Thursday , March 28 2024

Puma evoSPEED 1 Review

evoSPEED detailing

Speed boots are consistently seen to be a top choice for soccer players right across the pitch. The latest installment from Puma, the evoSPEED 1, offers a fresh break from their long serving and speed driven V series. There is an air of simplicity about the boot and they take on a whole new level of development and design, yet they are intended to perform at the highest level. My speed boot of choice has been the Puma V1.11 SL – the evoSPEED is almost an updated version of that boot with an all new stud configuration. For this review, I am specifically choosing to focus on the Leather version, but since I have also tested the Synthetic version, I will include info about them where it is relevant.

The evoSPEED 1 has a retail price of $184.99 for Synthetic, and $199.99 for Leather.

Puma evoSPEED 1

Breaking In
Puma has instilled several important changes between these and the V1.11, and several of those changes are responsible for an overall improved level of comfort. It starts with the lightweight one-piece outsole, which offers plenty of flexibility from first wear. I found it offers a great balance of stability and traction, without taking away any natural level of movement from first wear. Next, the upper is super soft and molds extremely well to the foot. Puma has gone with a traditional rounded boot design in the forefoot, rather than the box toe we seen through the V series. In reality, it is a positive move that was needed. I’m sorry for those players who enjoyed the V series fit, but in reality there were far more people that found discomfort in the fit and Puma needed to transition in order to satisfy a larger audience!

All-in-all, I didn’t have any problems breaking them in and I like what Puma has done with this boot in terms of comfort and ease to break-in.

evoSPEED Uppers

Different Uppers – Leather vs Synthetic
Puma offer two different offers to suit different player styles. I am personally a fan of the K-leather version, especially because of the level of touch you get on the ball. For those who want a more lightweight option, the Monolayer Microfiber upper is designed to be durable and it is ultimately much easier to clean. The Microfiber upper is also a one piece, so there is no stitching right through. Again, preference on the upper will simply vary by player taste!

In-Game Performance
There are several aspects of this boot that I like a lot. First is the basic simplicity of how it is constructed. You are getting what seems like a minimal leather upper with an uncomplicated soleplate – and that’s pretty much exactly what they are! There is no added technology, no carbon fiber in the soleplate and no funky stud configuration. It is simply designed to be a functioning boot that serves a no-nonsense purpose.

If there was one area where performance has been modified, it is in the soleplate. Puma has removed all carbon fiber materials and gone for a TPU outsole instead. There is excellent flexibility right under toe-off, which makes them perfect for accelerating away. Puma use what is referred to as DuoFlex in the region, basically a double crease that allows for different angles of movement as you turn. When you match that with a 6.8oz weight (6.3oz for Microfiber) they are a boot crafted for speed. The final addition that makes these a high performer is the stud configuration, which I actually found to be an improvement over other Puma releases. You get a mix of conical up top and oval shaped studs on the back that offer great traction. I felt very comfortable wearing them on both grass and synthetic, so they make an ideal choice for players who find themselves playing on both surfaces!

evoSPEED Stud Configuration

Stud Configuration of Puma evoSPEED

Additional notes about the Stud Configuration
Plenty of you have asked about stud pressure, which has been an issue on other Puma models. The insole in the evoSPEED is not very thick, but it doesn’t need to be as the configuration disperses pressure right across the foot. The use of a midfoot stud is smart as it balances the middle region of the foot while allowing for extra torque as you make quick turns. Stud pressure wasn’t an issue with these! Finally, there is the fingerprint design on the end of each stud. I am sure this is more design than performance and I can’t see it really adding to traction although it can’t really hurt to have it included!

How do they Fit?
We all know that Puma boots tend to fit slightly tighter than other brands, but these run pretty much true to size. I found they offered a snug fit right through the forefoot with the more rounded boot shape serving a much more valuable purpose than the box toe on the V1.11. Surprisingly, I actually found they offer a great fit for wide fitting players in the forefoot, although not so much for players who need it through the arch. They definitely have a more natural fit than the V1.11 SL.

Puma evoSPEED Tongue

evoSPEED Leather Upper

Puma evoSPEED Heel

Compared to the V1.11 SL
The one boot that these are very similar to is the Puma V1.11 SL, a boot that tops my list in terms of performance. Having tested these for several weeks, I can tell you that these top what the SL has to offer. The stud configuration, in particular, makes these a better all around performer. If there was one area that they are not upto par it is in the overall visual design. Another important note, these fit to size, compared to the V1.11 SL, which was a full size small.

Negatives
My only negative resides in the aesthetics of the boot – they are the not the most visually pleasing boots in the world. And along with that, I found the leather version picks up a lot of dirt, meaning you need to spend more time cleaning them.

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The Skinny Summary
Highlight: A pretty simple boot that offers no-nonsense performance in a lightweight package. Puma’s new speed boot takes on a different style, with the V box-toe completely removed.
Category: Speed – in the words of Sergio Aguero “I like how flexible the sole is, it helps me to change directions quicker and really distinguishes it from other football boots
Weight: 6.8oz for the Leather version, 6.3oz for the Synthetic.
Would I Buy Them: I would absolutely buy these as they suit my playing style to the tee. In saying that, I can see future improvements in terms of aesthetic design.
Player Position: Quick forwards and pacey wingers are the ones who will really enjoy what these have to offer. They are the target demographic for the boot. In saying that, the overall make-up of the boots is geared toward attacking players – so if you like to attack, they are an option!

evoSPEED Insole

About Bryan Byrne

The mastermind behind the revolution that is SoccerCleats101. Bryan started this website back in 2008 and has been testing boots on a daily basis ever since. Check out our About Page for more details on Bryan and the website.

