FourFourTwo Verdict
Puma has created a more comfortable boot compared to the Future 7 Ultimate's predecessor by altering the placement of certain design elements, creating an altogether enjoyable playing experience suitable for the majority of people.
Pros
- +
Soft and flexible upper
- +
Wide fitting
- +
Relieved pressure on the foot with design elements moved
Cons
- -
Advertised as FG/AG but not suited to AG
The Puma Future 7 Ultimate is the latest in a series that boasts the best modern boots that the brand has to offer, released in 2024 to refresh an already great option on the market.
Previous generations of the Future Ultimate have consistently provided excellent fit, comfort and been near the cutting edge of technology, with much of Puma’s most advanced innovation in the boot market being seen in the Future line. They always stacked up well among the best football boots, but Puma has attempted to improve them further with this latest version.
I was able to try a pair of the Future 7 in the FG/AG variety to see whether the newest instalment in the story lives up to and, more importantly, builds on its predecessors.
Puma Future 7 Ultimate review
As has been the case with many of the different models of the Puma Future, the outgoing Puma Future Ultimate was a good football boot that delivered on its promises. It is therefore great to see that, rather than starting from scratch as we do sometimes see between generations of boots, Puma has opted instead to refine and add to the foundations of the Future Ultimate with the Future 7.
The Fuzionfit 360 material has been brought forward and once again forms the upper. It is not hard to see why, with the Puma Future 7 being comfortable straight out of the box. The boots require no real break-in time, and feel better out of the box than many pairs I've experienced when fully worn in.
The most significant difference between the Future 7 and the Future Ultimate is the placing of Puma’s Pwrtape technology – aimed at providing extra support and lockdown in key areas. Whereas the previous model featured Pwrtape along the sides of the boot, in the Puma Future 7 it is concentrated more centrally with the extra pressure felt on the top of the foot.
And for me this is an improvement, with the upper feeling that little bit more flexible as the pressure on the sides from the previous generation is alleviated. Plus, the extra lockdown is at the top of the boot (where I personally prefer it) keeping your foot in place against the knit as you move around the pitch and on the ball.
The Puma Future 7 also boasts a pleasant touch on the ball with the Pwrprint texturing spread across the upper providing subtle grip particularly when dribbling, making them ideal for midfielders looking to manoeuvre the ball in tight areas.
Softness of the upper also creates an enjoyable on-ball experience, while the flexibility ensures there are no uncomfortable pressure points when twisting and turning – instead, players can concentrate on making things happen for their team-mates.
As with previous versions of the Future, the boots also fit fairly widely so are a great option for those with wider feet. This is another area where the repositioning of the Pwrtape could be beneficial, with reduced stress on the sides of the foot. However, those with foot shapes that require a little more space at the top of the foot may be best served trying a pair of the Puma Future 7 before buying.
The Dynamic Motion System soleplate is inherited from the Puma Future Ultimate and is very sturdy in the midfoot for stability but with a good level of flexibility in the forefoot in order complement the naturals movements of your feet. The outsole does provide some bite while not being amongst the most aggressive on the market, featuring some bladed alongside diamond shaped studs.
There is enough extra traction when pushing off at high speed to make these a good choice for explosive players looking for a pair to complement their game. As with previous generations of the Future, these are listed as FG/AG, meaning that they are suitable for wear on both natural grass and artificial surfaces.
However, due to the length and shape of the studs I would argue that these are not the best or safest option to wear on artificial ground. Indeed, Puma’s MG soleplates are actually a much better bet for AG. With the Puma Future, the brand’s emphasis has always been on agility and creativity. This can be seen in the stars selected by Puma to wear the model with the ever-growing roster now featuring the likes of Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Jack Grealish.
The comfort and flexibility of the Puma Future 7 added to the structure provided by the Pwrtape, grippiness of the upper and bite in the soleplate means that this is a boot that does what it sets out to and delivers on its promises.
While it would be great to see Puma drop the FG/AG classification and introduce a dedicated AG option, the Puma Future is once again able to stack up to the offerings from its two main rivals in the market and represents a great choice for any player looking for a new pair.
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