Built for Playmakers / creative, ball‑dominant players.
An elite control-focused playmaker boot with excellent touch but held back by heavy weight, mixed traction and an uneven fit.
| Released | 2025 | Brand | Puma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Future 9 Ultimate | Type | Soccer · Cleat |
| Level | Elite | Upper | Multi‑textured engineered knit / reengineered mesh (upper composition listed as 76.49% synthetic, 23.51% textile) |
| Soleplate | FLEXGILITY outsole with circular stud layout, dual‑density composition | Surface | Firm ground (FG) |
| Who it's for | Playmakers / creative, ball‑dominant players | Weight | 248 g |
| Fit | Regular to wide fit (PUMA: 'Regular to wide') | MSRP | $245 |
Want this boot for less? These are the other editions of the same silo, the same look, stepped down in materials and price.
Synthesised from 4 independent reviews, every claim traces to a quote in the breakdown. We don't test products ourselves.
The Puma Future 9 Ultimate is an elite control boot made for creative, ball-focused players. Reviewers agree it gives better touch and has grip in specific areas. The main problems are mixed underfoot performance, a heavier weight, and a fit that does not work for every foot.
Released in 2025, the Future 9 Ultimate is Puma's ninth-generation Future. It is an elite-tier model and replaces the Future 8 from December 2024. MSRP at launch was 245.
Upper: a multi-textured engineered knit over a redesigned mesh. Puma lists the material mix as 76.49% synthetic and 23.51% textile. The upper uses a banded lockdown system called FUZIONFIT, built-in pods called Fuzionpods and taped reinforcement called PWRTAPE to add structure.
The inside has a soft lining. Areas of the upper have raised, tacky material called GripControl Pro to improve contact with the ball.
Soleplate/studs: a FLEXGILITY outsole, which is a flexible, dual-density plate. The studs are arranged in a circular pattern. The outsole is made for firm ground (FG) pitches.
Weight and fit: Puma lists the fit as "Regular to wide." The listed weight is 248 g per shoe. Puma did not specify the size for that weight in this dataset. Puma positions this boot for creative, ball-dominant playmakers.
This boot is best for creative playmakers and attacking midfielders who want close control and structured support rather than very light shoes. The materials and the raised GripControl Pro zones match players who handle the ball a lot.
The listed weight and comments about chunkier studs make it a poor choice for pace-reliant wingers and for players who use artificial grass a lot. Defenders and central midfielders who prefer control over top speed may like it.
Players with wide feet should be cautious. Several testers found the fit narrow despite Puma's "Regular to wide" label. Players who need roomy toe boxes should look elsewhere.
Touch is the clearest consistent strength. The upper has a new abrasive surface and swirling textures. Those textures plus the raised 3D grip zones improve ball feel and control.
Outlets noted the upper change was intentional. Footy Headlines said Puma removed horizontal ridges for "a new abrasive surface with swirling textures for enhanced ball grip." SoccerBible credited the targeted 3D grip zones for better control. Unisport called touch "definitely the best attribute of the Future 9."
In my book, the touch is definitely the best attribute of the Future 9.. Unisport
Traction is inconsistent across reviews. Some praised the FLEXGILITY dual-density plate for agility, while others complained about the studs being too long and chunky and poor on artificial turf.
SoccerBible liked the FLEXGILITY sole for agility and 360-degree movement. GCFC Training said the studs were "too long and chunky." Unisport warned against artificial grass, saying it "is not going to feel nice for your knees" and called it "not safe either." Footy Headlines noted the soleplate is mostly unchanged from the previous generation.
but if you're like me today on an artificial grass pitch... don't use this because it's not going to feel nice for your knees and it's not [music] safe either.. Unisport
Comfort opinions are split. SoccerBible and Unisport said the upper and soft lining give a wrapped, comfortable feel out of the box. GCFC Training reported significant discomfort during play.
SoccerBible gave a 7/10 and linked the comfort to the redesigned FUZIONFIT upper and internal lining. GCFC Training wrote that "my feet are screaming," which suggests comfort varies by foot shape and session length.
Puma lists the fit as "Regular to wide," but reviewers disagree. SoccerBible said the FUZIONFIT upper wraps like a second skin. GCFC Training said the boot is not kind to wide feet and is fairly narrow across the sides.
Sizing reports vary. Unisport said the boot runs about a quarter size long. Players should size carefully and expect different experiences depending on foot width.
It's also not kind to people who have wide feet. It's a pretty narrow boot that doesn't stretch much on the side, so be warned.. GCFC Training
Control is a strength after touch. SoccerBible said the raised GripControl Pro areas and 3D zones noticeably improve ball command. At least one reviewer said they still "find myself tripping over the ball a lot," showing not all users turn the features into consistent on-field control.
The available evidence suggests many players will get better deliberate ball manipulation, while some will struggle to convert that into consistent game control.
Touch and control get a serious upgrade thanks to targeted 3D grip zones, enhanced with GripControl Pro.. SoccerBible
The listed weight is 248 g per shoe. Reviewers treated that as relatively heavy for modern elite boots. GCFC Training called it "quite heavy for today's standards." Unisport described the same measured weight as "weighing a whopping 248 g" in their size reference.
This weight affects impressions of agility and supports the idea that the Future 9 favors control and structure over a minimal, speed-focused build.
weighing a whopping 248 g in a size US7 which which is really heavy.. Unisport
The Future 9 Ultimate is aimed at creative playmakers and attacking midfielders who prioritize close control and ball manipulation. It is not a lightweight speed boot for pure sprinters.
The Future line is traditionally linked to playmaker-style players known for close control and creativity. This model suits that same player type rather than a specific roster of celebrity players in this summary.
Puma states a "Regular to wide" fit, but reviewer reports are mixed. Some testers found it narrow across the sides and tight for wide feet. Another tester noted it runs about a quarter size long. Trial or careful sizing is advised.
The Future 9 Ultimate is built for firm-ground (FG) surfaces. Reviewers warned against artificial grass, saying the stud shape and soleplate can feel harsh and uncomfortable there.
The listed weight is 248 g per shoe. Reviewers said that is heavy by current standards and that it affected perceptions of the boot's agility.
Bottom line, The Future 9 Ultimate is an elite control boot with one of the best touches in its class. It is held back by its heavy weight, uneven comfort and mixed traction. Avoid it for regular artificial-turf use and if you need a truly roomy fit.
The Cleats Hub Score is a weighted aggregate of these independent reviews, normalised to 0–10 and weighted by source authority, recency and sample size. We don't sell or physically test products. Read the full methodology.
Put the Puma Future 9 Ultimate head-to-head against another cleat on every aggregated characteristic.
