1.
We have seen some high profile, limited edition boot releases over the past few seasons, with brands such as Nike, adidas and Puma offering their own unique take. Welcome in a boot that screams luxury, right from its naming convention down to the products use. Puma has pulled off what could be the most impressive and expensive to date in the King Lux.
At $450, you are going to want to be pretty confident in these boots before you purchase them, and many they will end up never been worn. So, what is it that makes them so special and should you play in the $450 Puma King Lux?
Bryan Byrne is the founder of SoccerCleats101. Got a question about boots? Hit up Bryan on Twitter.
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2.
Featuring 24 Carat Gold
24 carat gold flakes that is and only through the heel. There is plenty of gold colored detailing on the boots, but the flakes only exist in one area, baked securely into the protective heel counter. Don’t expect to see a lot of flakes either; there is a limited number visible due to their minute size and the fact there is a large region fighting it only for a claim to each!
We haven't seen gold included in a retail released boot before, so this is a first that sets them apart from the market.
3.
99 Pairs Available Worldwide
Another limited edition release with a very exclusive number offered to the worldwide market. Puma decided the number on this one would be 99, with a majority of them ending up in England and the United States. It is staple to keep the number released pretty low, but it is not often that less than 100 hit market.
Along with the boots, Puma include a super trendy, high quality leather boot bag, however, with all the cleaning supply trimmings inside. It is a nice touch and one that makes them a little bit extra special.
4.
How Do They Perform?
Puma has chosen the Puma King 2013 as the base for this boot, rather than the King II that was recently released. In February, we were offered a sneak peak to these boots, yet they mysteriously disappeared for over 6 months. Why? We have no idea – but it explains why the King II wasn’t used.
Through the history of the King range, we have become familiar with K-Leather uppers and simple designs. In order to create the most luxurious boot, this version of the King has been fitted with a premium K-Leather upper for an incredible fit and feel. It is ultra-soft and thinner than previous generations so that you get more feel on the ball. It has also allowed Puma to drop the weight of the King range to a perfectly balanced 8.4oz.
5.
Wear 'em or Store 'em?
There is a huge dilemma that goes with owning a pair of these boots. On the one hand, you don’t want to damage them or cause any discomfort to those little gold flakes. They are the reason you own the boots, after all. But, what is the point in hiding such a wonderful piece of art? And how many players can say they have worn boots that contain 24 carat gold, especially on a pair of Puma Kings?
This is a case of risk/reward, and you do need to factor where and when you would wear them. If that includes muddy pitches versus a bunch of Sunday league hacks, you might want to store them in anticipation for that cup final on a pristine, scissors cut pitch. Until them, keep them under lock and key, or you could simply bring them to the pub post game to show them off.
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