words_Nick Engvall

Masses of people will make the trip to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup in just under 200 days, while millions more will be glued to the television, keeping up on the action from afar. While the event is still a ways away, the excitement has already begun with competition heating up during the qualifying matches. In anticipation, Puma has teamed up with New York based painter, Kehinde Wiley, to create a limited edition version of the V1.10 soccer boot.

Kehinde Wiley has gained worldwide acclaim for his unique style, in which he portrays African Americans in traditional poses placed upon boldly colored backgrounds. Wiley has an ability to blend traditional and contemporary painting styles that is unparalleled. His style is so unique, it has become a calling card of sorts. His work has been described with words like, “intensity” and “passion,” two words also synonymous with soccer players and their fans. Wiley has worked with Puma on a successful collection in the recent past, so it only seemed natural for Puma to call upon him again for this special edition boot.

Although the bold graphics may steal the show, these boots are no slouch in the performance department. Features such as the covered laces and lightweight abrasion resistant micro-fiber ensure the greatest ball control ability possible. Further weight reduction come from a carbon fiber outsole, which also helps distribute stud pressure evenly to create a more comfortable fit, and better reaction times. A combination of performance and style that will ensure the limited number of these produced will go quickly.

PUMA players Samuel Eto’o, John Mensah and Emmanuel Eboué will all wear this limited edition boot throughout their Champions League matches. Look for them on the field starting December 9^th and through the weekend of Decemember 19th/20th. Only 302 pairs of PUMA’s Limited Edition v1.10 Kehinde Wiley Boot will be made and each will be individually numbered.  In the US, the boots will be sold exclusively at Eurosport (www.soccer.com) early next month.