The latest Puma King Finale colorway has been released, with Puma choosing to alter the look in a very subtle way. The official colorway is White/Team Orange/Navy and it is the Orange detailing through the boot that separates them from the original release in the silo. The look is very clean and continues to give players an opportunity to look classy in one of the most consistent boots on the market!

Since the King range has been around for such a long time, you know that you are getting quality when you put them on. The first thing you will notice about these boots when you take them out of the box is the wonderful leather smell! And when you get them in your hands they simply feel like a quality boot, with the leather creasing under your fingers. In the first game, they felt a little stiff and it took a little bit to adjust to the actual fit. But when these boots actually mold to your feet you feel a real connection with them. The leather just oozes class and I felt extra confident dribbling with the ball.

If you want a boot built on style and quality look no further than the ever classic Puma King Finale. The leather is the absolute highlight of this boot, and another big positive is the price of a pair, a very competitive $130! In terms of availability, they are scheduled to hit the US market in early January.

When it comes to leather uppers, I am personally a fan of the touch and control benefits that are offered. That is why, having already tested the synthetic version of the Puma V1.11, I took the opportunity to pick up a pair in the k-leather upper for review. At 8.4oz, the boot is designed to be a speed boot and the shape of the upper around the toes fulfills the requirements of the V series! For testing, I wore the Fluo Green/Midnight Navy/White colorway in a size 9.5US.

You will find that some of this review is similar to the Puma V1.11 synthetic review, specifically in areas where the boots are extremely similar.

Important: Getting the right size!
If you are not familiar with Puma shoes, they generally fit tight – my recommendation for the k-leather version is very similar to the synthetic version, order up a half size. You will get some stretch from the K-leather upper, but the reason that I recommend a half size up is related to the shape of the boot, with the toe region offering a flat rather than round fit. For those of you who know their size in previous V series releases, these fit very similarly, with some additional width at the top of the boot.

Breaking In
Ensuring I had the right size from first wear resulted in a smooth break in period with these boots. My experience was again very similar, with the soleplate starting out a little stiff. But, after a training session they quickly got into the swing of things! The front of the boot has that strange “V” angle design we have become familiar with on the V series. I refer to it as a box toe because of its sharp angle appearance. It is an odd comment, but if you have a toe that is longer than your big toe, you will probably want to avoid these! I ended wearing them in several training sessions before the first game.

Leather Upper
There is just something about leather that immediately increases the appeal of a boot for me. There are some players that prefer synthetic, but I just feel that leather has more to offer in terms of touch. And falling right in-line, the addition of K-Leather to the V1.11 makes for an even better boot! Not only does the leather feel soft, but the stitching ensures it contours with the shape of your foot as you connect with the ball, producing a glove like fit. It could also be argued that the Puma cat looks much happier in leather!

Performance
When it came to game time, the V1.11 perform at a competitive level. The lightweight nature of the boot suited my game and I found them to be an effective tool in terms of acceleration. Crossing felt ok, it is one area they fall slightly short. Along the front of the boot, stitching is applied to ensure you are getting a durable boot, but this causes the material to rise slightly. Getting under the ball on a pitch with little grass might cause issues. On grass, they worked out well and I felt like they were more suited. The leather upper give you an extra supple touch. I found that as the ball contacts your foot, the leather molds to your foot and allows for more cushioning. I also found that while wet, the leather gives a grippier feel on the ball.

Something I didn’t mention on the synthetic review that I did notice with these was problematic traction. I played several games at night when there was mist on the field, and I have to admit that on several occasions I lost my footing. This was particularly true while dribbling and trying to stop quickly. It wasn’t a consistent problem, but be warned that there might be times when they fail to offer exactly what you need!

