Puma Ultra Ultimate ‘Breakthrough’ Edition — A Closer-Look & Review

Puma’s Ultra has become a standout option in the speed boot market, giving Nike’s Mercurials and Adidas’ X line some serious competition, and exceeding them in many ways. The all-new 2023 Ultra is a full revamp of the Ultra 1 and Ultimate models from last season, and while the latest Ultimate doesn’t drift too far from the foundations put in place by last year’s model, it has some notable upgrades well worth being excited about.

Weighing in at just under 200 grams, the main difference between the new Ultra and last season’s is the upper. It is still comprised of what Puma calls the Ultraweave (a very soft synthetic sock-like material) and the Pwrtape construction, which are strips of reinforced elements and lining to provide stability and durability. The Pwrtape linings have been moved from the heel area to a more effective location: over the upper and forefoot area. And it’s actually noticeable, as the upper feels a bit more rigid and supported than previous models, but still retains that soft and comfortable feel.

It has to be said, while the boots are comfortable on-foot, the knitted-collar doesn’t have a lot of give, so getting them on is a little tricky, and using a shoehorn is recommended.

On the underside of the boot, there hasn’t been any change to the soleplate. What you do get is the extremely aggressive and sharp arrow-like chevron studs that appeared on the previous Ultra models. Their edges are now a little ‘softer’, and five of the eleven studs have been given a rounded triangular shape. It’s not going to change things too much, but the slight adjustments of the stud pattern do make the Ultimates a little more ‘friendly’ to those who find traction on pure bladed-boots a bit overly aggressive.

Size-wise, players can go true-to-size, but the Ultra Ultimates are a more snug and narrow fit, so those with wider feet may want to look to something like Puma’s Future range.

The Breakthrough Puma Ultra Ultimate is available from Puma’s website for R4,499 for the top-tier model.

You can check out some more pics of the Ultimates, below: