With this boot being the "little brother" of the LZ2, Adidas has done a very good job at making this boot very close to it older and more expensive brother.
Price : $120 US
Fit/Comfort
To begin with, this shoe fits a little funky, I am a usual size 8.5 US in almost every shoe, but I went down to an 8 and the fit in the length and width is pretty much perfect. The synthetic used on this shoe isn't as high quality as the Hybrid Touch used on the LZ 2, but never the less, it gets the job done. The upper does not have any stretch to it, so the way it fits from out of the box is the way that it will fit after break in time. The way it fits in the width is decent, the heel is a little shallow, but that problem is non existent when the laces are pulled tight. The mid foot is pretty narrow, and considering I have a very narrow foot, that is a little bit of a problem. But as i said, it is not that much of a problem, all it takes is just a little bit of a lace adjustment and you'll be good to go. Keep in mind, if the shoe doesn't fit we'll at the store, then it will not fit well on the pitch. The fore foot has a very ergonomic fit to it, I felt as if my toes were cradled in the shoe rather then being smashed in there. Overall, the fit is decent, given that you have the foot for it, and remember, always try it on at a if you can.
Traction/Soleplate
The stud pattern on the Absolion is exactly the same as what you will find on the regular LZ and LZ 2, it can pretty much be found on all of Adidas' models. I performs well but not perfect, and this is not only with the LZ but with all of Adidas' models. The studs are triangular, which offers a blend of digging as well as maneuverability in the ground. But unfortunately, they are pretty flat and have a large surface area, that does not give the experience of digging into the ground deep like a bladed stud would, nor does it give the great maneuverability that a conical stud will give. It isn't a BAD stud pattern, in fact, it works pretty well, it just isn't what I like personally, some will love it, while others will not. The sole plate on the other hand is very weird, and it has been like that with pretty much all of the Absolion models by Adidas. It is EXTREMELY stiff in the mid foot, don't get me wrong, some rigidity in the mid foot is good for striking through the ball and sprinting, but when the game is played by starting and stopping very frequently, you will notice some discomfort in your mid foot. It's could be a problem with the fit as well, but in my opinion, once the TPU Soleplate was broken in, that issue disappeared completely. The forefoot on the other hand is very flexible from out of the box, so no complaints there.
Touch/Shooting
With the rubber all over this shoe, there is only one word to describe the touch, GRIP. The amount of grip this shoe gives is incredible, and it isn't just a bunch of grip in random spots, like the LZ 1 gave you, keep in mind that the rubber on this shoe is the exact same s what you will find on the top end LZ 2. Everything is much improved over the LZ 1, and it gives you a feeling as if you have an advantage over other players, given that you have the skill. Remember, if you can't curl a ball with a pair of Copas or Mercurials, don't think that it will be any different in these. What the rubber does is enhance the grip for the players who know how to use they're feet effectively. And the 5 zones do exactly what their supposed to do, labeled as the Pass Zone in the instep, the First Touch Zone on the forefoot of the boot, the Drive Zone at the top of the foot, and the Dribble Zone at the exterior of the boot. All of the zones are made of the same exact rubber and all of them enhance the amount of spin or grip that you will get when a ball is leaving your foot, or coming your way, there really is nothing more to it. Shooting in the Absolion is very nice, at first, the upper is a little stiff and it can feel weird when striking simply because the shoe hasn't softened up yet. Once broken in, the upper has a pretty soft feel to it, when the grip of the rubber is added, it gives a very weird feeling that only people who have worn a predator know about. It offers a very solid strike with the rubber and gets more solid when you factor in the stiff Soleplate. Even though it is marketed as a control boot, the Absolion still gives that signature predator shooting sensation.
Durability/Protection
To be honest, I've used this shoe over 50 hours and I had no problems on firm natural grass, don't use them on AG, you'll hurt your boots and yourself. If you use them for what their made for, then you can easily get way more then a seasons play out of them. Also keep in mind, the shoe has a padded tongue And rubber elements all over the place, so expect a very protective boot,
Overall
The Pred Absolion LZ 2 is a very solid contender in the market, it offers everything that a player needs, and is a very solid option for those who want a more durable and a more grippy shoe. Even though it may need a little bit of a break in (2-4 hours), the shoe is comfortable and is very much worth it's $120 price tag.
Rating
Comfort 3/5
Fit 3/5
Touch 4/5
Shooting 4/5
Traction 3/5
Durability 5/5
Protection 5/5
Overall 3.5/5
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