Negatives
The negatives I have with the V1.11 are primarily centered around size. There were definitely moments when I thought I needed a full size up rather than the additional half size I wore. Another negative was that of traction, and I was a little disappointed when I lost my footing on several occasions. The Puma blades are generally designed with more angled dimensions than regular cleats, something that is worth taking into consideration. Other than that

Summary
With each new release in a series, companies look to go bigger and better – Puma have achieved that with this release. It is the simple things such as the addition of a fully functional lace cover, and the redesigned front strike zone that features a more textured effect. I definitely don’t think the Puma V1.11 are suited for all players and I have no doubt that people will buy them only to discover the shape and fit causes them problems on the field. But those players who find them to be effective will experience a fantastic match and a high performer. If I had to choose between the leather and synthetic version, my vote definitely goes to the Leather. The soft upper just adds another level, with a better touch and feel as you move with the ball at your feet. The weight difference between both versions is 0.2oz – something only a prima dona would complain about! (Don’t be that guy) If you are looking for a different colorway, Puma also has a White/Black/Dresden Blue colorway in K-Leather available.

*Boots supplied for review by Puma Soccer

I haven’t had a chance to test out the Puma V1.11 or the Puma V1.11 SL yet. but since I had a pair of each lying around, I figured it would be a good idea to snap some pics of each and feature a generalized comparison. Typically, I wouldn’t wait long to get new boots into review, but both have caused some concerns size wise. Here are my important notes between both pairs.

Size – make sure to order up in size for both!
Normally, I would wear a size 9US for testing, but just like their predecessor (the V1.10 and V1.10 SL), both of these boots fit small. The V1.11 fits a half size small, so I am testing a size 9.5US, while the V1.11 SL fit a full size small. In fact, the pair in the pictures is a size 9.5US – and it fits like a 8.5US!

Weight – there is light, and then there is lighter.
Coming in at 8.2oz, many players will be satisfied with the lightweight nature of the Puma V1.11 – but for the ultimate lightweight experience, the V1.11 SL weighs in at an extremely tasty 5.6oz.

Design – whats the difference between versions?
The obvious difference lies with the lace cover found on the V1.11. It works great and the velcro keeps it in place nicely. A second difference lies in the soleplates (as seen below), with the V1.11 SL having a much more minimal design – to be expected for a lightweight boot. The final important difference lies in how the upper is attached to the soleplate. On the V1.11 you are getting a more highly structured, stitched and cemented joining. This offers better durability than you will find on the V1.11 SL, but it also raises the angle between the joining.

Which should I buy?
If you are looking for a guide on which pair to buy, it goes like this: the V1.11 are a more durable boot and they come in at a far better price. But the V1.11 SL offer an ultra Lightweight feel with a much better all around fit (once you get the right size). Either way, please consider my notes above on sizing before ordering a pair!

How much do they cost?
Since they are new to the market, you will find that both pairs are currently at full price. By August/September we will start to see some good deals on them. The Puma V1.11 comes in at $180, while the V1.11 SL is a little more expensive at $220.

Hopefully the images below answer some of your questions about the differences between both boots and give you an idea of what they are like. Stay tuned for a full review of the V1.11 in the next 1-2 weeks, while the SL will be posted in a few weeks once I get a better fitting size!

**Today is the last day to take advantage of this deal!

Puma are having a pretty sweet 40% off event through the 13th. And since I spotted they have the new Puma V1.11 listed on their website, I thought it was a deal absolutely worth highlighting! If you are looking to get the V1.11 right now this is the best deal you are going to find for a while. In fact, this deal could be a little insane!

Check out the V1.11 in Fluo Green or the V1.11 in White version, and use code PUMASAVE40 at checkout to get the $108 price! If you are Canada use code PUMAFRIENDS to get the 40% discount. And it gets even better because Puma offer free shipping on orders over $85!!

If you are simply a fan of Puma gear, you can still use the code to get 40% on whatever you want. Check out the full list of available Puma Soccer products. Important to note is that you can only use the 40% code off products that are not currently on sale. I recently tested the Puma Faas range of running shoes and highly recommend checking them out.

Top of the bunch is the Puma King Finale Diego, which is currently on sale for $91. Add 25% off and the price drops to $68. For a boot originally priced at $130 this is one of the better deals you will get this year! I also had the opportunity to test the King Diego a few months back and loved the full package. Along with the fantastic K-leather boot, you get a sweet boot bag with a nifty cleaning kit.

