The White/Team Charcoal/Fluorescent Green PowerCat 1.10 boots colourway was inspired by the dazzling lights, vibrancy and highly visual culture of the neon jungles in Tokyo’s electric Akihabara district and Puma have used the same inspiration on these gloves.

The PowerCat gloves are not just a piece of pretty design however and feature some genuine top level performance technology. Keepers’ fingers are protected from hyper-extension by the lightweight flexible Puma Finger Protection System which locks at 180°. Puma’s patented thumb spine protects the thumb through its full range of movement. and features a zipper compartment for easy adjustments. All spines can be removed, allowing the goalkeeper to customize the level of protection to specific needs.

Newly developed Grip Gill Foam on the backhand enhances grip when punching the ball while the 4mm Absorb Latex provides grip in all conditions and the silicon finger-tip prints on the inside of glove maximize control and tactility. The anatomically positioned flex zones in the palm mirror the natural flex zones of the hand for enhanced flexibility.

The new Tokyo colourway seem to be a big hit, with the likes of Bacary Sagna, Giorgio Chiellini and Tomas Rosicky all debuted the boots. Italy and Juventus stopper Gianluigi Buffon recently wore both the boots and gloves in a game against Inter Milan.

You can expect these to be on the shelves in South Africa later this month.

Puma PowerCat 1.10 – Graphic Silver/Black/White

Puma PowerCat 1.10 – Red/Black/Silver

Along with the release of the two new PowerCat colourways, Puma have released two new V1.10 colourways and a new K-Leather version.

Puma-V1.10 – Black/Dandelion/Silver

Puma-V1.10 – Black/White/Royal

Puma V1.10 – White/Royal/Black K-Leather

The release of the Puma v1.10 and PowerCat 1.10 boots were met with much excitement and now their latest colourway, the aptly named ‘JB (Johannesburg) Final’ will undoubtedly catch the eye.

The new Puma PowerCat 1.10 JB Final

The new Puma V1.10 JB Final

PowerCat 1.10 Tricks

V1.10 Tricks

Puma launched their African Unity kit a little while ago and now the kit is complete with these lava inspired boots. A black base is contrasted by strong Reds, Oranges and Yellows as Puma follows the earth’s side profile. Wearing the full kit will see you go from sky to mud and from mud to the core. The V1.10’s are especially eye-catching with their ‘lava cracks’ running across the top of the boot. They look like they could erupt any second and that is what Puma will be hoping for.

Puma Africa Unity kit:

Yellow/Black Puma PowerCat 1.10 power boots:

Royal Blue/Silver/Black Puma v1.10 speed boots:

Unfortunately neither colourway will be available in South Africa.

Sportlifestyle company PUMA AG has unveiled the POWERCAT Football collection which will be worn by PUMA sponsored teams Italy, Switzerland and Uruguay at the FIFA World Cup 2010™ tournament.

Following on the heels of the PUMA SPEED Collection, introduced in October 2009, the POWERCAT Collection includes performance boots, jerseys, gloves, shin-guards and a ball. Each product is inspired by the fearless attitude of the great white shark, the determination of a World Champion heavyweight boxer and the sleek, engineered look of a modern superhero.

The POWER collection takes its inspiration from idea of “raw” football, harkening back to a player’s primal instincts of fight versus flight. The collection is designed for each player to maximize his or her “fight” instinct – when lining up for the national anthem, preparing for a challenge or most importantly when making contact with the ball.

The products throughout the POWERCAT Collection are all developed to enhance performance on the pitch. Using state-of-the art 3D Motion Analysis, a scientific technique that captures and quantifies human movement, the data is incorporated into the design of the jersey and boots to ensure each player exerts minimal energy, but delivers maximum power with each body movement and kick.

The PowerCat 1.10 Boot uses PUMA 3D Power Shooting Technology which delivers unique rebound properties. The Springtech foam in the shark-like gills on the side of the boot are engineered to enhance every shot by putting extra power behind the ball as it catapults off the shoe. This means the boot intentionally does not absorb the typical amount of energy upon impact with the ball, allowing more power to be released with every shot.

The kicking area is made of soft, thin leather and a synthetic microfiber around the quarter area, keeping the boot lightweight and easy to perform in. The bladed studs are configured to ensure smooth ground penetration and pressure distribution as well as maximum traction and maneuverability.

“Courage to be Bold’ is the main statement of the POWERCAT collection, which revolves around PUMA’s concept of raw football,” said Filip Trulsson Senior Manager, International Teamsport Business Unit. “In 2010 PUMA Football’s attention has been focused on the psychology of players wearing the product. The main objectives are about delivering products that would trigger ‘raw’ reactions of the players to make them both invincible and intimidating.”

PUMA’s POWERCAT PowerCat Collection, in the seasonal colorways, will be available at select PUMA retail stores, at www.puma.com and wholesale partners beginning February 27.

So who gets into The Right Winger’s dream Puma XI?

Strikers:
Nikolas Anelka’s career seemed to be slowly fading away as he fought for pride within a decent Bolton side before Chelsea came knocking. His partnership with Drogba has grown into one of the most deadly in the Premier League.
Peter Crouch has his fans and his haters. His lanky style is not everyone’s cup of tea. There is no doubting his ability however – especially when he has an England shirt on his back. We just wish he would bring back the robot!

Midfielders:
Michael Carrick is one of the most noticeable Puma wearers. A fixture in Manchester United’s midfield, Carrick has the ability to thread the ball through the smallest gap. A true pass-master who chips in with the odd goal.
Tomas Rosicky recently joined the Puma group and what a player he is. His best is still hidden below a lack of match fitness after being out for a lengthy period. His attacking brilliance was sorely missed at Arsenal.
Emmanuel Eboue epitomises who Puma is: strong, fast, determined, skillful and African. Africa is Puma’s second home and the Ivory Coast star feels right at home in his v1.10 boots. Comfortable both out-wide at right wing or right back.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. Don’t ask us to pronounce that but the young Russian is certainly making a name for himself on the Merseyside. A cracking goal against Manchester United showed just how seriously you should take his left foot.

Defenders:
Vedran Corluka has seldom missed a game for Spurs. The Croatian right back is solid on both attack and defense. Missing out on the World Cup will be a blow for us as we lose out on watching him and his fellow countrymen on African soil.
Nemanja Vidic is a powerhouse. Rumours are rife that he will be on his way come the summer. Whatever happens, Manchester United owe the big Serb a debt of thanks.
John Mensah hasn’t been a regular for Sunderland since his arrival on loan from Olympique Lyonnais. A calf injury and the African Cup of Nations have limited his chances for the Black Cats. When he is available his strength is a great asset for both Sunderland and Ghana’s defense.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto had to see off stiff competition from Gareth Bale for Spur’s left back position. He soon made it his own however and only the African Cup of Nations and an injury have kept him out of the side. He is smooth, calm and a great crosser.

Goal Keeper:
Shay Givan is probably the best piece of business Manchester City did. With so many high-profile players being brought in, Given was slightly less glamorous. The Irish keeper has consistently been one of the best in the Premier League however. He is a natural shot-stopper.

Who do you think should be part of Puma’s XI?