Puma Ultra 5 Ultimate Review
PUMA is back with the Ultra 5 Ultimate, and after last year’s somewhat underwhelming model, the Ultra 5 feels like a completely fresh start. In this post, we’ll cover all of the changes from the upper to the soleplate, to help you decide if these are the right cleats for you.
Upper
The first thing you’ll notice about the Ultra 5 Ultimate is the revamped upper. Puma ditched the old material for a new ultra-lightweight mesh, coated in their Grip Control Pro skin. It’s soft, flexible, and thin – giving you that sought-after barefoot sensation while dribbling. It reminds me of the Nike Mercurial Vapor 13, but even softer.
The ribbed texture across the upper provides effective grip in both dry and wet conditions. However, grip levels do vary depending on the colorway. Special edition colorways tend to have less grip wherever the graphics are, whereas solid colorways (like the launch edition) tend to be grippier all around. Something to keep in mind when picking your pair.
They felt a bit thin for me personally while shooting, but if you like shooting with lightweight uppers you’ll probably enjoy these.
Comfort and Feel
The laces run straight down now on the Ultra, offering a customizable fit and secure lockdown. They’re less structured and more flexible than last year's model, but more structured than the 2023 Ultras.
The heel area feels comfy right out of the box with padded pods on both sides and zero break-in time. No blisters here.
Inside, most of the Ultra 5 Ultimate’s will come with Puma’s reliable NanoGrip insoles, but some special editions (like this one) have a suede-like version. Honestly, both options feel premium, but the NanoGrip option is a bit more “grippy”.
Speed-System Outsole
Puma has completely overhauled the outsole and introduced the SPEEDSYSTEM plate with FastTrax stud design. These studs are fairly long with an aggressive shape, aimed at boosting traction during cuts and sprints. For firm ground (FG) or even soft ground surfaces, this works beautifully.
There are only 3 studs at the heel which makes the cleats feel a little unstable at times in my opinion, but other than that, I think this is a really good choice for natural grass surfaces. I would not use these on AG (artificial grass) though.
Sizing
The sizing has completely changed with this new edition. If you’ve worn previous Ultras, you’ll need to go down half a size. For example, if you were an 8.5 before, you’ll probably want an 8 in these. They’re longer and a bit wider up front, which actually makes them more accommodating for wider feet — a rare trait in speed boots.
Weight
My pair in size 8 US weighs 6.8 ounces, which is slightly lighter than last year's model, and slightly heavier than the 2023s. Personally, I’m okay anywhere in the 6-7 oz range for most speedboots.
Final Thoughts
The Puma Ultra 5 Ultimate is a strong competitor in the speed boot race. With a more premium upper, improved comfort, and a significantly better feel on the ball, Puma has taken a big leap forward. Best of all, it comes in at a lower price point than many of its top-tier rivals.
If you’ve got a slightly wider foot and have been eyeing something like the Nike Mercurial Vapors or Adidas F50s, don’t sleep on these. The Ultra 5s might just surprise you.