Puma PowerCat 1.12 Review

Design/Fit

After first seeing the Puma PowerCat 1.12 I really liked the overall design and found the 3D PST to add an interesting look to the boot. The launch colourway gave the PowerCat a clean look and this Metallic Blue/Black Iris/White/Orange is no exception! These fit very true to size and are a great option for players with wide feet. 

Breaking In/Comfort

I found these to be a bit of a pain when it came down to breaking them in. The upper is stiff, so I wouldn't recommend wearing them in a game right out of the box. After about 2-3 training sessions the K-leather upper becomes much softer as it molds to your feet. After giving them a proper break-in they became very comfortable and I no longer experienced any discomfort. 

Performance/Durability

The Puma PowerCat 1.12 performed very well in both wet and dry conditions. I experienced almost no slipping on wet pitches when making sharp turns or sudden movements, so I found the overall traction great. I used them on turf and firm ground pitches and I didn't encounter any issues regarding stud pressure. The K-leather upper repelled water well and provided a great ball feel. After about 3 weeks of testing they have held up well and there are no tears anywhere on the boots so I have to say these will definitely last you more than one season if properly taken care of. 

Puma 3D Power Shooting Technology (PST)

The PowerCat 1.12 contains 3D PST along the strike zone, which is a new thermoplastic material made up of two degrees of hardness. The 3D PST is meant to help players drive the ball while ensuring that no energy is lost when striking the ball, but it also provides a good first touch and grip on the ball. The 3D Power Shooting Technology offers a superb kicking area allowing you to drive your shots and ultimately increasing the power in shots.

Summary

The only negative thing about this boot would be the break-in period since the K-leather upper is pretty stiff right out of the box, however that problem goes away after giving them a properly breaking them in. The PowerCat 1.12 performed well under different pitch conditions and provides a very comfortable fit with little to no stud pressure. I like the overall design of the boot as it gives it a weird but interesting look and this colourway makes the design stand out in a good way! I can honestly say these are one of the best boot's I've used for kicking in a while and find it to be an amazing boot overall, as it does what it is supposed to do without sacrificing comfort or durability. You can visit Puma.com to purchase the launch colourway or click here to view alternative colourways.

Puma PowerCat 1.12	Rating (out of 10)
Style	8.5
Traction	9
Shooting	9
Protection	9
Durability	8.5
Comfort/Fit	8
Touch	8
Technology	9.5
Performance	8.5
Value	8.5
Overall Score:	86.5/100

*Thanks to Heather from Puma for making this review possible.