There isn’t a whole lot of negatives to report, they match up really well with the best options on the market. I do think, however, it is time for Puma to get in on the boot bag game. Any sort of addition with the cat proudly showcased would only add to the release. Retail Details Runs a bit quarter-size long; could be good for those who prefer that extra space on the toes, though responsiveness might be affected for some All five have wowed spectators wearing perhaps the most iconic cleatof all: the PUMA King. Having been tweaked and refined over the years since its introduction in 1968, the King’s now available in a lighter, more streamlined design that’s engineered for modern playmakers. Designed for tomorrow’s superstars, these are the children’s versions of the Future, so players can wear boots that look like their favourite stars on pitch, but at a price point to keep parents happy.

Engineered to enhance the playing style of the world’s most exciting and entertaining players, FUTURE Z is built around an adaptive FUZIONFIT+ compression band. That immediately gives them an innovative look, something we have clearly seen Puma take advantage of over the past few weeks. The compression bands held my feet firm and pivoting around in the Z soleplate is effortless, even on artificial ground (AG). Puma’s firm ground (FG) boots tend to be quite AG friendly and the Puma Future Z is no exception, earning our seal of approval for AG pitches. The concept began in 2018 with the Future NETFIT and its lace-how-you-like customisable closure system. Then we had the Future Z with its trademark midfoot band and soleplate bridge, followed by the Future Ultimate, which uses PWRTAPE tech on the upper to offer targeted support. The goal is the same with every Future: to enable players to move unrestricted. The only limit is your imagination.Boots with Firm Ground soleplates are only to be used on natural, short-grass surfaces that are firm underfoot but may be slightly wet. Designed specifically for this playing surface, they offer acceleration, comfort, and enhanced traction, dispersing stud pressure evenly across the foot. FG soleplates are fixed (not removable) and are used worldwide; wetter countries tend to use them spring to autumn. FG boots are not to be used on artificial ground (AG) surfaces as the construction is not designed for the extra friction. Using FG boots on AG surfaces will invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty. The material itself is so incredibly supple that it folds with ease as your squeeze it. That was one area of concern I had going into testing, and I’m glad to report that it is one of the most responsive uppers you will find on the market. If you are looking for natural touch on the ball with enhanced touch, then this will be one of the best options available.

Initially known for its customisable lacing system; transitioned to Fuzionfit+ with the Future Z release in December 2020 Both the FUTURE Z 1.1 and accompanying apparel collection are available now from the PUMA web store. FG cleats are not to be used on artificial ground (AG) surfaces as the construction is not designed for the extra friction. Despite the major concept change, Puma’s bold new design has stayed true to the Future DNA by providing one of the best fitting and secure boots in recent years. With an improved design, top notch performance and a new star in Neymar promoting the boots, I’m sure the Puma Future Z will be a commercial success as much as it is a critical one. From release images, my biggest question surrounding the FUTURE Z is how pliable the upper material would be? Being a knit material, you would expect them to stretch around your foot, but pictures make them look a little rigid. Also, the lacing is very interesting across the midfoot. That large gap between eyelets (basically the large X across the middle) has me wondering what the comfort is like when you tighten them.

The Puma Future has been a curious silo. It’s not one to be pigeonholed in one of the industry’s common categories such as a “speed” boot, “power” boot or a “control” boot. Puma carved out its own path with the Future silo to meet a need that is often under-appreciated – a need for the perfect fitting boot. All five have wowed spectators wearing perhaps the most iconic boot of all: the PUMA King. Having been tweaked and refined over the years since its introduction in 1968, the King’s now available in a lighter, more streamlined design that’s engineered for modern playmakers. Wider coverage of the Fuzionfit+ streamlines the tension all-over the midfoot, as opposed to the midfoot-centric iteration of the compression band in the Future Z 1.1 and 1.2