Puma Ultra 1.1 Review: Outpacing Nike’s Mercurial?

In the on-going battle for speed-boot supremacy, Puma has introduced a game-changer in the form of the Ultra 1.1, which is bordering on feather-light thanks to some fancy new tech from the Leaping Cat brand, which has delivered something quite special that all boot-lovers should take note of.

From a design perspective, it’s hard not to look at the Ultra 1.1 and not think about Puma’s iconic EvoSpeed SL boot from 2015. The Ultra 1.1 not only shares a bright orange colourway to the SL, but also aims to be an out-and-out speed option to sway people away from Nike’s Mercurial range; while offering improved durability and stability, and they do this in an interesting way.

Puma has introduced its Matryxevo technology, which (while being a nightmare to spell) is an impressive feat of boot tech. This has enabled Puma to utilise a single layer of material across the upper, one that isn’t perforated or cut like on other boots. This strong, single-upper layer is achieved by coating each individual fibre with a blend of polyester yarns, carbon yarns and aramid fibres. This provides minimal weight, maximum durability, and outstanding support all at the same time, and also ensuring the boot won’t deform over time.

As for how they fit and feel, the boot is relatively sleek in comparison to Puma’s other options on the market, but still caters for all types of foot shapes. For those looking for a speed boot, I actually think it’s better option than a Mercurial thanks to the wider sole-plate. You get that same naked feel and ultra light sensation, but have more stability thanks to the wider base; and with the chevron-like V-shape studs having a bit more of a rounded, subtle edge to them, the less-aggressive stud pattern gives you that confidence and balance, which is sometimes lost on Nike’s ultra-narrow models.

While Puma seems to have dabbled in and out of creating a strongly-built speed boot for years, the German brand has finally unleashed a winner in the Ultra 1.1. You just feel fast on them, and its lightweight design doesn’t deter from how firmly-made they are. And for a price-point of R3,299 for a top-of-the-line elite-level boot, this is undoubtedly a high-value product that is a contender for boot of the year.

 

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REVIEW: @pumafootball pounces on the speed boot competitors with the Puma Ultra 1.1! Check out MenStuff.co.za for the full review! _________________ #boots #footballboots #speedboot #puma #pumaboots #rugby #speed @pumasouthafrica @puma

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The Puma Ultra 1.1 is now available in the Chasing Adrenaline colourway from Puma.com, Puma stores and select retailers.

You can also win yourself a pair of Puma Ultra 1.1 boots by checking out our competition.