After more than 40 years at the top, we're running out of superlatives to describe the Puma King. What can we say, they're a quality and classy boot worn by some of the games greatest players. So perhaps if you were trying to encapsulate all that heritage in one modern day boot, the result might be these Black/Black/Gold Puma King Finale Special football boots.
The Puma King is the market's longest serving boot silo still in existence today, having conquered World Cups, European Cups and domestic leagues, it's time to see if the latest King is a true representation of the range. Check out our exclusive look at the Black/Black/Gold Puma King Finale football boots...
Taking it's design cues from Puma's 1986 Mexico Finale boot, the King Finale is revamped with modern technology and materials. However, the white Form-stripe and yellow detailing on the launch King Finale, which shows the clear similarities with the '86 boot, has been replaced with stylish black and gold detailing.
There's no denying the Puma King is one of the long standing performers within the game, and for Puma there is no escaping the heritage tie-in due to the iconic wearers such as Pele, Maradona, Eusebio and Cruyff. That said, to their credit Puma are constantly looking to re-invent the King range and the Finale is the latest incarnation, coming over 40 years after the very first King.
The King Finale once again adheres to Puma's benchmark for quality craftsmanship and materials. Puma have paid close attention to detail, as the King Finale features reinforced tight-row vamp stitching to prolong the longevity of the boots performance and for better overall shape retention of the leather upper.
The Puma King Finale soccer cleats boast a soft and comfortable K leather upper for enhanced ball feel, and quite crucially the Finale upper has once again improved, as it is softer than the previous King XL. There are many other new features that make the King Finale stand-out, notably the redesigned traditional tongue which provides a cleaner kicking area and improved pressure distribution upon ball impact. The tongue fits securely in place courtesy of an integrated hook and loop fastening.
The King Finale boot utilises Puma's AptoLast, which conforms to the natural shape of the foot and provides a snug comfortable fit. Of all three Puma boot silo's, the Finale has a narrower fit than the PowerCat and v1.11, but this is compensated by the natural movement of the leather which over time shapes itself to the foot.
For further comfort, a memory foam insert in the anatomically shaped sock-liner sits under the heel offering cushioning and improved shock absorption. The Puma King Finale soccer shoes also feature a high density heel counter integrated into it's construction, which offer protection and crucially stability, while the leather heel tap increases comfort and reduces pressure on the Achilles tendon.
The outsole of the Puma King Finale football boots is made from a lightweight high performance thermoplastic elastomeric material, which proves that over time Puma have developed the boot, whilst remaining within the parameters of a traditional conical stud sole-plate, which has served wearers of the King for over 40 years.
The new Black/Black/Gold Puma King Finale Special football boots are available to order from 26th September, and as they are a Special Edition release will retail for around £125 GBP / $112 USD / €150 EURO.
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