In the drive to create a more Earth-friendly fashion and clothing industry, no stone can be left unturned. This past month, PUMA has been busy bringing more sustainable design thinking to the soccer pitch with the introduction of not one but three new boots.

First up is the KING Platinum 21 Vegan, the brand’s first vegan leather soccer boot. Made from 100% vegan leather, yarns, adhesives and pigments, the boot gets rid of any need for animal-based products on the field. The shoe features KINGForm technology which the brand says will increase responsives and a lightweight PEBA soleplate to help with traction and stability. It comes in a clean colorway of Ivory Glow, Green Glare and PUMA Black.

Florian Nemetz, Senior Product Line Manager Teamsport Footwear at PUMA, reveals that the product took two years to develop before it hit the shelves. In particular, the designers were looking for the right material. He says they’ve found an animal-free material that is softer and more durable than leather. Durability makes it last longer which could make it more sustainable in the long run too. Surely, there’s no reason to go back to leather now?

“The KING Platinum 21 Vegan is an exciting milestone for PUMA as we utilize vegan friendly materials and offer an alternative to animal-based leather products,” says Nemetz. “We will continue to use vegan materials in future products as we aim to offer an alternative to traditional leather products.”