PUMA Ultra 7 Nitro Review
The PUMA Ultra 7 Nitro Ultimate is easily the best Ultra since the first generation - with a more natural fit, a downright amazing heel and an outsole that feels proper rapid.
It’s not perfect. The midfoot could use more structure, and the upper can occasionally be too sticky. But as a complete package? This is a very, very good speed boot. The F50 and Mercurial might want to start looking over their shoulders - because the Ultra is coming fast.
What’s New on the PUMA Ultra 7 Nitro?
The Ultra 7 stands on the shoulders of the Ultra 5 and 6, but it also feels like PUMA has given the Ultra a bit of a fresh start.
The carbon version is gone, making the Ultimate the top model in the range. The ULTRAWEAVE upper is now slightly softer, while a new last and heel shape make a big difference to how the boot feels on foot.
The main changes include:
- A softer ULTRAWEAVE upper
- A new, more anatomical last
- More width and volume in the forefoot
- A completely redesigned heel shape
- A new outsole with aggressive FastTrax studs
- NITRO foam underfoot
A More Natural and Comfortable Fit
The new last feels a lot better than the one on the Ultra 5 and 6. It stays relatively sleek through the midfoot but adds noticeably more width and volume in the forefoot and around the toes.
The toes still feel snug and cradled without being forcefully crammed together. It’s a more welcoming, natural fit, while the tapered midfoot keeps that focused, speed-boot-like feel.
The Heel Is a Huge Upgrade
And then there’s the heel.
Instead of the relatively flat shape on the Ultra 5 and 6, the Ultra 7 curves around the natural shape of the heel. Combined with the soft liner and just the right amount of foam, it creates excellent heel lockdown without squeezing the foot into place.
It’s a huge upgrade and one of the better-shaped heels on the market. Think of a plush bathrobe around your foot combined with a seat belt saying, “I’ve got you, mate.”
Lockdown: Good, but the Midfoot Could Do More
Lockdown is a bit of a mixed bag. The forefoot feels solid and the heel is the real hero, giving you an excellent locked-in base while keeping things comfortable up front.
The midfoot could use more structure. Despite the internal cage, a little more wrap would help push the foot down onto the plate and emphasise that responsive, locked-in sensation.
So, comfortable in the front and secure in the back. A little like a mullet: party in the front, business in the back.
And it’s a fun party.
PUMA Ultra 7 Sizing: True to Size, but Slightly Shorter
The PUMA Ultra 7 fits slightly shorter than the Ultra 5 and 6, but true to size still works well for a tight fit. The ULTRAWEAVE upper is already soft out of the box and becomes even more pliable with wear.
For a more easy-going fit, going half a size up is worth considering. There’s also more room in the forefoot than before, although the midfoot remains snug and on the slimmer side.
In short:
- True to size for a tight fit
- Consider half a size up for more room
- Slightly shorter than the Ultra 5 and 6
- More accommodating through the forefoot
- Snugger and slimmer through the midfoot
ULTRAWEAVE Gives a Close and Grippy Touch
The touch is relatively straightforward - exactly what you’d expect from a PUMA Ultra. The ULTRAWEAVE adds some texture, while the thin coating on top gives you a slightly matte, sticky sensation and a little extra grip, especially on a slightly wet pitch.
On a really dry pitch with a brand-new match ball, though, it can become too sticky. The boot can occasionally grip the ball more than expected when stepping on it - and yes, that can end with you falling over.
In general, the touch feels close, natural and instinctive. The low, pointed toe box makes it easy to get underneath the ball, while a cheeky little bit of foam on the inside adds a slightly dampened sensation.
Think Ultra 1.1, which was phenomenal. And to be fair, this is too. It’s a lovely touch.
The New Speed Outsole Feels Proper Fast
The outsole is one of the big new additions and this is where the PUMA Ultra 7 Nitro really starts to feel fast.
PUMA has taken some of the learnings from the carbon outsole and combined them with a new plate, very aggressive FastTrax studs and NITRO foam underfoot. The studs might be some of the most aggressive in the game right now, while the outsole remains very stiff, stable through the midfoot and has a lovely snap when pushing off.
Put everything together and it genuinely feels like the boot is trying to propel you forward.
NITRO Foam Adds Extra Responsiveness
Alongside the NITRO foam underfoot, there’s a slightly bouncy strobel piece within the outsole that adds a sensation of extra energy return when rolling onto the forefoot.
Combined with the stiff plate and aggressive studs, the PUMA Ultra 7 feels extremely responsive and proper rapid. It’s almost like the boot is saying: “You go.”
The toe lift is also lower than on the Ultra 5 and 6. You still get that aggressive, forward-rolling sensation, but it feels more natural and less in-your-face.
The result? An absolutely amazing outsole and one of the best speed outsoles around right now.
Four Things That Could Be Better on the Ultra 7
Not everything can be a step up. There are four things worth knowing about the Ultra 7.
1. The PUMA Cat Holds the ULTRAWEAVE Back
The problem isn’t the logo itself - it’s the application. The plastic is slightly firmer and denser than the surrounding ULTRAWEAVE, holding back some of the softness in that part of the toe box.
Since that’s an area that sees plenty of contact with the ball, a simple graphic or moving the Cat towards the midfoot - might have worked better.
2. Midfoot Lockdown Could Be Stronger
The Ultra 7 feels secure, but much of that comes from the shape and excellent heel lockdown.
A little more structure through the midfoot could wrap the foot more tightly and push it down onto the plate. Basically, a little more of that seat-belt feeling would have been nice.
3. The Upper Can Be Too Sticky
That sticky coating can be great for extra grip, but on a really dry pitch with a fresh match ball, it can occasionally become too sticky.
It gets easier to manage the more the boot is worn, but it can still catch you out. And then you fall over and look silly.
What can you do?
4. Is the PUMA Ultra 7 Worth €230?
€230 is actually good value compared with many other big speed boots. The question is whether it’s low enough to tempt players back into the Ultra when there are so many good speed boots around right now.
The original Ultra 1.1 came in at €200, and a lot of players tried it and loved it. That makes the price slightly frustrating here, because the Ultra 7 itself is genuinely really, really good.
Is the PUMA Ultra 7 Nitro Worth It?
Yes. The PUMA Ultra 7 Nitro Ultimate is a very, very good speed boot and easily the best Ultra since the first generation.
The comfortable fit, amazing heel, soft ULTRAWEAVE upper and proper fast outsole make this feel like a speed boot should. There are even some serious Ultra 1.1 vibes here.
So no, PUMA hasn’t taken a slow, boring car and slapped a NOS sticker on it. They’ve actually turbocharged this one.
And the F50 and Mercurial might want to start looking over their shoulders.
