Puma Ultra Ultimate

If there’s one thing we can say after spending serious time with the Puma Ultra Ultimate, it’s that these boots are designed with one goal: pure speed. From the moment we slipped them on, we were struck by just how incredibly lightweight they are. It genuinely feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. The mesh upper is ultra-thin, soft, and flexible, adapting to your foot shape after just a couple of sessions. That barefoot feel? Absolutely there.

Lightweight sensation meets raw ball feel

The Ultra Ultimate offers a minimalist touch that’s perfect for players who want that close-to-the-ball sensation. It’s nearly barefoot, but with just enough internal padding to remain comfortable. We loved how the upper molded quickly, offering a snug fit without pressure points. The GripControl Pro skin adds just the right amount of tackiness for confident dribbling without being overbearing. You get a precise, responsive touch every time you connect with the ball.

Comfort and fit

Speed boots aren’t always known for comfort, but Puma has taken steps forward here. The knit tongue helps the boot go on easily and supports foot adaptability. Inside, an OrthoLite insole delivers a touch of cushioning, and the padded heel pods keep things secure. Still, the fit is quite snug—especially in the midfoot area—and the silhouette remains narrow. For wide-footed players, these might be a tight squeeze, so we definitely recommend trying them on first.

Traction and speed

On pitch, the Ultra Ultimate truly shines. The SPEEDPLATE outsole and PWRTAPE support frame combine to provide excellent lockdown and explosive acceleration. Whether sprinting, cutting, or changing direction, the responsiveness was impressive. We found the stud configuration—a mix of bladed and conical—delivers strong traction on both firm ground and artificial turf. The push-off was snappy and efficient, making this one of our go-to choices for agility-driven matches.

GripControl and upper feel

While the GripControl Pro skin provides a touch of friction on vertical contact, it never felt sticky or unnatural. It enhances control subtly, especially in fast transitions and close control scenarios. The upper is extremely thin, which is great for touch sensitivity, but be warned—you will feel every stud that lands on your foot and every missile shot that hits your toes. It’s a trade-off for that barefoot experience, and one we’re willing to accept.

Roomier toe box, but still a slim fit

One subtle improvement we noticed over previous Ultra models is the toe box. It’s a little roomier, offering more vertical space without compromising the overall sleekness. However, the boot is still best suited for players with narrow to average-width feet. Don’t expect plush comfort—this is a performance-driven fit through and through.

Durability

Light boots usually sacrifice durability, and while that’s still somewhat true here, Puma has done a decent job improving longevity. The upper does feel a bit plasticky at first, but it softens up after a few wears. We wouldn’t expect these to last forever if you’re playing five times a week, but for most players, they should hold up fine across a season of regular use.

Final thoughts

In our experience, the Puma Ultra Ultimate lives up to its name. It’s fiercely fast, feather-light, and gives you that direct, barefoot touch that so many modern attackers crave. From the molded mesh upper to the responsive traction plate, everything is built for one thing: speed. It’s not a boot for everyone—especially not for those with wide feet or looking for plush comfort—but if what you want is explosive movement and raw touch, this is your weapon.

Whether it was the first time we laced them up and felt that «nothing there» sensation, or the moment we darted past defenders with that SPEEDPLATE spring, these boots delivered exactly what they promised. The Puma Ultra Ultimate is a statement boot for those who live in the fast lane.