PUMA’s two major spikes have been completely renewed – the “KING 20 ULTIMATE”, which pursues mobility and accuracy, and the “FUTURE 9 ULTIMATE”, which has evolved for playmakers, were released on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
At a trial session held prior to its release, Alpen Group employees actually wore the spikes. He experienced the innovative fit, comfort, and significant improvements in performance, and shared his impressions of each.
■Know before going on the pitch – Deepen your understanding with PUMA’s latest spike lecture session
Tryon starts with classroom learning. PUMA’s Mr. Mabuchi gave a lecture on PUMA’s two major spikes, the “KING 20 ULTIMATE” and “FUTURE 9 ULTIMATE.”
Participants could actually touch and experience the evolution of KING, which combines a leather-like feel and high durability with the new material TOTALTOUCH+, and the structure of FUTURE, which has been reborn with enhanced fit and agility using FUZIONFIT and PWRTAPE.
KING, which dominates the game with “fit and control,” or FUTURE, which overcomes situations with “creativity and agility.” By understanding the features of each in “words,” players’ thinking and senses were sharpened even before trying on the shoes. It was a meaningful session that served as a “step in preparation” for the actual battle, while thinking about the compatibility between the spikes and myself.
■”Fit x Control” —Innovative touch and control performance demonstrated by KING 20 ULTIMATE
PUMA’s famous spike “KING” has evolved even further with the latest model – many players gathered for a “try-on event” to experience its capabilities. What was tested this time was the much talked about new product “KING 20 ULTIMATE”. Its comfort, touch, and stability were truly worthy of being called the “new standard for Japanese soccer.”
For players competing around the world. TOTALTOUCH+, an innovative material that makes everything possible
KING 20 ULTIMATE FG/AG is equipped with the new material “TOTALTOUCH+” which is the biggest feature of the KING series. It provides a snug fit and provides supple touch performance.
On the other hand, the HG/AG model follows the touch feel of the series, but is optimized to provide a stable kicking feel and durability even on dirt grounds.
Designed to withstand hard use on soil and artificial turf while maintaining high holding power and operability.
A pair of shoes that supports stable play even in environments where conditions change significantly.
Optimal grip on all pitches – lightweight HG/AG outsole
The outsole of KING 20 ULTIMATE JP HG/AG is equipped with the HG/AG sole developed for Japanese players. Constructed using Pebax® and polyurethane, it is both lightweight and durable. Compatible with all types of grounds, including artificial turf, dirt, and natural turf, supporting stable kicking in any environment.
Multi-layered upper that fits you from the moment you put it on.
Classic independent tongue construction and dual-layer eyelet stays allow for precise fit adjustment. The round toe design provides a gentle fit for the Japanese foot shape while increasing the grip around the instep and ankle. Designed to balance flexibility and stability, it brings out stable performance.
“LEATHER TOUCH UPPER” feels like leather and is environmentally friendly.
The upper of the KING 20 ULTIMATE JP HG/AG is made of super soft microfiber. Wax and stitching on the forefoot provide a smooth touch and fit similar to real leather. They are made from recycled materials, making them a great choice from a sustainable perspective.
“Ortholite CUSTOM FIT HEEL PAD” that fits your feet
Built-in custom fit heel pad that adapts to your foot the more you wear it. Provides comfort that reduces the burden on your feet and allows you to concentrate on playing.
“NANO GRIP TECHNOLOGY” responds to instant turns
The insole is equipped with “NANO GRIP TECHNOLOGY” which increases friction and improves grip. It is designed to firmly support agile movements without wobbling even during sharp turns and quick turns.
KING 20 ULTIMATE JP HG/AG
Price: ¥20,900 (tax included)
Weight: 223g (27.0cm)
A pair that lives up to its name, “KING”, with an exquisite fit, precise control, and a momentary inspiration. They will set a new standard for Japanese soccer with a level of perfection that reflects the “seriousness” of every player on the pitch.
■Beyond your imagination. Future form of playmaking──FUTURE 9 ULTIMATE ability verification
Dominate the pitch with creativity. “FUTURE 9 ULTIMATE” was reborn for such players. At this “try-on session,” the true value of FUTURE was thoroughly tested to see how well it could support the player.
Newly designed agility structure that enables the “next move”
The biggest evolution is the good foot familiarity based on FUZIONFIT and the reinforcement design with PWRTAPE. The upper is made of stretch knit that fits snugly around the ankle, providing a stable feel even when making quick direction changes or turns. Furthermore, the optimized placement of PWRTAPE keeps your feet firmly in place while maintaining lightness and flexibility.
A fit that feels like it’s integrated with your foot
“FUZIONPODS”, which uses 3D puff printing, are placed on engineered knit. You can feel as if the ball is sticking to your foot, allowing you to perform delicate operations in both offensive and defensive situations. The synergistic effect with GRIP CONTROL PRO, which has been subjected to 5D printing, makes the control precision stand out.
Sole structure supports 360 degree agility
The outsole is equipped with a lightweight HG/AG sole tailored to the Japanese pitch environment. The combination of Pebax® and polyurethane provides both lightness and resilience, and the newly shaped stud pattern reduces strain on the legs. Provides reliable grip and propulsion on any ground, including artificial turf, dirt, and natural turf.
Ventilation and grip technology keeps you comfortable inside the shoe
The insole uses “NANO GRIP TECHNOLOGY”. The nano-level unevenness firmly clings to the soles of your feet, preventing them from slipping even during intense movements. The breathability of Ortholite® O-Therm™ reduces stuffiness inside the shoe, helping you maintain concentration.
FUTURE 9 ULTIMATE HG/AG
Price: ¥24,200 (tax included)
Weight: 224g (27.0cm)
FUTURE is more than just a pair of spikes – it’s a pair of shoes that brings out players’ creativity to the fullest and enables them to play as they’ve never seen before. It will present new options to Japanese players as a versatile model that fits both playmakers who draw precise tactics and attackers who use instinct.
■From “knowing” to “feeling” ─ Practical session comparing two models
After learning about the structure and characteristics of spikes during classroom training, it was time for the actual battle. The participants alternated between wearing the “KING 20 ULTIMATE JP HG/AG” and the “FUTURE 9 ULTIMATE HG/AG” while competing in 3-on-3 mini-games, shooting practice, trap practice, and even full-court games.
When out on the pitch, the characteristics of each spike stand out more realistically. At KING, his “touch that makes the ball stick to you” and “stableness when moving quickly vertically” are popular, and he shows a sense of security when passing accurately in tight spaces and shooting from small turns.
FUTURE, on the other hand, stands out for its “enveloping fit that feels like it’s integrated with the foot” and “quick response to turning and accelerating,” and has gained a lot of support from players who seek agility.
In 3-on-3 situations, the lightness and grip performance of the spikes is directly apparent, and you can experience the difference in instantaneous judgment and reaction to movements.
During shooting practice, it was impressive to see the players aiming for the goal with a serious gaze while feeling the flow from the trap, ball control with the soles of their feet, and the differences in the “kick feeling” that each model has.
During full-court games, players can be seen changing their spikes depending on their position and playing style, making it an intense time to find out which pair best suits your weapons. The understanding gained during the classroom lectures led to the sensations experienced in actual combat, and the session made us realize once again that choosing spikes is a combination of “sensibility and theory.”
In the first part, we reported on the classroom lectures and try-on sessions, and in the second part, we will deliver interviews with Alpine Group specialists who participated in the try-on sessions.
Continued in the second part.
[Photo]Hiroshi Gunki
[Text]Teppei Ikeda
[Interview cooperation]PUMA Japan Co., Ltd.
