If it’s mystery that you want, then this time of the pre-season is perfect for it. Teams and trademarks are trying out their latest ideas and gadgets for the new season, and adidas are no exception. After attending an invitation-only event in Germany, I’ve learned that they appear to be testing a “boot with a brain” concept (see above photo).

You can credit the leg to Milan defender Mattia de Sciglio at the Adidas Campus just outside Nuremberg.

For now I like the idea of calling these the adidas Blackouts for obvious reasons. There is little information available about them, but imagine being able to track your game and fitness through a boot. Even the most basic of information could help you improve how you approach the game when you step out on the turf.

Speculation is that this will be part of the mi-coach range. Adidas are pushing the envelope in boot technology right now and our inside information suggests that this is just the beginning. Not just a pedometer, but a “brain” which would imply a lot more beyond tracking speed and distance.

Football doesn’t have much like this commercially available right now, so what would you do with it?