Puma KING Ultimate 2.0 Review
In this Puma King Ultimate 2.0 review, we take a deep dive into what improvements Puma has made with this most recent update. With an updated upper, enhanced grip, and better lockdown, Puma has made some significant strides with the King 2.0. But are all of the changes for the better?
Last season, I used the original Puma King Ultimate as my go-to AG cleat. They weren’t perfect by any means, but did the basics very well and I had no complaints about the durability. I did have a couple issues, however. The toe area was a bit too tight, while the heel felt too loose. Add in the slick, thin, unstructured upper material, and they just didn’t perform quite as well as I would’ve liked in cold and wet weather.
Puma clearly took these critiques to heart, as the King 2.0 addresses several of these concerns.
Upper
The most noticeable improvement is in the upper. Puma revamped the K-better material, adding the GRIPCONTROL rib structure for improved ball control and the King 2.0 upper has a more structured feel without being bulky or heavy. It’s thicker than the original model as well, which adds to the comfort and overall feel.
While they may not use real leather, they do have a leather-like texture that feels soft right out of the box. The ridged surface enhances grip, especially when trapping or dribbling the ball. This is one of the cleat’s biggest upgrades and makes a significant difference in terms of comfort and performance.
Heel & Lockdown
Moving to the heel, Puma made the opening much smaller, which initially made it difficult to put the cleats on. In fact, I had to use a shoehorn for the first few weeks. However, once they’re on, the fit is fantastic. The snug heel provides excellent lockdown, and Puma even added ORTHOLITE memory foam padding, which increases comfort and helps eliminate hot spots or blisters.
That being said, there's still room for improvement. The transition between the materials at the ankle can feel a bit uncomfortable, especially at first. There’s an uncovered piece of material that rubs against the ankle, and while I didn’t notice it as much after a few wears, it was still a bit annoying.
Soleplate
The soleplate and stud pattern of the Puma King Ultimate 2.0 are unchanged from the original. Personally, I’m perfectly happy with this, as the previous version’s stud pattern works great on both AG and FG surfaces. I’ve had zero durability issues with the soleplate, and it continues to perform well under various conditions. If you’re looking for a versatile cleat that can handle different types of ground, the Puma King Ultimate 2.0 is still one of the best options out there.
Weight
When it comes to weight, the Puma King 2.0 is just slightly heavier than the original model—7.4 oz (211g) vs. 7.0 oz (199g) in a size 8.5 US. While they are a bit heavier, they are still lighter than a lot of cleats in this category.
Fit & Sizing
I went with my regular size 8.5 US, and the fit of the Puma King Ultimate 2.0 is pretty good overall. The forefoot and heel areas are snug and supportive, providing a secure fit for most players. However, one strange change is the midfoot area. Puma made it significantly wider compared to the previous model, which feels a bit off when you first try them on. This is not a major issue, and it doesn’t bother me during play, but it’s something to note for those who prefer a more streamlined midfoot.
However, If you do have a wider midfoot, the 2.0 version may actually be more comfortable for you than the original model.
Conclusion
Overall, the Puma King Ultimate 2.0 takes a big step forward in several key areas, particularly with the upper and lockdown. Puma has improved on what was already a solid pair of cleats, offering better comfort, grip, and control. That being said, there are still some quirks, like the uncomfortable ankle area and the wider midfoot, that prevent it from being a perfect cleat for everyone.
For players who play on both AG and FG surfaces, the Puma King Ultimate 2.0 remains one of the best all-around cleats available.
Ultimately, the Puma King Ultimate 2.0 is a solid choice, but whether it’s the best cleat for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. For now, it’s safe to say that while it’s a step forward, it’s not perfect—leaving room for future improvements in the Puma King lineup.
Thanks for reading! If you want to see how the Puma King Ultimate 2.0 stacks up against other cleats, make sure to check out my upcoming review of the Mizuno Alpha Elite II AG.