Puma boot range guide | Comparing Ultra, Future & King
Puma are often called the ‘underdogs’ of the boot world. In our humble opinion, that’s nonsense.
OK, so maybe they don’t compete for a huge share of sales vs. Nike and adidas, but that doesn’t make Puma football boots bad. Their range is actually very, very good.
Since adidas’ Dassler brothers split in 1948, Rudolf and his teams have been making football boots under the Puma brand name. The first being the ATOM way back in 1950.
Things have come a long way since then, and Puma’s current range is a constant wave of innovation and tech that could certainly put your game in tip-top shape.
We’re discussing every option, for every pocket depth. Saddle up, because we’re taking this big cat for a walk…
What Boots Do Puma Make?
Images from Pro Direct
Puma tends to follow the general tri-factor of models in their main range. That means there’s one that focuses solely on speed, with the others leaning towards power and touch.
As ever, there’s an additional stalwart which is their heritage option. That comes in the form of the (mildly changed) classic from 1966, Puma King Top.
The speed boot from within the Puma range is the Puma Ultra. Lightweight and dainty, it’s built for quick players. There’s even been ultra-thin ‘SL’ models, the lightest football boots on the planet.
The touch and power boots come in the form of the Puma Future and Puma King (modern version, not to be confused with the King Top). These are aimed at finesse players.
That’s a brief overview, but let’s dig into the detail and find out which are the best Puma football boots for you…
Puma Ultra
Image from Pro Direct
What is Puma Ultra?
The Puma Ultra is the flagship speed boot of the Puma range. It’s built to be lightweight, flexible and explosive when it comes to acceleration.
This line was introduced back in 2020, when it replaced the popular Puma One range. It also reflects some of the ideas from the earlier evoSPEED series (2015-17).
Ultra boots have proven to be a popular release, giving grassroots players in particular an affordable option to get top tech into their game.
Puma Ultra Technology
If you've ever dreamed of channeling the speed of an F1 car—just without the pit stops—Puma Ultra boots have you covered.
These speedsters of the football boot world feature PWRTAPE technology to keep you agile and stable, whether you're weaving through defenders or turning on a dime.
The GripControl Pro texture ensures you stay in charge of the ball, even at top speed.
And when it's time to leave your marker in the dust, the SPEEDSYSTEM soleplate with FastTrax studs helps you explode into action, brake sharply, and cut through the pitch like a pro racer hugging a hairpin turn.
Who wears Puma Ultra?
Some of the game's brightest stars you'll see darting around the pitch in Puma Ultras include Christian Pulisic, Kingsley Coman, Nikita Parris, and Destiny Udogie.
Puma Ultra models available now
The Ultra Ultimate is the crème de la crème of this model. But for less money (which means less tech), you can grab Pro, Match and Play takedown versions.
When it comes to older models that you can pick up at a cut price, the Ultra follows a numbered pattern of takedown, which is 1.4, 2.4, 3.4 and 4.4. With the 1.4 having the most advanced tech.
As with all Puma models, their FG/AG model works for both firm ground and artificial grass. You’ll also find soft ground (MxSG), multi-ground (MG), astro turf (TT) and indoor (IT) options.
Puma Ultra SL / Ultimate
Image from Pro Direct
If speed is your thing, the Puma Ultra Ultimate boots are here to help you leave defenders in the dust.
These beauties carry on Puma's legacy of creating lightning-fast footwear, following in the footsteps of the legendary Ultra SL line.
Fun fact: the Ultra SL Tech, released in 2021, holds the crown as the lightest football boot ever made—an astonishingly light 90 grams!
While those super-rare boots have retired to football boot folklore, the Ultra Ultimate keeps the spirit alive with its aerodynamic upper and PWRTAPE SQD support frame, delivering the perfect mix of speed, agility, and stability.
Puma Future
Image from Pro Direct
What is Puma Future?
We move on to a boot built for touch now, the Puma Future. Originally born in 2017, this adaptable design was groundbreaking from the off.
The key to the Future’s success is within its patented FUZIONFIT+ compression and lacing system, created for ultimate lockdown.
This boot model is certainly one of the most underrated creations in recent times and it often appears in our best football boots of the year list too.
Puma Future Technology
Puma’s Future football boots are a testament to the brand's forward-thinking tech—and trust us, they’re more than just pretty footwear. The top-tier Future Ultimate model is a masterclass in innovation.
The multi-layer FUZIONFIT 3 upper hugs your feet for a snug, personalised fit, while the PWRTAPE technology adds targeted support where it counts.
The GRIP CONTROL PRO coating across the upper makes taming the ball a breeze, even when the action heats up.
With the NanoGrip sockliner ensuring you stay locked in for efficient energy transfer and a 360 Agility soleplate that lets you twist, turn, and dazzle defenders with ease, these boots are basically your new secret weapon.
Who wears Puma Future?
The Future range is currently laced up by football stars like Neymar Jr, Grealish, Laia Aleixandri, Julia Grosso, Luis Suárez, and Havertz.
Puma Future models available now
The Newest Puma Future boots follow the same classes as the Ultra, with the Ultimate being the top version. But for less money, you can grab Pro, Match and Play versions.
The older Puma Future goes through the numbered system of takedowns. From 1.4 being the best they have to offer, through to 4.4 containing the lowest quality materials.
With the Future, you don’t need to buy a laceless model separately, this one will work with laces or without! Which is good to know.
Puma King
Image from Pro Direct
What is Puma King?
The original Puma King has been one of the world’s finest football boots since 1966 (great year). But this Puma King is an update on that classic.
Made with updated technology which is more suited to the speed of the modern game, this is a model for players who prefer comfort with simple style.
Now with multiple vegan-friendly offerings and countless collaborations with other brands, the King has moved on far from the original design.
Puma King Technology
The Puma King boots have been royalty on the pitch for decades, but the latest King Ultimate proves even royalty can get a high-tech glow-up.
This top-tier boot is loaded with performance-boosting features to elevate your game. Say goodbye to traditional K-leather and hello to K-BETTER—a thinner, stretchier, and more durable material that delivers an even better touch, comfort, and fit.
Add in GRIPCONTROL 3D ribbing for superior ball handling, a lightweight soleplate, and a snug knitted collar, and you’ve got a boot fit for football royalty. Long live the King!
Puma King models available now
The new King boots come in the top-tier Ultimate edition, as well as more budget-friendly Pro and Match versions.
Puma King Top
Image from Pro Direct
Ah, now the proper original. This is the boot that has been worn by names that you’ll most certainly have heard of. Pelé, Eusébio, Maradona, Cruyff, Matthäus. Oof.
The Puma King Top has gone through a fair few iterations since its inception in 1966. The tech may have updated, but the looks remain.
The premium model is crafted with PUMA’s innovative K-BETTER material, a modern upgrade replacing traditional K-leather.
Only available in black or white with FG, SG or TT studs, this stone-cold classic is still one of the most trusted boots in the world.
We hope that this guide has given you an idea as to which Puma football boot will be perfect for your game.
Don't miss our picks for the best Puma boots for midfield maestros and strikers—there’s something for everyone! Plus, check out where Puma lands in our lightest football boots ranking this year. Spoiler alert: they've got some serious featherweight contenders!
All you have to do is grab the ones you fancy, and get out there!
