PUMA have stuck by their tried and tested V1 Speed boot range for quite a while, but have now scrapped it for the recently released evoSpeed 1. Thanks to Heather McHugh and PUMA, we’ve been able to get our hands on a pair for review, and here is the unboxing video of the new football boots.
Although the above video is the unboxing, I actually wore the boots a couple of times prior to filming just because I couldn’t resist the urge to go out and test the evoSpeed. Although the time inside the boots has been fairly limited, I do now have a pretty good idea about what one should expect from the boots, or at least what should be expected when first wearing and breaking in the boots.
The comfort is surprisingly good with these boots, and the reason I say this is because of the ‘plasticy’ looking synthetic upper. I have had bad experiences in the past in regards to breaking in synthetic boots, but so far I have yet to encounter any really big issues with the evoSpeed 1 (knock on wood…). The heel counter cups the foot and locks it in place, preventing your foot from slipping around while playing. Another feature PUMA have implemented into the evoSpeed to help with that is the EverFitCage, which not too dissimilar to technology used on the original adidas F50 adiZero, is meant to provide increased stability and support. In layman’s terms, it helps the boot and the upper wrap itself more around the foot, thus providing for a better and more snug experience. In terms of the fit, despite past problems with PUMA’s sizing, these do in fact fit true to size, so there is no need to order up or down a size to compensate for poor sizing.
Performance seems to be one of the main strengths for the new PUMA evoSpeed 1 synthetic soccer shoes. The 6.5 ounces, while not the lightest weight on the market, provides more substance in this world that is bent on the concept, less is more. The upper provides a great surface to strike the ball, something I haven’t always said in the past with synthetic speed boots. The touch with the boots is also phenomenal, with the thin upper aiding in that regard. The weight, or lack thereof, is extremely noticeable (in a good sense) and while it might be the placebo effect, I do indeed feel that little bit extra degree of sharpness and quickness.
The boots seem to be holding up well, which they should be considering I’ve only worn them a few times, but with that said, I am having issues with the white upper scuffing. Another thing I’ll be looking at in the review is how the soleplate and specifically the studs hold up, as James had problems with the studs wearing down on both the V1.10 SL and the V1.11 SL boots.
There are just my short first impressions of the PUMA evoSpeed 1 synthetic football boots, so stay tuned for the full in-depth review in the next couple of weeks. If you want me to look at anything specifically while testing the boots, leave a comment below.
About Ben Perkins
Nice boots, but like the most of the boots available on the market, too light..I hate these boots with a minimal weight that last just a couple of months..
wait until you receive the k leather version, it is a near perfect shoe
Could you please think carefully about the traction of these boots (in all directions) in comparison to other boots. Also the difficulty of your first touch. The difference between this boot and the leather version. Can you also please give weights in terms of grams please.
The most important thing to do is to compare it directly with Adizero and Vapor VIII.
Thank you i look forward to your next article.