver, white, and that unmistakable red tongue created one of the most photogenic boots of its time. adidas has revived that formula with care: the upper once again features a steely, metal-optic sheen that reads as both polished and aggressive, contrasted sharply by crisp white Three Stripes. The fold-over tongue, a visual trademark of the Mania series, returns in vivid red leather with embroidered adidas detailing, completing a look that defined a generation of playmakers.

While the design stays faithful, the craftsmanship has been elevated. The remake was produced in adidas’ historic Scheinfeld factory in Germany, a facility with deep roots in the brand’s football heritage. Known for its precise shaping, premium materials, and small-batch focus, the factory adds a layer of authenticity that mirrors how high-end Predators were once built. Subtle refinements in structure, comfort, and responsiveness make the boot feel prepared for today’s game without losing the weight of its past.

In all, the Predator Mania “Gunmetal” strikes the balance that remakes often miss. It feels like a true return, not a reinterpretation: the same presence, the same attitude, now backed by modern performance standards.

Pairs are available now through DICK's Sporting Goods and soon via adidas.com.

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