Adi Dassler, the ingenious founder of adidas, transformed the landscape of football with his innovative design for the West German team’s boots during the 1954 FIFA World Cup final. This event, famously known as the “Miracle of Berne,” witnessed a remarkable victory for Germany, who triumphed over the favored Hungarian team with a score of 3-2.

Dassler’s introduction of the adidas Argentina boot, featuring removable studs, proved pivotal. These boots were not only lighter but also more advanced than prior versions, constructed from a combination of leather and synthetic materials. The removable studs offered essential traction on the drenched pitch during that iconic match.

Fast forward several decades, and adidas Football remains at the forefront of design and performance innovation. From footwear to apparel and match balls, the three stripes represent the ingenuity that Dassler established with the brand all those years ago.

It’s the perfect moment for adidas to showcase its heritage.

As we celebrate 70 years since that legendary World Cup Final, two major international tournaments—the UEFA European Championship and CONMEBOL Copa América—are captivating football fans around the globe this summer.

More significantly, soccer/football/fútbol stands at the intersection of sports, pop culture, and streetwear, with the Three Stripes leading the way, leveraging its storied past to venture into the future of the beautiful game.

This year, adidas rejuvenated two of its most iconic boot lines— the adidas Predator, introduced in 1994 and donned by the sport’s elite, and the adidas F50, launched during the 2004 Euros, both marking significant anniversaries.

In light of this, adidas took the opportunity to revisit its archives, finding inspiration for this new chapter in football.

We had a chance to chat with Sam Handy, adidas Football’s SVP of Design & Product, regarding the celebrated boot revivals, new kits, and the brand’s vision moving forward.

Dive into our interview with Handy below.

Handy on What Inspired adidas to Bring Back The F50 & Predator Lines:

Our primary objective is to be the undisputed leader in the soccer boots market, stemming from our deep passion for the sport. It’s difficult to dissociate football from adidas or vice versa.

Our love for the sport drives our desire to succeed.

As we reintroduced the F50 alongside the foldover tongue on the Predator, our team focused on maintaining the confidence to express who we are as a brand.

We’re not attempting to emulate others; instead, we’re committed to being authentically and distinctly adidas.

What could be more genuine than seeing players like Jude [Bellingham] and Trent [Alexander-Arnold] sporting the foldover tongue style or the F50 being showcased by legends like [Lionel] Messi, Rafael Leao, or Trinity Rodman?

Handy on The Impact of Messi in the MLS:

Witnessing Messi’s journey in the US has been nothing short of astonishing, especially in terms of the growth of soccer in the country, often referred to as “Messi mania.” His presence has ignited a newfound passion and appreciation for the sport here.

Expect to see more exciting developments following this.

Last October, we celebrated Messi Day on October 10th, launching the Messi Miami colorway on his X. Stay tuned for more innovative concepts inspired by that release.

Exciting times are ahead for soccer enthusiasts, particularly with the anticipated release of an exclusive Messi edition of the F50 boots. This offers fans the unique opportunity to almost play in the same gear as the legendary player, elevating the excitement around these releases.

Expect to see these products hitting the market in the coming weeks and months.

Handy on His Favorite Federation Kits:

There’s plenty to love.

Among my personal favorites is the Mexico home kit, which stands out as one of the most unique we’ve ever produced.

The collaboration with the Mexican Federation allowed us to take a bolder approach to a traditionally conventional home kit, making it a thrilling addition.

I also have a soft spot for the Jamaica kits—the away version, in particular, is absolutely stunning.

Behind the Design of the Women’s-Specific adidas F50:

From discussions with female players, particularly in the US, it was clear that speed boots are in high demand.

The F50 series became the perfect platform to innovate with a women’s-specific fit, particularly given the appeal of speed among female athletes.

Many pro players have expressed how the mid-cut silhouette enhances their confidence during agile play, catering to the unique dynamics of the women’s game.

The need for agility in the game has made the mid-cut collar an essential feature, instilling confidence that translates to improved performance on the pitch.

By combining a women’s-specific last, a tailored mid-cut fit, and new tooling — which was subjected to extensive testing — we are paving the way for increased female participation in the sport.

Handy on What More to Expect from adidas Football:

Exciting developments are on the horizon. We typically operate about two to three years ahead of major events, and currently, we are in the design phase for the boots anticipated for the World Cup.

I must say, the upcoming designs are breathtaking — I can hardly wait to unveil them. The kits are equally impressive, but I have to keep some details under wraps.

This year has been fantastic so far. The Predators and F50 lines have received a wonderful response. If you think this year’s offerings are great, just wait for what we’ve got planned for 2026.

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