Published: 07/07/2025, By Dylan Jones, Will Sendel
As the 2025 Women's Euro approaches and the spotlight on women's football grows brighter, one thing has become clear: performance gear needs to catch up. For far too long, women in football have been making do with boots designed for men's feet - completely different anatomy, different biomechanics, entirely different needs. The result? Rising injury rates, with ACL tears, ankle problems, and foot injuries affecting talented players at concerning levels.As Mark Moner, PUMA's Global Football Product Manager, explains: "Football boots usually are designed towards men players, because of history, but basically we decided to change the approach, and we put the women's in the centre." PUMA decided to do something about it.
Enters the brand’s Women's Fit technology. This isn't about shrinking men's boots and turning them pink - it's proper engineering that recognises what makes female athletes unique. The research shows women's feet function differently, requires different support systems, and deserves boots designed specifically for their anatomy. PUMA's approach builds solutions around these differences rather than expecting women to adapt to unsuitable designs.
"FOOTBALL BOOTS USUALLY ARE DESIGNED TOWARDS MEN PLAYERS, BECAUSE OF HISTORY, BUT BASICALLY WE DECIDED TO CHANGE THE APPROACH, AND WE PUT THE WOMEN'S IN THE CENTRE."
The Women's Fit 2.0 sees three specific improvements made to address the main issues female players face. First, the collar has been redesigned to sit higher and provide better ankle lockdown, getting rid of unwanted foot movement. The way the heel has been built is to reduce pressure on certain area of the foot and prevent blisters. And, most significantly, PUMA has developed their first 'Insole for Her' - designed just for the female foot’s anatomy with extra cushioning and arch support exactly where it’s needed.
But, before we jump into the nitty gritty of tech, let’s take a moment to appreciate the design. The Future 8 Brilliance comes with white uppers designed to mirror stadium floodlights, while the explosive bursts of colours across the soleplate are there to remind that every step onto the pitch is a chance to paint your legacy. We love it already - and it only gets better from here.
At the top of the food chain, we’ve got the Future 8 Ultimate – and you’ll quickly see why. The flexible FUZIONSKIN upper wraps around your foot like a sock - soft, supportive, and designed to move as naturally as you do. Up front, the 3D FUZIONPODS add that extra bit of protection to the front of your boot so you can play with complete piece of mind.
Then there’s the PWRTAPE that runs through the midfoot to keep you secure and locked in when it matters. Up top, the GripControl Pro finish and mesh overlay work together to give you all the grip and control you need to create some magic. Underfoot, the soleplate is designed to support rotational movement – meaning you don’t have to second-guess your next play - just go for it.
Sandy Baltimore will be rocking them in Switzerland. If just like her, you want to make defenders question their life choices - this is your boot.
Available for both firm ground and artificial grass, The Future 8 Pro is a versatile option for players who want pro-level performance boot – but slightly cheaper. With this model, the flexible upper uses stretchy materials with Lycra weaved through for a snug, comfortable fit that moves with you. Just like for the Ultimate silo, the Pro has PWRTAPE tech across the midfoot to add extra support, keeping you stable when you’re slaloming through the back line.
Finally, the raised textured surface on the outer layer is matched with GripControl finish to give you that extra bit control when it comes to showtime.
Fancy an edge for your weekly five-a-side without having to break the bank? The Future 8 Match is the boot you need. The soft mesh upper is super stretchy to move with your foot, so you stay comfortable and free to play your way.
With this model, the support comes from a reinforced midfoot band that keeps you stable when you're leaving defenders in the dust. Textured zones on the forefoot add extra grip on the ball, making close control and quick touches look as effortless as your favourite players on TV. Available with soleplates for both firm ground/artificial grass and soft ground, they’re ready for whatever surface you play on.
The Future 8 Brilliance Pack isn't just about boots – it's about belief. Belief that women's football deserves innovation designed specifically for female athletes, not hand-me-downs from the men's game. With Women's Fit 2.0 technology leading the charge, PUMA isn't just keeping up with the evolution of women's football – they're driving it forward.
Whether you choose Match to put on a masterclass in the park, Pro for premium tech at a smart price, or Ultimate for that elite touch, this is a boot that understand your game, your movements, and… your feet! Now available at Sports Direct.