As the season heads into its critical phases, brands are already looking ahead to the next season by providing prototype boots to their top players for evaluation. Gabriel Jesus is the latest player to test a blackout version of the forthcoming adidas X 20+.

Currently, the Manchester City forward has been using the adidas X 19+ throughout the season and previously wore the X 18+. His extensive experience with these models makes him well-placed to offer valuable feedback on the new generation, which is expected to debut before summer—assuming EURO 2020 proceeds as scheduled. For now, the prototype is presented in a blackout colorway to keep any new technological features or design elements under wraps.

The new version will continue with the laceless design that has defined adidas boots this season. The prototype features a streamlined upper and a subtly redesigned, straight-cut laceless ‘tongue’ area, likely intended to improve fit and comfort around the foot. While the X series will remain adidas’s choice for speed with its lightweight structure, major technological changes are not anticipated. However, adidas may introduce a more eye-catching design to differentiate the X 20+ from the existing X 19+ series. As of now, there are no immediate plans to release the X 20+.