Renowned for their “out-there” releases, Puma have released a very colorful version of the PowerCat that would sit comfortably in any modernism gallery! Also known as the PWR-C 1.10 Elektro, it comes in a Skydiver/White/Dandelion colorway. First off, I didn’t even know “skydiver” was a color – but either way I am a huge fan of what Puma has done with this release. The blue/yellow combo really works and the visual art along the side of the boot has an effective look.

The PowerCat is actually a pretty solid performing boot and the revolutionary PUMA 3D Power Shooting Technology featured along the strike zone serves a valid purpose. To the touch, these are like little ridges that overlap across the front of the cleat that are also known as SpringTech foam ridges. The ridges are designed to increase shooting power while maintaining touch and feel on the ball. The benefit of having this technology is that it has high rebound properties that does not absorb the typical amount of energy on ball impact, meaning more power is released when you shoot.

Something else interesting about the release is that Puma have gone with a microfiber upper rather than a k-leather like we have seen on previous PowerCat releases. I am actually going to try get my hands on a pair in order to see what difference this plays in their overall performance, and to get a first hand experience of how the design looks! They currently retail for around $179.99, which is right on par with what we expect for the range.

Available From	List Price
	$179.99

Puma continue their recent trend of bold, energetic releases with this latest Tokyo inspired version of the Puma PowerCat Graphic.

This is another Puma release that takes visual design to a whole other level and will have huge mass appeal! I personally like the craziness of the design and I do get that fast paced Tokyo feel while looking at them. I particularly like the blue color used along the SpringTech foam ridges, and the blend of pink design also adds a creative fresh look that stands out in its own interesting way.

I mentioned last week that the PowerCat range is a great option for players who play center back, so if you happen to be a center back with a wild side then these just might be the perfect option! But ultimately, they are going to suit pretty much any playing position on the field. Finally, the PowerCat series fits true to size if you do decide to order a pair.

Thoughts on the design?

PUMA PowerCat 1.10 JB Final
This version of the PWR-CT comes in a Team Gold/Black/Fern Green color. The primary color of the boot is gold with green added via detailing throughout the boot. Looking at the outside of the boot, you will see a wild variety of black and green colors that add up to a very vivid picture depicting the imaginative side of African soccer. This version follows the trend of previous V1.10, coming in a supersoft K-Leather.

I personally like this version. The 3D grooves, which are detailed in green, add a unique element to the boot. It is almost like Puma are saying here is the desert and in between are lines of grass. What seems like plashes of color from a paint brush along the side also create a sweet look. Check out our review of the PoweCat here.

PUMA v1.10 JB Final
The V1.10 also comes in a Team Gold/Black/Fern Green color, but you will notice that these look really similar to the outside of the Soccer City Stadium because it is made of a Microfiber material. The boot looks like it has a multi-tone gold color, with differing panels adding the same effect seen on the actual stadium. Add to this an extremely lightweight Carbon Fiber in the forefoot that helps distributes pressure with an 8.2oz weight rating and you are getting a boot designed for speed.

Puma have worked tirelessly to ensure that they have a strong presence at the World Cup without really splashing the cash that Nike and Adidas have, and I have been impressed with the progress they have made. I am not fond of the actual V1.10 boot, but these look pretty decent. Just make sure to order a half size up if you decide to buy a pair, they fit tight!
Check out our review of the V1.10 here.

“You mention the studs catching on turf?

Ive been wearing the Puma v1.08 fg model for over a year now and during the winter months I’m always playing on turf but hardly notice an issue with the heel studs catching (except for isolated incident on slide tackle leaving me with a major sprained ankle).

All recent puma boots including the new v1.10 and this boot all seem to have similar heel stud configuration. Is there something different about the PWRCat? Did you notice this issue with the v1.10?”

As you will notice, each cleat has its own individual stud configuration, with Puma choosing different design and also placing the studs in alternative directions. The PowerCat is a cross between both the V1.10 and V1.08; it has one less blade than the V1.10 but has a more similar placement and direction to the V1.08. The PowerCat blades are also thinner than those on the V series and they have been gritted in order to improve grip. I can’t prove that there is any difference between each cleat on turf surfaces, but if you take a look at the images of each cleat below you will see that they each has unique attributes. You can check out more info about each over at soccer.com

Here it is, a full review of the Puma PowerCat! Since this is a World Cup year, there is a lot of pressure on the big companies to produce cleats that will represent well on the biggest stage. Puma have already established themselves in the speed category with the V1.10, but up until now they have not really captured the power cleat market. Adidas have the Predator X, Nike now have the T90 Laser III, but Puma only had the V-Kon that never really took off. Well, all that could easily change now with their latest release; the Puma PowerCat 1.10. Last week when they were released, I posted some images to give you an update on how they look. Well, finally after having several opportunities to work these in I finally have a review….and it is all positive! For testing, I wore a size 9 in the Black/White/Wild Lime color.

