Creative Soccer Culture

PUMA's 20‑Year Tribute to Speed Reimagined

Two decades ago, PUMA bucked trends with the V1.06 ‘Grass’ edition – a revolutionary boot both in terms of tech and aesthetics. Now, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that release, the brand has revealed the Ultra 6 Carbon V1.26 'Grass' edition.

In a time where football boot design was really starting to become experimental, the PUMA V1.06 ‘Grass’ took things in an entirely new direction. This was a radical rethink of what a football boot could be. Ultra‑light, visually daring and engineered for raw acceleration, it became synonymous with explosive forwards and was worn at the highest level by icons such as Samuel Eto’o.

Now, 20 years on, PUMA return to that moment with the Ultra 6 Carbon V1.26 ‘Grass’, a modern interpretation that bridges heritage and cutting‑edge performance. This special edition release is limited to just 2006 pairs (see what they did there?), so if you want them then better be like the Ultra... quick.

The original V1.06 Grass earned cult status not only because it was fast, but because it pushed boundaries. At a time when boots were still relatively conventional, PUMA introduced an aggressive lightweight philosophy and a design that felt closer to motorsport than traditional football footwear. It represented ambition, innovation and a refusal to play safe.

The Ultra 6 Carbon V1.26 channels that same energy. While officially listed in “Unseen Green”, the colour name doesn’t do justice to the result. The upper is entirely covered in a bold grass graphic, lifted straight off the original 2006 release. It’s nostalgic without being retro, a statement piece that looks forward as much as it looks back.

Under the hood, the Ultra 6 Carbon V1.26 is designed for the demands of the modern game. At the heart of the boot is a lightweight two‑colour engineered mesh upper, created to reduce overall weight while maintaining strength and flexibility. It moulds closely to the foot, delivering a barefoot‑like feel without sacrificing stability during high‑intensity movements.

Inside the boot, PUMA have refined comfort and lockdown with a lightweight removable sockliner, featuring GripControl Pro technology to enhance traction underfoot. This is paired with Ortholite heel cushioning, improving step‑in comfort while helping keep the heel secured during sudden bursts of speed.

A key challenge for any modern speed boot is balancing stability with freedom, and this is where PUMA’s PWRTAPE support frame comes into play. Strategically positioned, PWRTAPE stabilises the foot inside the boot without restricting natural movement. The result is a secure feel when sprinting or changing direction, while still allowing the agility and lightness expected from a true speed silo.

This subtle internal structure ensures the Ultra 6 Carbon remains explosive off the mark, yet reliable when it matters most.

Completing the package is PUMA’s standout innovation: the SPEEDSYSTEM CARBON outsole. Combining springy carbon‑fibre material with a carefully engineered stud orientation, this system is designed for rapid propulsion and quicker acceleration.

Carbon fibre adds a responsive snap with every stride, transferring energy efficiently from foot to ground and back again. It’s a direct evolution of the lightweight philosophy behind the original V1.06 — updated for an era where every marginal gain counts.

Pick up the PUMA Ultra 6 Carbon V1.26 now at prodirectsport.com/soccer

Author
Daniel Jones

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