Adidas Predator Tango 18.1 Reviewed & Rated

The rubber outsole that makes up the Adidas Predator Tango 18.1 is perfect for the consumer who wants a versatile shoe that can not only perform well during sports but also during day-to-day life as well. The rubber is durable and grippy, allowing athletes to make direction changes on a dime. It features a molded heel that provides a snug-feeling fit and promotes natural movement.

The midsole of these shoes features Adidas’ popular BOOST cushioning technology. This material is created from thousands of foam pellets that Adidas calls ‘energy capsules.’ These capsules are the result of a partnership between Adidas and a chemical company called BASF. When the capsules are put together in the midsole, they hold and release more energy than any other option available on the market. As you will learn later when we delve deeper into the responsiveness features of this shoe, this midsole material is the companies most responsive cushioning system and may, in fact, be solely responsible for the Adidas’ huge comeback in 2012. The Boost system provides the wearer with maximum bounce back while still offering a fair amount of protection for the foot as well. It boasts shock-absorbing qualities to help lessen the chance of foot strain and injury. The midsole of these shoes is extremely comfortable as well. This is also due in part to the Boost technology, which some people have said feels very similar to memory foam mattress material.

The textile material upper found in the Adidas Predator Tango 18.1 shoes help them to fit around the wearer’s foot snugly, providing the consumer with a fit that feels like a second skin. The sock-like design of the upper helps athletes to feel they have more control of their feet (and the ball) on the field or in the streets. The upper is anatomically-designed to imitate your actual heel shape. The central lacing system provides athletes with the ability to adjust the fit of their shoes to their desired amount of tightness.

These shoes weigh in at 9.9 ounces. While they’re not technically then considered a ‘lightweight’ shoe, they definitely feel lighter on the foot than they are. None of the reviews we came across during our research actually mentioned the weight of the shoe at all, which makes us feel that the heaviness of the shoe shouldn’t necessarily make a difference when it comes to deciding whether or not to purchase these.

There doesn’t seem to be much in terms of breathability features in the Adidas Predator Tango 18.1. In fact, some reviewers lamented the fact that a shoe with this high of a price tag offers little to zero in way of breathability. We think that this was an oversight on Adidas’ behalf. It is important to have a shoe with breathability features because without them, there is no ventilation in the shoe and things can get smelly, fast. It wouldn’t be very ideal to get partway through your game (or your errands, if you’re donning these for a grocery store run) and start to feel your feet beginning to sweat and the moisture starting to build up. No one wants to work or play in shoes that are wet. Hello, bacteria growth!

Nearly all of the online reviews that we read while researching for this review praised how comfortable the Adidas Predator Tango 18.1 is. They fit well right out of the box and provide a second skin feeling. Some comments mentioned they felt like sliding into a pair of slippers. Many reviewers loved the versatility of this shoe – that it can be worn on the field or in the streets as a lifestyle shoe. The central lacing system adds to the comfort level, as consumers have the control of choosing how tight or loose they want their shoes to fit.

The Predator Tango 18.1 trainers are stylish and made to play soccer in while also doubling as a fashionable lifestyle shoe you can wear on the streets. It is currently available in a number of different colorways, including, but not limited to, yellow/black/red, all black, black/red, black/red/white or pink/white. On the aesthetics side of things, the Pure Reveal upper features an eye-catching design that seems to be able to shift colors depending on how you look at them.

Read also about best running shoes for track.

The outsole of these shoes is made from a durable rubber compound. Rubber is known to be exceptionally sturdy and water-resistant. Though the upper of these shoes isn’t necessarily waterproof, you can feel comfortable knowing that you can wear these kicks out after it’s rained as the wet terrain won’t damage the sole unit of your shoe.

The Adidas Predator Tango 18.1 offers a fair bit of protector for wearers, despite its rather simplistic exterior look. The shoe provides an exceptional amount of grip on the outsole, offering protection from wet and slippery conditions. Some reviewers remarked about there being features in the toe box area of the upper that help to offer some safeguarding as well.

