LC: In terms of the design from the initial stage as well, the Future boot is known to be quite unique, to look quite different and to have this new technology. So I mentioned before that after NetFit we needed something else that was even better and that was super-visible. Part of our briefing was also to have this new shape, and that is how the design started, but it also helped with my development, because I had a goal right fro the beginning to create a certain shape and to create a certain fit and that was what helped us focus, right to the end, and that’s what helped us create and develop this technology. It grabs the attention as well. Were you conscious of that in the design process, not only creating the new technology, but also something that’s aesthetically pleasing as well? When it comes to touch, you do get a much closer feel of the ball as compared to any Puma Futures of the last 3 years. I felt quite connected to the ball when I make my passes, shoot or even when receiving it at pace. However, I can’t shake off the feeling that the touch feels pretty… average and dull? It’s not bad but it doesn’t feel unique or special like some of the previous Puma boots I’ve worn. Puma is so confident in this compression band that they have totally removed lace loops around the area where the band is. Expect half the number of lace loops on the Puma Future Z as compared to other laced football boots.

One of the most difficult things that I realised throughout the process is that it’s actually very difficult to create an upper pattern that’s not the same as the last. Everyone asks me if this last is different from this Future and the previous Future and actually they are exactly the same, but we really work on the pattern and the engineering of the materials and the knit to create this different visual effect, and along with that this different feeling as well. Speaking of soft, expect some light padding around the heel area and the forefoot while other parts of the boot’s upper remain thin and bare. Dynamic Motion System soleplate has a nice, stiff, and stable midfoot and a set of studs good for rotational movements; does feel working with the foot rather than against it; Would prefer Puma consider the soleplate purefly FG and recommends getting the MG for artificial ground

LC: The whole journey and process of the Future Z took around two and a half years from start to finish and the whole thing was extremely exciting, but it came with challenges. I think with the FUZIONFIT+ band, this was, personally, something that I was challenged with right from the beginning because creating this technology that gives you the compression-like fit but that also allows some freedom of movement and allows every single player to fit well into the shoe and perform was really a challenge. Midfoot is relatively tighter than the rest of the upper; Evoknit though feels premium and has a nice firm stretch; best knit material any football boot these days; sorona yarn tightness more of reassuring than uncomfortable one (Jay Mike is narrow-footed); still says Future Z 1.3 is decently wide but might need some actual testing to see how adaptive the Fuzionfit+ for really wide-footed players Since the Puma Future is at the forefront of football boot innovation, they often involve a fairly hefty price tag. Although we’re now a few generations into this silo, even the earliest 18.1 models can be difficult to find on the cheap.

The idea of putting Generation Z into a boot - what were the key things that stood out in the idea phase of design?Watch our play test of the Puma Future Z on Youtube The Puma Future Z is still about the perfect fit

Forefoot has no structure and feels extremely soft and pliable; comfortable feel favourite part of Jay Mike about the Future Fit is really comfortable out of the box because of the super ridiculously soft mesh toe box; has a nice padded sensation because of the internal foam FL: In general we do a lot of research, a lot of focus groups, also with a lot of consumerists to really find out what’s the trend in the market place and what will be needed. We had a clear goal from the get-go, and we analysed the game and the players and next to speed I think agility is the key component that is needed in the modern game. So we clearly had the goal to develop a football boot that basically enhanced your playing style and we really wanted to target the agile playmakers. Also, in terms of positioning next to agile I think it’s pretty clear that we have two silos that also target different types of players. Putting on the boot isn’t a chore despite how small the mouth looks. All you need to do is to loosen the top laces and in goes your feet. The Puma Future Z fits perfectly width and length wise when I went half a size down. Those with super wide feet should go true to size but for everyone else, go half down. The boots feel light on feet at 220g in a US 9 and you’d be hard-pressed to hear anyone having issues with its weight or how they fit especially when you take your first steps in them. The compression bands held my feet firm and pivoting around in the Z soleplate is effortless, even on artificial ground (AG). Puma’s firm ground (FG) boots tend to be quite AG friendly and the Puma Future Z is no exception, earning our seal of approval for AG pitches.

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FL: I would say that 90 percent of the players that we have asked and also the consumers, mentioned that fit is still key for them, so for them to perform at the highest levels they need to have a shoe that is basically ensuring a perfect fit and feels like a second skin. So that was our starting point and as you can see we have the really visible FUZIONFIT+ technology around the mid foot, and that was the centre of the design for us process. Tell us about the journey you've been on to get to this product? How did it differ from creating boots of the past?