Time for another crazy Kehinde Wiley inspired Puma release! Following up on his pre-World Cup V1.10  release, Wiley has created this new bold design that again evokes the colors of Africa. The design has been placed on the same boot model, but this time it is named the Puma V1.10 I.

To say this design is unique is an understatement! The actual floral pattern runs right along the shoe lace cover and down the to the toe of the boot. In truth, the pattern has simply been placed on the recently released Black/Black/Puma Red colorway release. I am sure Wiley had a say in the full design, so he must have felt a connection with that release or he simply had a preconceived plan on what colors he wanted to use. There is also has a very strong resemblance to the older V1.08 release in the same color that was extremely popular.

Personally, I am not too keen on how this release look, but then again I might not be as artsy as the folks that will be going out to buy a pair! As reference, on testing the V1.10, I found that they fit a half size small, so my advice is to order up if you want to get a better fit. If you are looking to check out more of Kehinde Wiley’s work, check out Hypebeast.

Finally, and one aspect that makes the release pretty cool is the fact that each pair of PUMA v1.10 i FG Kehinde created is individually numbered, so you are technically getting a one off!

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.

(See more Images)

• Weigh-in at an ever-impressive 8.2oz.
• Front panel is created using a soft, abrasion-resistant microfiber, lightly covered by a grip-like texture
• A front lace cover that is loose enough to pull away from the laces when tying
• A lightweight Pebax frame, that is see-through (just take out the inserts!)
• Pointed stud configuration designed to enhance ground traction

My biggest advice with the V1.10 is to order a size up as they fit pretty tight! You can get your hands on either pair (or both) right now over at Soccer.com.

“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

Just before Christmas, I took advantage of a huge sale and got myself a pair of Puma V1.08′s for $65. The reason I decided to get myself a pair was to see how they compare to the V1.10, which I reviewed recently. I was not a huge fan of the V1.10, but I had heard some good things about the V1.08 and wanted to be able to compare them side by side.

Thus far, they have been performing really well. Since the V1.10 seemed to fit a half size to small, I ordered up from a size 9US to a 9.5US in the V1.08. I am happy to report that the half size makes all the difference, and I am really enjoying wearing the V1.08. Do date, I have got to wear them in 4 games and I have 4 goals to my name during that period! Breaking them in was a lot easier than with the V1.10′s. Again, I would put this down to the extra half size.

One of the great things about the release is that they are super light weight while also holding great durability. They weigh in at an impressive 7.6oz due to the inclusion of an inner chassis with carbon fiber and double density TPU. I have had several friends who claim to  have had a pair for well over a season – with the boots still holding strong! Another thing to note is that the upper feels like a textile fabric and it is not waterproof, something to bear in mind if you play in wet conditions. It is extremely important to keep them dry if you want them to last.

Because the V1.08 is seen to be the ‘older range’, you can find some great deals right now, somewhere in the region of $100. And I will be the first to tell you that for the price, they are good value!

My one piece of advice, if you decide to purchase a pair, is to order a size up. These cleats fit tight, especially around the heel area. You will find fast players like Sanuel Eto’o and Nicolas Anelka wearing these, and also Peter Crouch, showing that these cleats have a wide appeal in the soccer world. If you want to see these boots in action, keep an eye on the African Cup of nations, where Puma have really centered their marketing focus!

The latest round of releases come in 3 colors (click on image to enlarge):

• White/Black/PUMA Red
• Team Gold/Black/PUMA Red
• Black/Black/PUMA Red

Right now, you can get your hands on a pair of FG’s for $199.99.

One thing is for sure, Wiley has created an absolutely unique design that I am not sure you will see on many other soccer cleats! The original V1.10 version comes in a yellow color, so this version is the exact oposite coming in a primarily black color. The floral pattern across the front signifies African culture, with a blend of yellow, white and black. One of the main images seems to look like a peacock. Another interesting note is that Puma have placed a black outline of the African continent on the sole of the cleat. The number on the tongue of the cleat signifies the what number the specific pair is in the range. Take a trip back to the release of the Puma V1.815 Ferrari earlier this year and you will see how quickly these boots are going to sell out! I still have people writing to ask where they can get those cleats, trouble being they sold out in less than 5 days. With the World Cup coming up, and being that it is the first to take place on the African continent, these cleats are sure to become hot collector items.

And you won’t have to wait long to see these interesting cleats in action. They will debut during  the December 9th round of Champions League fixtures, followed by league matches through December 19th-20th. Players such as Samuel Eto’o Emanuel Eboue and John Mensah will be on the list of stars to watch out for during that period. The cleats will then be signed and auctioned off at next years World Cup.

Some vital info on the Puma V1.10 range:

• Weigh-in at an ever-impressive 8.2oz.
• Front panel is created using a soft, abrasion-resistant microfiber, lightly covered by a grip-like texture
• A front lace cover that is loose enough to pull away from the laces when tying
• A lightweight Pebax frame, that is see-through (just take out the inserts!)
• Pointed stud configuration designed to enhance ground traction

The only place in the US to get your hands on a pair is over at soccer.com.