Breaking In
So, because of an injury, I broke these in over a period of around 4-5 weeks, with a lot of wearing while sitting around! With that being said, when I actually did get to wear them on the pitch, they broke in very smoothly! Unlike other Puma releases, these fit true to size. That for me is a big plus on what I have personally had to endure with prior Puma releases! One reason for this is due to the fact that these have a round toe unlike the V series (which has a box toe). I didn’t get any blisters and because the fit was true to size, I didn’t endure any foot cramping. It really didn’t take long for these to mold to the fit and shape of my foot. Puma are using a new anatomically shaped PowerLast that is an updated version of the AptoLast. The PowerLast provides additional volume to the forefront and instep of the foot. This allows the sole to follow the true contours of your foot and I have to admit that these create a real glove like fit.

Design
Puma have drifted away from the design of the V-Kon, and what a wise decision that will turn out to be! One of the biggest complaints I heard about the V-Kon was that it looked and felt bulky. This design looks sharper and the lime on black design really takes it to another level. Puma have removed a lot of the protection seen on the V-Kon, and some might argue that this takes the cleat out of the Power category. I strongly disagree with that, as there is still plenty of protection and a new front strike feature that allows these cleats the luxury of being a ‘Power Hybrid’ if you will. One of my harshest criticisms in recent times was on the colors being used with new releases. You only have to think back a few months to the release of the intensely yellow Puma V1.10 as an example. Both of the initial Puma releases are simple yet stylish and they are not loud and brash; more of a cleat for the no-nonsense player. Another positive is the fact that Puma have gone with a K-Leather for this release! “Yes”, I hear you also shout, and this is an excellent K-Leather that is super soft.

Puma ‘Cat’
You will find two very strategically placed Puma’s on these cleats. A textured lime colored Puma sites on the inner heal of the cleats, while the outside has a smooth white one. When you are wearing these on the field, both are pretty noticeable and you can see in the image above that they are easy to spot. On the white version of the cleat, the inner Puma is gold while the outer is blue. Rumor has it that Puma have added images of the Puma on both sides in order to increase speed in the cleat (Please note that this is not actually true!!)

Technology
There are a few things of note that Puma have added to the PowerCat. First off is the new 3D Power Shooting Technology. This is the one part of the cleat that everyone asks about, the lime green stripes that run across the strike zone. Well, to feel, these are like little ridges that overlap across the front of the cleat. The official term is SpringTech foam ridges, and they are designed to increase shooting power while maintaining touch and feel on the ball. The benefit of having this technology is that it has high rebound properties that does not absorb the typical amount of energy on ball impact, meaning more power is released when you shoot. Is it effective? Well it certainly does seem like it serves its purpose. When you strike the ball, you don’t feel the full impact, instead it feels like there is a cushioned layer. The ball does feel like it pings, but I can’t be 100% that it actually adds more power. I like the concept a lot though. Instead of have a large power zone, the 3D Power shooting technology is very minimal and not too invasive. Another addition worth mentioning is the  new Puma PowerLast, you can find more info about this in the ‘Breaking in’ section.

Negatives
Rather than being a ‘negative’, this is more of a word of warning/advice. Puma design/placement of the blades makes this a little more difficult to use on turf. I found that because of how the back 3 blades are configured, the boot tends to catch in the turf as you play the ball. Because of this, you should probably check out the PowerCat Turf version before you buy the firm grounds. And I do realize that FG’s are not designed for use on turf, but from my experience, the PowerCat might be more problematic than other boots.

Conclusion
Puma have raised the bar with this release and it is perfect timing for them! The design is sweet, the technology is effective and the comfort is superb! I am a real fan of the fact that Puma are using a K-Leather, they have followed up with the off center lacing, and the 3D Power Shooting technology is a real hit in my books. Once you get your hands on a pair of these you can tell that they are quality. My experience was very positive and I rate these as one of the best boots on the market at this moment. Expect to see a lot of players sporting these during the World Cup in South Africa.