PUMA King SL 2013

Rating: 

PUMA produced my favourite boot of 2012 with the King Finale SL. This year, the new PUMA King SL 2013 is almost unrecognisable from its predecessor. Among some of the many changes are a new, synthetic leather upper as well as a totally different look. But how successful have the alterations been in reality?

Other / Isaac AbrahamThe coulourways of the PUMA King SL 2013 are a little more in-your-face than its predecessor the King Finale SL

DESIGN 3.5/5

While the new King SL has definitely veered away from the traditional, classic nature of its predecessors, it is definitely still a good looking boot, For testing, I got my hands on the yellow/black colourway, and from the off was surprised at how bright the boot is. The yellow/black combination makes it look bumblebee-esque, and definitely isn't one I'd recommend for those who prefer less flashy boots. The trademark PUMA form stripe has a sleeker look to it than before, and Puma has embossed a funky zig-zag design onto it. If you are expecting to receive a refined version of the King SL Finale then you will probably be disappointed, as this is a totally different boot. Design-wise, there is not one thing that has remained the same from last year's boot.

COMFORT 4/5

PUMA has managed to maintain the same high levels of comfort in the King SL 2013, but the change in upper has definitely taken a little away from it. The King SL 2013 has a synthetic leather upper, and you can definitely tell the difference. While there is an almost negligible breaking-in period, the upper is definitely a bit stiff on first wear. Even after continuously wearing the boot, you still don't reach the same level of suppleness as you get with a K-leather upper. However, the PUMA King SL 2013 is still are very comfortable for a 'speed' boot.

This is in part down to the excellent fit. The boot fits very much true to size - snug, with the upper hugging your foot. The boot is not as wide as the Finale SL, especially in the mid-foot area. If you have pretty wide feet, you should definitely try the boots on before you purchase them. Something PUMA has improved on from the previous model is the stud pressure, which was previously lacking.

PERFORMANCE 3.5/10

The PUMA King SL is not a boot with standout "performance enhancers" like the Nike T90 Laser or the adidas Predator LZ, but there are aspects that help them perform solidly. First off, the upper. The sock-like fit helps when it comes to getting a solid touch on the ball as the synthetic leather clings to your foot, providing a great feel. As a full-back, my game consists primarily of making quick short passes as well as crossing the ball into the box, and the King SL helps give a really good, clean strike of the ball.

Other / Isaac AbrahamThe PUMA King SL 2013 is $100 more expensive than the King Finale SL

It is also worth mentioning the soleplate. Gone are the conical studs seen on the King Finale SL and in their stead PUMA has used a predominantly bladed configuration, while the spine through the mid-foot is much improved, ensuring the flexibility you need towards the front of the soleplate, as well as a degree of support. Weight is an area that PUMA has focused on with the King SL, with the boot weighing approximately 164g – a full 54g lighter than its predecessor.

VALUE – 2/5

Head and shoulders the most disappointing aspect of the King SL 2013 is its durability. It is worth noting that these were tested on a high-quality artificial surface rather than natural grass but, as artificial surfaces are becoming more and more popular, the problems experienced are still very much relevant. After the first session with the King SL 2013, there was already a splitting between the upper and the soleplate. Splitting is a disappointing sight with any boot, but especially as it was so soon into the testing process. As expected, the problem has only worsened since, especially on the left boot.

Apart from splitting on the upper, the stitching has begun to fray in a number of locations. Towards the back of the boot, the external heel counter has begun to split from the upper towards the top. It is uncharacteristically shoddy quality from PUMA and hopefully it will fix it for new colourways. The bad durability is compounded by the high price tag. At $250 US, a pair of PUMA King SL 2013s is a full $100 more expensive than their predecessor. These boots are certainly not $100 dollars better than the original King SL and even more galling is that PUMA has actually cut back on extras. While the King Finale SL came with a bag, the King SL 2013 comes with your regular shoe box and nothing more. Confusing, to say the least.

CONCLUSION – 3/5

Testing the PUMA King SL 2013 was a bittersweet experience. While Puma has definitely churned out a solid boot, it falls well short of the unquestionable class of the Puma King Finale SL. It does not really feel like a King anymore and it seems PUMA has jumped on the bandwagon, making its boots lighter and lighter rather than focusing on what it have done well in the past. The price tag and poor durability is also a major issue. On the plus side, PUMA has kept the comfort bar high with the KING SL 2013: the fit is exemplary. The new King SL is definitely not the best leather speed boot on the market, but all in all it is not a bad candidate.