Shape and Size
Both Adidas and Puma have stuck with the shape of each cleats predecessor. Adidas have changed up the Predator X by deciding to go without a tongue. This has left a huge divide between fans, with some liking the new design, while others are opposed. The change leaves the Predator X looking more like the adiPURE. I prefer the change-up for one reason, I have experienced the wrap around lace tearing before, leaving my cleats with a ‘floppy’ tongue! Puma, on the other hand, have not made many changes to their ‘boxed’ toe design (see image below). This is something that I am not extremely fond of, and it seems to take a half size from the cleat (if you order these cleats, order a half size up!). If you compare the picture of the two cleats, you will see how the Puma V1.10 angles to a point at the big-toe, while the Predator X has more of a round top design. Puma have stitched the upper to the sole, meaning a the V1.10 is an extremely durable cleat. The stitching does make for a different front design as it raises the cleat slightly up. The Predator X comes down at a more sharp angle.

Materials
The materials used in both cleats are extremely different. Adidas have chosen to move away from Kangaroo leather and instead moved to a full grain calf leather that they have names ‘Taurus’. Taurus properties combine softness with lightweight durability and weatherproof features. On the other hand, Puma use a lightweight microfiber and also a mesh textile in other areas. Puma have stitched the upper to the sole, and helps keep the cleat well attached. If you have ever worn a cemented cleat you will have noticed that in areas it lifts off the sole, and in some cases it comes apart. This is one of the huge benefits to the Puma V1.10 that allows it to have a longer lifespan.

Weight
The weight of a cleat gives an indication of who it is designed for. The Puma V1.10 weighs in at a super light 8.2oz, while the Predator X weighs in at 11.2oz. Using a lightweight microfiber instead of a leather takes away a lot of weight. Puma also use Carbon fibers and a lighweight Pebax outsole to decrease weight throughout the cleat. As a comparison to other cleats, the lightest currently on the market is the Nike Superfly that weighs in at 6.8oz, while the Nike Total 90 range weighs in at 11.4oz.

Conclusion
These cleats are quiet the opposite and offer completely different options for soccer players. The Puma V1.10 is a superlight cleat that has been designed for quick wingers and forward players. Nicolas Anelka is a prime example of who these cleats are designed for. You will not be surprised when I tell you who the Adidas Predator X is designed for, playmakers and decision players. As a staple of the range, David Beckham opitimizes who these cleats are designed for. In saying that, it is hard not to class these as an all over the field cleat. I have tested these as a winger and had great success!

If you looking to get yourself a pair, you can find the Puma V1.10 and the Adidas Predator X over at soccer.com.

• Weigh-in at an ever-impressive 8.2oz.
• Front panel is created using a soft, abrasion-resistant microfiber, lightly covered by a grip-like texture
• A front lace cover that is loose enough to pull away from the laces when tying
• A lightweight Pebax frame, that is see-through (just take out the inserts!)
• Pointed stud configuration designed to enhance ground traction

There has been a lot said about the Puma V1.10 over the past few weeks in news articles. Most of it is plausible, but I found a lot of the information lacks the correct information about how these cleats are actually designed and perform. One thing to bear in mind is this is just my review, and I have learned that different cleats suit different players in different ways.

Important to Note – Sizing
The Puma v1.10 is another top release by Puma. I tested the Blazing Yellow/Black/Chili version in a size 9. I pointed out in the Puma V1.10 US Release Set for 10/10 post that there were certain things you were going to need to know about these cleats before you buy them. The first and probably most important thing to note is size! These cleats fit small, so you are going to want to order up a half size, at least. I am normally a size 9, but these were tight! I did blister on my left heel from them after 1 or 2 practices (if you want to see pics let me know!) One of the reasons they fit so tight is related to the insert. Whereas normal inserts are grounded to the sole of the cleat, the Puma v1.10 has an insert that lips up around the heel. This obviously fits tighter to the back of your foot, resulting in what I consider to be the reason I needed a half size larger.

Style & Design
What about the color designs? Both the Blazing Yellow/Black/Chili and the Red/White/Black bring new looks to the market. After some of the designs that Nike and Adidas has recently released, I am not surprised to see such bold colors released by Puma! When I first saw them, I had negative feelings, but after testing them for a few weeks, they are starting to grow on me. It is a matter of taste, though. I typically prefer cleats that don’t stand out…and these definitely stand out!

The actual design of the cleat is very unusual. First off, Puma have placed an emphasis on African soccer by using a unique ”Kinte” pattern. This is something I liked about the appearance of the cleats. I also liked the front materials used, as it is abrasion-resistant. This was definitely noticeable as there are no scrapes or nicks, which usually happens after a few weeks of testing.

Puma v1.10 Insert

Negatives
There were two negatives about the design that I personally did not like. The first thing is the front lace cover. It actually has elastic on each side that pulls it tight to the cleat, which is fine. But when you tighten the laces, it seems to bunch the tongue up. I’m not saying that this effects performance, but it was a little annoying when tightening the laces. The second concern, for me, is the toe area. Heavily impressive is the fact that Puma have used stitching around the sides to attach the upper of the cleat to the sole. This is highly unusual for cleats on the market currently. But what I did not like was the fact that you lose a little bit of the sharp angle into the toe because of this. Again, this is personal opinion as I prefer, and feel more confident in, cleats that angle sharply down to the toe.

Summary
Performance wise, I had no complaints. They feel light and are great for striking a ball. Other than size, these cleats match up with the types of technology the other big two (Nike and Adidas) have recently released. Player-wise, I think the Puma V1.10 is most suited to quick and/or creative players. I will definitely expect to see these cleats on wingers and strikers in the next few months. In terms of a comparison to the v1.08, I would say there has been some slight improvement, but nothing ubber dramatic. As the cleats have been exposed to the marketplace over the next few months, I will be interested to see how they fair up with the competition!

(boots supplied for review by soccer.com)

Also Check Out:
Puma V1.10 Review