Thanks to the Adidas’ innovative BOOST cushioning found in the midsole of this shoe, consumers will find the Adidas Predator Tango 18.1 to be very responsive. The BOOST technology is made from a solid material called thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that compresses underfoot when you walk or run to help better absorb shock and then instantly return back to its original shape. This tech gives this shoe an unprecedented snappiness for folks who want to feel fast on the field, court or running path without sacrificing a soft-feeling, cushioned ride. This foam is actually thought to be one of the most energy-returning midsole options available on the market, not just from Adidas, but from any major shoe company.

The Adidas Predator Tango 18.1 is considered to be ‘high top’ shoes because of the sock-like extension on the upper. This style of shoe typically helps to provide extra support and protection for wearers. The sock-like upper on this shoe helps to wrap around the ankle for added support, something every athlete knows they need on the field. Other than that, there doesn’t seem to be much in terms of support in these shoes. There is no insole, which some reviewers found to be off-putting. If you know that you prefer a supportive shoe, you may want to look elsewhere.

These are considered street shoes, made for terrains like dirt, concrete, and polished pitches. The outsole is designed to help athletes be able to make quick turns and is designed in a way that will withstand many hours spent practicing on the field. That said, these aren’t meant to be just worn by seasoned athletes. The stylish nature of these shoes begs for them to be worn out and about, running errands, hitting the mall, or anywhere else your day happens to take you.

The MSPR for some models of the Adidas Predator Tango 18.1 is a whopping $210, though savvy consumers can find them at online retailers for much cheaper. Price points on Amazon, for example, range wildly depending upon your size and color choice, but one can expect to pay anywhere between $70 and $190. If you’re looking at the higher end of that spectrum, you might find that the quality isn’t worth the price you’re going to pay, however. You should be able to find shoes at the same price point that are far more superior in terms of support, protection, and breathability.

As mentioned in the ‘Outsole’ section of our review, the rubber compound that makes up the outsole of the Adidas Predator Tango 18.1 provides consumers with a great amount of traction. This material allows athletes to be able to make direction changes quickly and accurately, a sought-after trait for an athletic shoe. Folks should find that this rubber sole unit will also help with traction on wet surfaces, perfect if you’re going out after a rainstorm. We wouldn’t suggest wearing these during the storm, however, as they aren’t very breathable and the insides will become a breeding ground for bacteria if they were to get wet.

The durable rubber outsole found on these trainers provides a bit of flexibility from the sole unit. Folks will find that the sock-like upper provides flexibility around the ankle while also still remaining supportive. No one wants to feel restrained in their footwear and the material found in the upper will ensure you won’t feel that way.

The molded heel found in these shoes provides a snug fit for the wearer and adds a bit of stability at the same time. This fit helps to promote instinctive and natural movements. No one wants to feel that they’re on the field or running errands with a block of wood attached to their feet. The Predator Tango 18.1’s don’t offer much else in terms of stability, which some consumers might find a bit off-putting for the high price tag of the shoe.

We were unable to find any information online about the drop in these shoes.

-Responsive full-length BOOST cushioning system in the midsole
-Supportive sock-like material in the upper
-Pure Reveal in the upper for a fun color-changing aspect
-Rubber outsole for added durability and traction
-Molded heel to help promote natural movements

When it comes down to it, the Adidas Predator Tango 18.1 is a decent shoe option for the soccer enthusiast. As we mentioned above, most of the reviews online for this product were positive, particularly when it comes to the comfort level of the shoe. The Adidas Boost cushioning system really is a prime example of what a midsole should look and feel like and this technology really lends itself well to these trainers. The price tag is high, however, and that might be a bit off-putting for some folks. This is especially concerning when we consider the fact that the Predator Tango 18.1 doesn’t actually offer much in terms of breathability or support – both important factors to take into consideration when you’re looking for a shoe that is not only going to last you a long time but will provide a level of support that helps to protect you and stave off injury. This factor alone might be enough of a turn-off to make consumers search elsewhere for similar shoes. If it weren’t for the Boost cushioning system, we wouldn’t recommend this product at all. Perhaps, given the fact that they’re not very breathable or supportive, these shoes might fair better as a lifestyle shoe option, something you’d take to the supermarket, instead of taking to the field during a game of soccer. If you have the money to invest in a pair of Adidas Predator Tango 18.1’s, we say ‘go for it!’ If you’re on a bit of a strict budget, you might want to look elsewhere.