Another good option is the Puma V1.10 JB Final, especially if you are looking for a new gold colored cleat! The current sale price on the boot is $108, which drops to $81. Again, considering the original price of the V1.10 series is $200 that is a pretty tasty savings.

I could keep going on, but you would be better off checking out the deals yourself. To activate the additional 25% off, use code 25OFFPUMA during checkout. And simply select regular shipping to get the free shipping offer. Hopefully some of you pick up some pretty sweet deals!

Here is a pretty sweet sale where you can get some exceptional deals if you are a Puma fan. It is part of the Puma Presidents Day sale, and you can get 25% of all footwear and gear once you spend $75. To find the best deals, I recommend heading over to the Puma Website and clicking on the Sale – Mens Footwear section.

You can get the likes of the Puma V1.10 JB for $81 (down from $200) or even better, a pair of Puma King Diego for $68 (down from $130). You are going to have to play around with some of the deals to find the best price, but ultimately you can get some awesome deals on new boots, or even a new pair of sneakers. I actually picked up a few different pairs, with the pick of the bunch (in my opinion) being the Voltaic II in the White/Puma Silver/Snorkel Blue colorway for $38 (normally $80.)

As reference, you need to add the gear to your shopping cart and have over $75 before the 25% deal kicks in.

The sale runs through Monday – so you have 2 days to decide exactly what you want! If you do get some gear, let me know in a comment below what you buy!

Breaking In
Just like the King Diego, the first thing you will notice about these boots when you take them out of the box is the wonderful leather smell! And when you get them in your hands they simply feel like a quality boot, with the leather creasing under your fingers. When it got down to wearing them, they felt a little tight in the first few (3 total) training sessions, at which point I took them into a game. They seem to fit just a tad tight when you start out with them, but eventually the leather softened up and in the end they turned out to give a super comfortable fit. I would say it took 4 trainings and 2 full games before they felt just right. And when they did, they felt fantastic!

Size and Fit
It seems to be a trend with Puma releases at the moment, but they seem to fit slightly small. I wore a size 9US for testing and overall they worked out well. But, they did leave me wanting a little extra room while breaking them in. For those who do like a little extra space, I advise going up half a size. Since they are K-Leather, they will stretch over time and currently my pair are an excellent fit.

Design and Detailing
Puma keep a classic look and feel with a modern finish to the King Finale. The modern finish lies in the detailing added to the boot, like for example a yellow badge that displays the signature king’s crown on either side of the boot. The same style is used to display “KING” on the front of the boot, just above the strike zone. I am a big fan of how the mix of white and yellow are used on the outside of the boot, specifically around the heel region. The only thing I am not a huge fan of is the tongue – it seems to be shaped in an odd fashion and I would have preferred a primary black background.  Check out this post if you want to read more on how the Finale compares to the Diego in terms of design.

On Field Performance
Since the King range has been around for such a long time, you know that you are getting quality when you put them on. That is of course as long as you are patient! In the first game they felt a little stiff and it took a little bit to adjust to the actual fit. But when these boots actually mold to your feet you feel a real connection with them. The leather just oozes class and I felt extra confident dribbling with the ball. The sole consists of 8 front and 4 back conical studs. Some players prefer blades and some prefer conical shaped studs, particularly when playing on artificial surfaces. Personally, I find both to give great traction during games, ultimately it is down to personal preference. During testing, the performance of the boot transitioned just as expected and I felt in the end they matched my expectations on the field.

Negatives
My only real negative is the design of the tongue/lace cover – and this is just personal preference! For me, it was a little too bulky and the shape at the front is kind of odd. On a positive note, it stays in place really well as it has a very effective Velcro just underneath. The initial sizing issue was also a slight concern, but after testing and knowing that in the end they offer a superb fit, I have to move it from the negative side – just something to keep in mind as you break them in!

