In this ‘speed war’ of boots, Puma have been no slouches.
Back in 2006, they premiered their v1.06 line, to go alongside that year’s World Cup. And in 2008, they not only released the featherweight v1.08, but also the v1.815 Ferrari – which clocked in at 165g per shoe, a record that has only just been equalled by the adidas f50 adiZero!
However, the v1.10 wasn’t accepted unanimously, with many criticising the football boots for taking a step back from the v1.08 and not improving up the previously successful models.
So, Puma are now looking to set things right and proper in the world again with the Puma v1.10 SL, or to give it it’s full name: The Puma v1.10 Superlight.
First, lets get this out of the the way, the Puma v1.10 SL clocks in at 5.3oz, that’s half an ounce lighter than the adidas f50 adiZero – and in old money, that means the weight should be around 150g.
How have Puma done this?
Well, the upper has been re-engineered into just the one material used. Rather than the Synthetic Leather Forefoot and microfibre canvas used in the standard v1.10, the Puma v1.10 SL' employs a more frictionless microfibre upper, that is meant to be exceptionally soft and flexible.
To ensure these boots don’t rip on the first wear, the Puma v1.10 SL has been coated in a highly abrasion resistant substance, to help protect the upper against friction damage.
Also enhancing the Puma v1.10 SL‘s durability is the external heel counter. The 3-part Unix heel system was one of our favourite things about the original v1.10, so we’re pretty pleased to see that Puma haven’t eschewed the external heel counter completely, like the adidas F50 adiZero and Nike Superfly II.
Instead we have a single-piece PeBax (the same material as used in the Mizuno Wave Ignitus) heel unit, that offers comparable levels of heel lock and protection.
This section of the boot runs into the sole of the boot as a single unit, which is meant to reduce weight and increase stability by holding the whole foot in line with the sole.
Also at play is a Carbon Fibre sole insert, designed to re-enforce the midfoot, providing maximum energy return when sprinting, striking and turning.
So, in summary, the Puma v1.10 SL has become the lightest production football boot in existence, all the while maintaining the carbon fibre insert and external heel counter that made the v1.10 one of the most solid speed boots on the market
Due for release on the 12th of July and costing £185 or $250, is this enough to get you to consider a pair of Puma v1.10 SL‘s?
This is a really interesting situation, and we’d love to know what you think!
They look nice enough, and the tech seems solid…
…but I don’t get it – why release it the day AFTER the World Cup – why not have pro’s wearing it in – you know – the BIGGEST SPORTING EVENT IN THE WORLD?
Hmmm, I’m not sure the extra ÂŁ60 is worth it over the F50 adiZeros.
But at least this way you pay more money and get less weight, unlike Nike Elites where you pay loads more money and get MORE weight 😀 😀
adizero’s still win, based on price:quality ratio, these boots are only 15 grams lighter than adizero’s but cost ÂŁ60 more
Just curious how you can make a comment on “price:quality” ratio when you haven’t worn these boots yet? Also, I know 2 people who have had their adiZero rip already (one leather and one synthetic) after only 4 or 5 uses. I’m not saying that the adiZero aren’t generally durable, just that you can’t go around saying these boots aren’t quality when they aren’t even available for sale yet.
STITCHES!!!!!!! finally, i actually see stitches on soccer boots! its very rare to find stitches on boots now days and its even more surprising to find it on a speed boot! always believe stitching ensures the boot last longer!
@ MisterBroom12: can you elaborate on exactly which part of the boot that ripped? im rather curious about the adizero’s durability too.. im trying to see if i can relate speed boots and it being the least durable of its kind.. though with this puma, things might be slightly different.
the carbon fiber isnt necessary i feel *adidas did a good job with this*. it just adds up to cost and doubt it really reduce the overall weight.. good example are the nike elites *not worth the money*. its kinda pricier compared to the adizero also but personally, the speed boot hype never caught on with me cos pace cant be produced by mere grams and I always experience it first hand. sooo price wise doesnt bother me =P
anyway hopefully the review can come out soon! i feel both this and the adizero will be neck in neck in performance.. it will boil down to durability vs price vs stud system.
So nice to see the Puma stripes without that Spiderman motif like on all the other v1.10s.
Yeah they’re a little pricey, but still more on the reasonable side compared to the Superfly IIs.
And just like GrassRouteOne said, the release timing is odd considering Puma had the chance to showcase these bad boys and one-up adidas with the world’s attention on the WC.
I actually have a pair of these. I bought a pair of samples for a lot less than what they will retail for.
I feel I have to say, these boots are top class. The feel is spectacular and the fit is surprisingly forgiving. My feet aren’t necessarily narrow, so it was a welcome surprise that I found these boots would easily accommodate my foot with a bit of an adjustment to the laces.
Oh, and of course, they are exceptionally light.
To this day I still haven’t received a single blister or any pain in my foot from these boots.
Do you think this boot will give blisters?
because the mercurial vapor VI has wrecked my feet
SG model? I’m just looking at the forefoot studs and there don’t seem to be that many so I’m just wondering if they’ll be a bit uncomfortable there
@fido: lol there’s a lot of boots out there in the market with stitching on them ( the majority i’d say )
@ Patty: These won’t give you blisters as they are a lot more forgiving, material-wise, than vapors. These are actually quite soft and they fit the foot superbly.
@MisterBroom12
You lie so much ive had he adizero since it was released i use it for training and matches and theyre still in perfect conditions. I havent tried these boots yet so i don know the ‘price:quality’ ratio, all i know is you lie.
Nike, Adidas and Puma all the way.