We’ve had the pleasure of having many football boots come through Footy-Boots.com HQ over the last 12 months or so, and the previous Puma King SL has to be one of the finest we’ve had the pleasure of getting our hands on.
So we’re hyped to see what the Big Cat has in store for the Puma King SL for 2013!
Launching in the same Blaze Yellow as the new ‘standard’ weight Puma King, the Puma King SL shares surprisingly little with it’s stablemate – having been completely rebuilt from top-to-bottom to focus on a combination of speed and touch.
Whilst the King uses a natural leather for it’s upper, the Puma King SL brings a premium Japanese Microfibre to the King range for the first time, encompassing the entire boot in this surprisingly soft material, for a great all-over feel on the ball.
The front vamp is styled classically, as you’d expect from an entry in the King lineage, with the additional stitching ensuring the boot creases and flexes in conjunction with the foot for a great touch and feel on the ball – whilst preventing the upper from stretching in unwanted ways.
One of the stand-out features of the new Puma King SL is the soleplate. A combination of Nylon and Pebax, the unique design reenforces the midfoot and key areas of the foot with a new structure, whilst staying light and flexible under the forefoot.
The new traction stud system works with a minimalistic heel counter to provide surefooted stability, whilst Puma’s award-winning AptoLast ensures that the whole foot naturally conforms to the ergonomics of the foot, right out of the box.
At a 171g, the Puma King SL is definitely an incredible weight for a heritage-inspired boot – and that comes at a premium in the price department, too – with the SL carrying a £155 price tag, compared to the regular King’s £130.
What do you think of the new Puma King SL?
Let us know in the comments, or the boot-o-meter if you’re in a hurry!
TERRIBLE!
The current King SL is the best k leather speed boot on the market (Tiempo legend elite excluded) and now they have messed it up.
They look pretty sweet! Cant help thinking they should have stuck to K-leather but cant really judge until i try it out i guess!
Looks WAY too futuristic to be a King.
Awesome!
i dont understand how it could be a heritage boot without any leather. i suppose they moved the King all the way to compete with the CTR360; i just hope there will be an all-leather version too.
u guys should try the boots before passing any judgement. im a big fan of k-leather and have owned a handful of puma boots including the puma king top which is an ubelievable pair of boots. didnt think these would beat good ol’ k-leather for touch and feel but my goodness, the fit and feel is simply perfect! i kid u not. a k-leather like touch with a tight but comfortable fit – and theyre super light. u guys should try it if u have the chance and pass your judgement thereafter!