Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
Puma has unleashed a fresh new collection of boots that are intended to get aspiring players into the same pair as their favorite soccer superstars. Ok, so they are confined to only using their key sponsored players, but the concept is pretty novel. Cesc Fabregas, Kun Aguero, Falcao, Marco Reus and Mario Balotelli each get a specially designed boot that mimics their style. First thing to note here is that its very unlikely you will see the players themselves wearing these boots. Instead, Puma has created these boots with a junior fit only; in other words this is the Puma Junior Collection.
In theory, this is a smart play by Puma. We don’t see brands focusing exclusively on junior sizes, so to target the market with a range of simple yet stylish boots represents coy marketing. What better way to get players invested in your brand than capture their attention at a young age! And I know there are plenty of parents out there frustrated with a lack of boot options for their next generation stars.
Each of the three pairs has its own individual style, matching that of the player they represent. Here is the breakdown on each boot – if you want a pair, find the entire collection at soccer.com.
Puma MB9 FG Junior – Mario Balotelli
The boot with the Mohawk. Wow! These ones have received much media attention over the past week for their entertaining design. In reality, they match Mario Balotelli to an absolute tee. Puma has placed a funky strip of material down the heel to mimic the MB9 hair style. You think kids will enjoy this one? Italian colors are used through the upper to give it a signature look. Then there is “Why Always me?” labelled on the lateral side of the boot. This is a boot with serious attitude, and even though they breath pure ridiculousness, these boots are simple marketing genius. A soft synthetic upper provides a great fit and touch on the ball, while a mesh tongue assists in breathability during play.
Retail Price: $49.99 (or $44.99 Goal Club)
Puma Cesc4 FG Junior – Cesc Fabregas
Puma take a Spanish approach with the Cesc Fabregas version, using a Blueprint/White/Puma Red/Vibrant Yellow colorway across the upper. The stitching panel on the forefoot is unusual, as it follows the off center lacing, angled toward the big toe. The one visual difference on these is the large yellow firework star that sits on the instep, giving you an area to focus controlling the ball with. Underfoot, the soleplate mimics that of Cesc’s current boot; the evoPOWER. Of the boots in the collection, this is the most sane design that will offers plenty of style. This is the pair I’d purchase. A soft synthetic upper provides a great fit and touch on the ball, while a mesh tongue assists in breathability during play.
Retail Price: $44.99 (or $40.49 Goal Club)
Puma Kun16 FG Junior – Sergio Aguero
Sergio “Kun” Aguero gets a pair of boots that matches both his club team and country! Officially listed as a Fluo Blue/White/Fluro yellow, there is a definite sense of sky blue about these. The striped design adds a bold look across a smooth, stitch free forefoot. This boot is modeled right from the evoSPEED that is currently worn by Kun, including the conical stud configuration. We have seen this style of design from Puma before, so it is not necessarily unique. A soft synthetic upper provides a great fit and touch on the ball, while a mesh tongue assists in breathability during play.
Retail Price: $49.99 (or $44.99 Goal Club)
Puma Falcao 9 FG Junior – Radamel Falcao
A crazy design for a player lacking the sharpshooting spark of its owner over the past few seasons. Listed as a Clematis Blue/Vibrant Yellow/Poppy Red, this design has a tiger like pattern about it, with vibrant twisted colors running across a primary Blue upper. That matches the “El Tigre” nickname that Radamel Falcao has earned through his career. In similar fashion to the Kun16, this boot mimics the evoSPEED series, with a smooth synthetic upper used. Along the tongue, a combined design comes together to form the Colombian flag.
Retail Price: $44.99 (or $40.99 Goal Club)
Puma MR 11 FG Junior – Marco Reus
If there is something consistent about Marco Reus designed boots it is their significance to his club, Borussia Dortmund. The versatile German winger/forward gets one of the more simple, yet completely elegant, boots in the series. Listed as a Black/Vibrant Yellow/Puma Silver this is a classy boot that most parents will choose first above other wild designs in the series. A signature hit is placed on the heel, with the most significant detailing sitting along the instep. Reus is all above style, and Puma oblige with a graffiti style graphic. This is another boot that mimics the evoSPEED series, except this one follows a leather like pattern. Traditional stitching coats the forefoot to provide a softer, controlled touch.
Retail Price: $44.99 (or $40.99 Goal Club)