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36 comments

  1. good review

    nice boot

  2. I think they look nice

  3. Good review! One question though, how is the durability on both firm ground and synthetic turf surfaces??

  4. Why did you prefer these over the V1.11 SL?

  5. Well, I have a wide foot, and I play mainly right and left back, but I like to attack, I’m not the fastest player on my team but I’m still pretty quick, I just need a shoe that’s comfortable and will fit, I like these but I’m not too sure how they will holdup and fit me

  6. I'm sporting the synthetic, I wear size 9 in all of my cleats. Also, size 9 in this version, but I noticed that my toes have pressure marks (darken marks on my toes). Ryan, any suggestion? Should I up a half size in this?

  7. Hi Bryan, great review as always.

    I know you usually wear size US9 cleats which are always EU42.5 for Nike and Adidas.

    According to your review, the Evospeed 1 is true to size, means you tried a US9 (?), that will be a size EU42. So in EU terms, it’s half size down?

    Also, do you think the leather will stretch in time? Should I get it at my usual size or go half size down to anticipate the leather stretch?

    Please help, there are no store in where I live sells the Evospeed1. I have to get it online and your review is all I depend on. Thanks a lot!

  8. i have a toe that is longer than my big toe would the synthetic evospeeds not be comfortable

  9. Hi Bryan,

    How much would the leather stretch over time?

    Have you been wearing them often? Do you have to further tighten your laces?

    Please help. Thanks

  10. I’m a striker or an attacking mid and I recently had the Nike CTR Maestri II’s and loved them. I’ve been deciding between these Evospeeds and the new CTR’s. I have more faith in the fit and stuff with Nike because I usually buy them so I have no experience with Puma boots. What do you think I should get and why?

    • Also I'm fast so I'd like something with speed and lightness but also good shooting and touch. I can sacrifice a little weight for touch and shot.

  11. Bryan,

    Bought the v1.11 SL on your recommendation – wondering how these stack up against the v1.11 sls?

    I found the v1.11 sl to give me some slight stud pressure in the back 4 studs (particularily in the inside arch) but otherwise LOVE THESE BOOTS.

    A comparison video/article would be a nice to have… 🙂

  12. What is it like to strike the ball with these? Do you get a nice barefoot feeling?

  13. Hello!

    I have got the vapor 8 and I am thinking of buying the evospeed 1 K . Is evospeed narrower or about same size or wider?
    Please answer!

  14. Does The Leather Version Stretch Much?

  15. hi, I should have one question. I wear Nike UK 8.5 and adidas UK 9 size, what size you recommend for puma evospeed (Synthetic) for me?

  16. Hey Bryan, props for a great review! I have a question to ask. I play as a deep-lying playmaker for my team and I like to ping long-passes to the wings. Are these boots good for my position? I want something light, without sacrificing passing/shooting power. I currently wear the Nike CTR360 Trequartista FG II which is good for long-passing, but a little heavy for a small guy like me. I was thinking of switching to these as I saw Marco Verratti of PSG using them. Any advice? Thanks in advance. =D

    • Yeah, they are a suitable option. Definitely ideal if you like to get around the pitch quickly. Maybe also check out the new Warrior Skreamer S-Lite. They are lightweight and ideal for spraying balls around the pitch!

      • Thanks for the reply Bryan! I’m planning on getting the black/orange color K-version for these as I’ve never tried leather and heard that they provide better touch. I also checked out the K-Lite version of the Warrior Skreamer, and they indeed look amazing. Between the Puma and the Warrior, which one do you recommend for a style based on long-passing? (The warrior is more expensive though).

        • The Warrior has the added benefit of the technology across the strike-zone, so for playing long-balls it would probably be a better option. In saying that, you are going to enjoy both ranges so if this version is a better suit financially, don't let the Warrior sway you!

          • Thanks, much appreciated. I decided to go with the Warrior and came across both a promotion and coupon savings (yeay! haha), so I ended up getting it cheaper than the EvoSpeed itself. =D I’m a happy guy now. Thanks again! =)

  17. Bryan,
    Appreciate the review site. Seems to be without commercial inducements.
    Have you done anything thorough on the different Puma V series? V-1 thru V-5?
    The drop in price is sequential but other than materials is there a drop in performance?
    I'm a soccer Coach, not a player, but have long maintained an interest in stud configuration and performance. Not every player is a quick forward needing a 6 oz.
    lightwt cleat. Center Mids cover ground and need great first touch more than absence of weight. Thoughts?
    Thanks, Chris Bolling

    • Chris,
      We haven't covered the much outside of the top tier, to be honest, but the experience we have had them has not been extremely positive performance wise. Puma don't quite reach the heights of the likes of Nike in the mid-tier category. It is primarily the materials where they differ. In terms of durability though, mid-tier releases are usually a better option – something worth noting for players on a budget!

  18. Got mine from prodirectsoccer.com in the synthetic, AWESOME boots. I’m a player with a wide feet and it fits snug around the forefoot, just how I like it. The heel feels secure also. Can’t wait to test them on the pitch ! Thanks Bryan !

  19. Bryan,

    I do worry about the studs getting caught in the artificial turf resulting in a possible ACL or MCL tear. Did you find anything that would suggest that could happen with these boots?

    Thanks,

    Dan

    • Conical studs are your best bet for use on artificial surfaces, so there is nothing to suggest ACL or MCL injuries caused by twisting and turning in these compared to other boots.

  20. I’ve had a few pressure marks running down the side of the boot. Can I fix or have I gone too big

  21. I’ve had a few pressure marks running down the side of the boot. Can I fix or have I gone too big?

  22. Sorry thought it hadn’t posted

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