Summary
If you want a boot built on style and quality look no further than the ever classic Puma King Finale. The leather is the absolute highlight of this boot, and the extra detailing throughout the boot offers a different look. Best of all, the price of a pair stands at a very competitive $130, and in my opinion you are getting huge value for money. Puma also do a good job of keeping the boot in good stead weight wise, at a very competitive 9.2oz, leaving them very close to the new Nike CTR360 Maestri II (8.8oz) and lighter than the Adidas adiPure IV (9.8oz). In terms of players on the field, these boots are pretty much going to suit everyone from goalkeepers to forwards and have already been established in the top leagues around the world. Everton’s playmaker Mikel Arteta is just one player we have seen wearing them with style recently. Overall, another great release from Puma!

Puma continue their trend of truly unique colorway releases with this new Puma V1.10 SL release. The official colorway of Fluo Orange/Blue Aster/White is definitely not like any other release currently on the market and is sure to make you stand out on the field. If anything, this release would look pretty good with the Holland away kit!

Stepping away from the colorway, Puma have created a 5.3oz winner with the Puma V1.10 SL. It is a boot designed for raw speed on the field, giving players a super lightweight feel. Having tested them, these break in really easily and are probably one of the best boots on the market in terms of real touch and control. I would rate them as one of my favorite boots on the market at the moment. The one area where many players will have questions is what protection these cleats offer? You are definitely losing some of the protection benefits because of the ultrathin microfiber upper, but overall I found them to be just as effective as other lightweight boots on the market!

Another key question about the V1.10 SL centers around their sizing, with many people unsure of what size to order. 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!

Puma have released their latest version of the classic and extremely popular Puma King soccer cleat. The Puma King Finale is the latest boot in a range that dates back to the 1960′s. But to go along with the Finale, Puma have also released the Puma King Diego – a boot designed for Argentinian legend Diego Maradona.

Having tested the Puma King Diego a few weeks back, I can tell you that this is a fantastic boot created to the highest standard. The King Finale and Diego have been created from the same template, with only the actual look and design differentiating each boot. I still wanted to take the opportunity to check out the King Finale version, so managed to get my hands on a pair for review.

But rather than being a full review, this post is more of a comparison of design – for more on how the Finale performs on field, check out the full King Diego review!

Colors Used
Puma have stuck to minimal colors for the King Finale, giving them an absolutely classic look that works. The basic Black/White/Yellow combo is something that creates a look of familiarity with the King range.

In comparison, the King Diego has been stapled with a look that aptly fits the Argentinian legend they have been created for. The mix of white leather and two tone Argentina blue gives a modern look that makes you feel like you are wearing an ‘advanced’ boot!

Detailing
Outside of the colors, the biggest differences lie in the detailing used on the boot. For example, the King Diego actually has Diego Maradona’s signature on the side of the boot where “Puma” is placed on the King Finale. You also get Maradona’s number 10 placed on numerous places on the boot.

The small buttons on the inside and outside of the boot also carry the respective colorways of each boot. On the King Finale you get a yellow button with a black King crown, while the King Diego has a silver button that matches the stitching.

The Tongue
Both tongues are shaped exactly the same, but they have very different looks. The King Finale carries a classic look with the trademark Puma stitched in black. The King Diego has a very tasty looking badge that includes “Maradona” and his number 10. It adds a very effective look and matches the overall look of the boot.

Leather
The only difference in the leather is the colors used. For me, the leather on these boots is hard to beat. It feels absolutely fantastic and both the white and black give a very high class look.

Summary
Overall, both of these new releases look fantastic. If there was anything I would change about both it is the look of the tongue. I do, however, much prefer how the King Diego tongue looks compared to the King Finale. While wearing them, the only difference you are going to notice in performance will be psychological (ie. in your mind!). I found the King Diego have more of a flair look and feel – probably because of the “Diego Maradona” effect, whereas the King Finale are just a classic, hard working players boot. Either way you are not going to go wrong with either boot.

*Puma King Finale supplied for review by soccer.com

Ah yes, nothing beats opening a new box of leather cleats! Just arrived today is the Puma King Finale – one of the classiest boots on the market.

I just reviewed the Puma King Diego, so know exactly how these will perform. Here is the thing, these boots are the very same as the Diego, only that their designs are extremely different. With that in mind, I won’t be bringing a full review, rather I will be bringing you differences in the design as well as a quick breakdown on what you can expect if you decide to buy a pair! Stay tuned…..