Puma Future vs Puma Ultra

Puma has seriously upped their game over the past few years. Their flagship football boots have been increasing in quality with each passing year. With this increase in quality, more players are deciding to make the switch from the big brands. When it comes to deciding on which Puma model to get, there are two main options to choose from. In this article, we’ll be comparing the Puma Future 1.4 vs the Puma Ultra Ultimate to find out which boot is best for you.

The Ultra and the Future are made with different materials and have unique designs. Depending on what features you find most important, you can decide which boot fits your style. We’ll be going over the following key differences in this article.

Design
Fit and Feel
Sole Plate
Playability
Overall Comparison

Design

Puma Future 1.4

The design of the Puma Future 1.4 follows in the footsteps of the successful Future 1.3. Puma have focused on perfecting their version of a knitted upper with these boots. The upper is soft and pliable, providing an almost sock-like sensation on feet.

Around the mid-foot of the Future 1.4, Puma have integrated the same Fusion Fit band that we’ve seen on previous models. This elastic material helps provide additional lockdown in the boots, and it also makes it possible to wear the Future 1.4s without laces. With this boot, Puma have focused on putting comfort at the forefront of the design.

Puma Ultra Ultimate

Puma have made a few design updates to their flagship Ultra Ultimate boot that make it stand out from the previous Puma Ultra 1.4. The first change that stands out is the return of the iconic Puma strip logo that embellishes the side of the boot.

When designing the upper on the Ultra Ultimate, Puma have focused primarily on performance. The Ultra Weave synthetic upper on the boots is extremely thin, allowing the boots to weigh in at just over 160 grams. This upper is also coated in Puma’s Power Print texture to give the boots a matte feel on the surface.

Fit and Feel

Puma Future 1.4

When it comes to the fit and feel of the Puma Future 1.4, you’re getting one of the most comfortable boots on the market. The knitted upper wraps and conforms to the shape of your foot. There’s virtually no break in time either, so the boots should feel comfortable straight out of the box.

Due to the flexibility of the upper, the Future 1.4 can accommodate players with both wide and narrow foot types. I’d recommend ordering true to size to get the best fit for the Future 1.4.

Puma Ultra Ultimate

The Puma Ultra Ultimate takes a different approach when it comes to fit and feel. There is less material used in the construction of the Ultra, giving them a more minimal feel. The synthetic upper runs narrow through the mid-foot, and then wider through the toe-box to support a natural foot shape.

Although the upper does have a slight stretch, it’s less pliable than what’s found in the Future 1.4. The main benefit with the Ultra Ultimate is that they feel lighter on feet and provide a more barefoot sensation on the ball.

Sole Plate

Puma Future 1.4

On the Future 1.4, Puma have implemented a variation of their FG/AG hybrid stud pattern. Each of the 11 studs has a rounded half moon shape. These studs provide enough traction on natural grass, while still being appropriate for use on artificial grass. This is probably Puma’s best implementation of a hybrid FG/AG soleplate so far.

Puma Ultra Ultimate

The soleplate on the Ultra Ultimate takes a much more aggressive approach. Each of the 11 studs on the Ultra Ultimate sole plate have a chevron design. These chevron bladed studs are sharp, and they’re perfect for getting traction on natural gras surfaces. That being said, the Ultra Ultimate is not well suited for use on artificial grass surfaces due to the bladed studs. Despite being branded as an FG/AG soleplate, you should only use the Ultra Ultimate on firm natural grass surfaces.

Playability

When it comes to playability, you’ll find a lot of similarities in both the Future 1.4 and the Ultra Ultimate. Both boots are light on feet and provide great lockdown. You’ll get all the responsiveness you expect from a speed boot with both options. As with any football boot, you’ll need to get used to training in them before you recognize their full potential.

There are a couple of differences that should be noted when playing in the Future 1.4 compared to the Ultra Ultimate. The knitted upper on the Future 1.4 has slightly more padding. This provides a lot of comfort but results in less sensitivity when striking the ball. In contrast, the Ultra Ultimate has a much thinner upper. This thinner material provides a more barefoot sensation on the ball.

Value

When it comes to value, it’s hard to beat Puma. They have been offering top of the line speed boots for significantly lower prices than both Nike and Adidas. The Future 1.4 currently retails for $200 while you can pick up the Ultra Ultimate for $180. For the price, both of these boots are great value. If you’re looking to find your size, check out the links below to World Soccer Shop to see what’s available.

Puma Future 1.4 – $199.99

Puma Ultra Ultimate – $179.99

Overall Comparison

The Puma Future 1.4 and the Ultra Ultimate are both stellar football boots. Honestly, I would say that you can’t go wrong with either choice. If comfort is your main criteria, then the Future 1.4 may have the edge. However, if speed and weight are key factors for you, then the Ultra Ultimate may be best. Just try and pick the boot that you feel best suits your style.