Puma2026 Review
Puma Solarflash III
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Buy at WePlay Handball · €58.90 (opens in a new tab)We only have it in stock at WePlay Handball · Prices updated on 7 November
Versatile, balanced and with good grip. Puma's all-rounder for indoor courts.
Fit
Who is it for?
- Position
- WingBackCentre back
- For
- Men
- Player weight
- 75 – 90 kg
- Level
- Intermediate, Advanced
We recommend it if…
- Intermediate wings and backs on a moderate budget
- Versatile players who switch positions or indoor sports
- Those looking for a balance of price, weight and performance from Puma
- Feet of normal width that don't need a special fit
Pick another if…
- Advanced-to-professional players (go for the Accelerate/Eliminate range)
- Beginners, for whom the price isn't justified compared with the Varion II
- Contact pivots who need specific lateral stability
- Those looking for Puma's maximum NITRO responsiveness
Our test
The good and the bad
Pros
- Good value for money
- Light and balanced
- Dependable grip
- Modern look
Cons
- Not handball-specific
- Less technical than the Accelerate range
Before you order
Sizes and fit
- Fit
- Regular
- Weight
- 285 g
- Drop
- 9 mm
Where to buy
Price at each shop
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WePlay Handball
Lowest price
How we score it
Score by category
- Grip
- 8.5
- Cushioning
- 8.0
- Stability
- 8.3
- Durability
- 8.4
- Value for money
- 8.8
Gorka Cabañas' opinion
Journalist. Former handball player and coach. Co-founder of Liftados
The Solarflash III is the Puma any intermediate player should look at if they want something more technical than the Varion without moving up to the high end. The PWRFRAME midsole isn't as responsive as NITRO foam, but at 285 grams it offers a cushioning-to-weight ratio that few similarly priced models can match.
Analysing the outsole, the non-marking rubber has a multidirectional traction pattern that works well on wooden parquet but that I've found a little less grippy on resin than the Accelerate's SQD. It's not a serious problem, but it's worth bearing in mind if you play on synthetic resin floors, which are increasingly common in new facilities.
For the profile of a club centre back or back who needs a balance of speed and stability, the Solarflash III makes a lot of sense. It's not the most specialised, but it's reliable. And in sports footwear, reliability has a value that sometimes doesn't show up on spec sheets.
Published on 25 October 2025 · Liftados.com
On-court review
Full review
Grip and traction
The non-marking rubber outsole of the Puma Solarflash III scores 8.5 for grip, a solid result for a model that doesn't use a handball-specific compound. Puma's general indoor-sports outsole offers reliable grip on parquet and vinyl, with a pattern that favours the multidirectional movements of the outside positions. For intermediate wings and backs who train on standard courts, the grip is more than enough. The limitation compared with handball-specific compounds (GUM8, AHAR, SQD) is noticeable on very dirty courts or at maximum intensity, but for the level the Solarflash III is aimed at, the grip does the job perfectly.
Cushioning and energy return
The PWRFRAME midsole of the Puma Solarflash III scores 8.0 for cushioning, a decent result for a mid-priced model without NITRO foam. PWRFRAME is Puma's mid-level midsole technology, more advanced than basic EVA but below NITRO in responsiveness and lightness. For intermediate players who train 2-3 times a week, the cushioning is functional and adequate. The 9 mm drop is standard for the outside positions. Its 285-gram weight puts it in the middle of the catalogue: it's not the lightest, but it doesn't carry unnecessary weight either.
Stability and support
With 8.3 for stability, the Puma Solarflash III offers competent lateral containment for wings and backs. The technical mesh upper has a structure suited to the movements of the outside positions, with reinforcements in the areas of greatest lateral stress that provide support without restricting movement. For an intermediate player who switches positions depending on the team's needs, the Solarflash III's stability is balanced: enough for moderate contact play without penalising agility. The modern look highlighted in the pros is a differentiator in its price bracket.
Who this shoe is for
The Puma Solarflash III is Puma's all-round indoor shoe for intermediate level: it works well for wings, backs and centre backs without being the best option for any specific position. Its value for money (8.8) makes it competitive against similarly priced models. For players whose main sport is handball but who also use the shoe for other indoor sports, the Solarflash III's versatility is a plus. Compared with the Puma Varion II (grassroots level), the Solarflash III offers better cushioning and more structure. To make the jump from the Varion to a more serious model, the Solarflash III is the natural next stop.
Liftados verdict · 8.3/10
The Puma Solarflash III is Puma's all-round indoor shoe for intermediate level: balanced in every respect, without particularly shining in any of them but without failing in any either. For players who don't want to spend on high-end models and are looking for a reliable shoe from a well-known brand at a good price, it's a solid, sensible choice.
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Comparisons
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What you ask us about the Puma Solarflash III
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Puma Solarflash III or Puma Varion II for intermediate level?
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