PUMA Ultra 5 Boot Breakdown
Speed that hits different. The PUMA Ultra 5 Ultimate is all about agility, grip, and game-breaking pace. Lace up and take over.
The PUMA Ultra 5
Since its introduction in 2020, the PUMA Ultra series has been one of the main protagonists in the speed boot category, created to directly rival Nike's Mercurial and the adidas F50. It came as a direct replacement for the evoSPEED, showing PUMA is as committed as ever to developing boots focused on lightweight performance, rapid acceleration, and agility.
Now in its fifth generation, the Ultra 5 Ultimate refines that formula one step further. The new model brings in a more flexible mesh upper, improved lockdown, and a soleplate that balances responsiveness with comfort. The result is a speed boot that gets everything right, making it a strong contender in the market.
PUMA Ultra 5 Key Information
The PUMA Ultra 5 series is designed to fit all levels of play, offering a tiered range that balances elite performance with accessibility.
At the top, the Ultra 5 Carbon (£260) is the most aggressive speed boot in the range, featuring a full carbon-fibre soleplate for maximum energy return. The Ultra 5 Ultimate (£210) ups the ante of comfort, replacing the carbon plate for a Pebax Speedsystem outsole that amplifies flexibility without negating elite-level speed performance.
The £130 Ultra 5 Pro has much the same lightness as those pricier ones but with a textile-based upper instead of that high-end mesh. Budget versions come in the shape of the £75-85 Ultra 5 Match and the £50 Ultra 5 Play, with both retaining some of the essential DNA but seeing material and build quality simplified to suit the prices.
It is available in multiple soleplate variations, including Firm Ground (FG) for natural grass, Artificial Ground (AG) for 3G and 4G pitches, Soft Ground PUMA Ultras (SG) for wet conditions, and Multi-Ground (MG) for hybrid surfaces. Turf (TF) and Indoor (IC) models are also available at lower tiers.
Quick Specs –PUMA Ultra 5
- Upper: Lightweight mesh with GripControl Pro skin
- Fit: Snug, moderate width, minimal break-in time
- Soleplate: Pebax Speedsystem for flexibility and energy return
- Stud Pattern: FastTrax bladed configuration for acceleration and sharp cuts
- Weight: Ultra-light, slightly heavier than the Ultra 5 Carbon
- Lacing: Traditional lacing for customisable lockdown
- Ground Types: FG, AG, SG, MG, TF, IC
Who Wears the PUMA Ultra 5?
Ballers like Theo Hernández, Cody Gakpo, and Christian Pulisic wear the Ultra 5 Ultimate as their go-to boot. The lightweight build, along with its aggressive traction system, perfectly fits wingers, attacking full-backs, and strikers who rely on speed and sharp movement.
In women's football, Fridolina Rolfö represents the Ultra line, highlighting its versatility and growing presence across all levels of the game.
Upper Material & Fit
PUMA has ditched the Ultra Ultimate's ULTRAWEAVE upper for a lightweight mesh material that ups comfort and flexibility without sacrificing that barefoot feel. GripControl Pro adds an overall subtle texture which helps with improving ball grip for enhanced control in tight spaces and at high speeds.
The fit has been adjusted to be more accommodating than previous Ultra models, but it still provides a snug, lockdown feel. The integrated OrthoLite® heel pods assure that your foot will be locked in place in this boot and lower the possibility of heel slippage. The break-in period is extremely minimal, and the boot soon molds itself to the shape of the foot.
A traditional lacing system ensures a secure fit, allowing for personalised adjustment. Unlike some of its competitors, the Ultra 5 Ultimate does not offer a laceless model.
Soleplate & Stud Configuration
The Ultra 5 Ultimate features a Pebax-based Speedsystem soleplate, which provides a more balanced and flexible feel compared to the stiff carbon-fibre plate found in the Ultra 5 Carbon. This makes it a more versatile option for players who prefer a bit more give underfoot.
The FastTrax stud configuration is designed for acceleration and sharp cuts, with an aggressive bladed layout optimised for Firm Ground use. A three-stud heel set-up adds bite when quickly pushing off in a straight line, slowing down, or changing direction at high speed. Where the FG version shines on natural grass, it isn't recommended on artificial pitches due to the amount of grip and that rear stud.
Weight & Performance
The Ultra 5 Ultimate is one of the lightest boots out there, though a bit heavier than its Carbon counterpart due to the different soleplate. The payoff, however, is a more forgiving and comfortable ride that will suit a broader range of players. With a thin upper, responsive soleplate, and aggressive stud pattern, this is truly a speed boot designed for rapid acceleration and quick movements.
Comfort & Protection
With this latest model, PUMA has taken some giant leaps in the comfort of the Ultra series. A soft mesh liner with a light layer of internal padding adds to comfort without taking the boot too far off from its lightweight speed focused design. The heel pods and PWRTAPE SQD support frame provide an extremely stable platform that secures the player's foot through high speeds.
While the boot is built for speed rather than protection, it offers slightly more structure and padding than some of its competitors. It remains a boot best suited to attacking players rather than those engaged in physical battles.
Alternatives & Comparison
The Ultra 5 Ultimate goes head-to-head with other top-of-the-line speed boots such as the Nike Mercurial Vapor and the adidas F50.
The Ultra 5 Ultimate represents a more well-rounded approach with its softer fit and more flexible soleplate, as compared to the competition. For those that enjoy a more rigid ride, the Ultra 5 Carbon can fulfill that preference, but most players will be more practical in their choice-the Ultra 5 Ultimate.
Final Verdict – Is the PUMA Ultra 5 Worth It?
The PUMA Ultra 5 Ultimate is the best version of the Ultra series to date. It strikes the perfect balance between speed, comfort, and responsiveness, making it a strong alternative to the Mercurial and F50.
It is an excellent choice for wingers, strikers, and full-backs who rely on acceleration and agility. The improved fit and added flexibility make it a more forgiving option compared to the Carbon version, while still maintaining the key characteristics that define a top-tier speed boot.
