There is no doubting that the Puma V1.10 SL is built around speed! Weighing in at 5.3oz, it is currently the lightest soccer cleat to be released on the market and unbelievably light when you pick them up. But there are several other keys areas that need to be addressed if you are contemplating purchasing a pair, like comfort and performance for example. Another key issue is sizing, and I was lucky enough to be able to try on two different sizes in order to find the right pair. I went with a size 10US for testing in the White/Blue colorway.
Sizing
Since their release, one of the key questions about the V1.10 SL has been centered around their sizing, with many people unsure of what size to get. The team at soccer.com strongly recommend ordering a full size up. I normally wear a size 9US, so decided it only made sense to get a size 9.5 and 10. Both fit pretty well, but it was quiet evident that the 10 was a better option. They fit pretty tight and a little narrow at the toe area.
My advice: Make sure to order a full size up.
Breaking In
Just like with the Adidas adiZero, I was extremely shocked at how easy these boots were to break in. Being lightweight, I expected there to be an adjustment period but after one training session they were game ready. The microfiber upper is extremely flexible and feels broken in from the very start. I didn’t encounter any blister or cramping issues, so my experience breaking them in was positive.
Technology
In order to create a boot that weighs an incredible 5.3oz, you need to make some technological adjustments. Well, Puma have cut down the weight by using supersoft and ultra thin premium microfiber upper and one piece of pebax with a carbon fiber inset to minimize weight and increase stability. Another area where they have reduced weight is in the tongue, which is super thin (almost too thin in my opinion.)
Touch and Control
This is where I felt the V1.10 SL excelled. Since these are designed for speed players, touch and control are going to be the more important attributes needed. And Puma have not disappointed. The upper, although thin, gives great feel on the ball. It also has a slight grip feel that I noticed helped with touch. I have to admit, these are probably one of my favorite boots for dribbling in. When it comes to shooting, the V1.10 SL is not going to help in regards to shot power. But, if you are controlling the ball the way you want to, then opportunities are going to be created through your play. So, I feel they have benefit in terms of helping you get into better positions for better shots.
Negatives
Protection. For some players, specifically defenders, protection is a big issue. My opinion is that the V1.10 SL offers the least protection of any boot on the market, particularly around the tongue region. This is something that is pretty much expected from a lightweight boot. If you are a defender, or someone who tackles a lot I would advise looking elsewhere. The second issue with the white/blue design is that they scuff really easily. The microfiber upper can look very damaged after playing. You will need to clean your boots after playing to keep them in top shape. So, for example, here is a before and after picture that shows they can be cleaned really well after playing.
Summary
I am a huge fan of the V1.10 SL and would definitely recommend them to players who are looking for a speed boot. They rank amongst my favorite releases to date and compliment what I look for in a boot to a tee. I am still a little baffled at how companies are producing these super lightweight boots, but they are managing to do a good job at releasing quality boots. These break in really easily and are probably one of the best boots on the market for real touch and control. They are more suited to wingers and fast forwards than any other position. Watch out for more releases in the range over the coming weeks like the V1.10 SL Lightning!
(*boots supplied for review by soccer.com)
Hey! I was just wondering when I compared the Puma v1.10 and the v1.10 sl, if I in the regular v1.10 wear a UK 7,5, should I go for UK 8 or 8,5 in the lightweight? I wonder because you said that the v1.10 also was pretty tight and that you probably should have gone for a half size up in them. So should I go a half size up from the regular v1.10?
Thankful for fast answer
// Viktor
@Victor,
V1.10 fit a half size small, while the V1.10 SL fit a full size small.
Hey Bryan, I tried size 9, natural size. It was freaking tight. My toes were absolutely no room to "breath". They were curled down perhaps. Then I tried on 9.5, the toes still curled down, but not as much as the size 9. So, question is this, how are toes supposed to be? Fitting? Are they supposed to be "relaxed" or curled down? Please advise.
Hey Brian!
I just wonder how similar these cleats are compared to the Puma v1.06? And also if they will last for a full season?
Thanks for a great review
@J
Definitely not curled up! You want them to feel snug, but you also don't want them to cause discomfort. Compared to a normal fit, you will need to order a full size up with the V1.10 SL – they are that tight!
@Eric
They have a different shape to the V1.06 and fit smaller. The V1.06 is more similar to the V1.10 rather than the SL. Durability is a concern with these (because they are so thin)
Hey Bryan, I was wondering if u could post pictures of your pair in their current condition.. Thinking of getting a pair in either the purple or blue so i'm looking at general durability.
I will take some pics and probably have them posted by Monday!
Hey I want to buy these and I just had a pair of the puma power cats. i was a size 9.5 in those and im wondering what size i should get for these???
Connor – you are going to want to order a full size up – so I would recommend a 10.5US! The Puma V1.10 SL fits very small.
How much of an issue is durability with these?
And how would you suggest cleaning them?
hey Bryan
i just got my puma v1.10 sl from pro-direct soccer in size 9.5 us and there didn't match with the weight in description which was 150g, mine were 190g. also there is a whole lot of thread from the stitching left in the cleat just under the sock liner.
if you know whats up, i'd love the help
thanks
Interesting, it does sound like there could be something up with them. Best bet would be to try compare them against a friends pair or in a store.
what does the inside of your boot look like with the insole out
Is the sizing of this shoe comparable to the PUMA v1.10 K i FG? So, if I wear a 10 in that shoe would I buy a 10 in this shoe? Thanks
If I wear a size 10 US in the Puma v1.10 k i fg's, what size should i get these in? Thanks!
You will need an extra half size to a full size – the Puma SL series fits a lot smaller than you would expect! I went with a half size up.
i am looking to buy a light boot, but i can't decide between these and adizeros, i like the fit and look of adizeros, but many of my friens who have had them have had them rip. which would you recommend ?
I wear a size 9 in v1.08, would 9.5 in these be okay or too small
Too small, they fit really tight – you will need a full extra size.
puma cleats are the ugliest ive seen so far
I bought vapor 7s and they were a bit too narrow for my foot so i had to return them. Will these be the same deal? or are they accommodating to wide footed players? Thanks !
They are actually a pretty narrow fitting shoe, especially around the ankle. You would have better look with the new V1.11 release as they offer a wider fit toward the front of the boot.