Details
Brand
Puma
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Guidance line along the outsole promotes a smooth transition• 360-degree reflective material to keep the runner safe in low visibility areas• 8-millimeter drop• Puma Ignite midsole foam provides responsive cushioning.• Flex grooves along the outsole• EVA removable insole• Water-repellent upper
Upper
The upper of this shoe is where runners can expect to see the majority of the updates that Puma made to the original Puma Ignite. The upper is made with a dual layer mesh that is designed to r epel water. In addition to this, the entire upper has been covered with 360-degree reflexive material to protect runners during their evening runs or during workouts in low visibility areas. Puma also included a removable EVA insole. The insole adds extra cushioning but can be removed for the runner who needs to insert an orthopedic insole for added arch support or assistance with pronation.
Midsole
The midsole of the Puma Ignite Dual NightCat uses Puma popular Ignite midsole foam. This foam is designed to cushion the foot and adapt to the unique shape of each runner’s foot. This provides the runner with responsive cushioning that is thick enough to protect the runner and absorb the shock of each footfall, but still light enough to take the runner through their tempo runs and speed workouts. In addition to the cushioning that the Ignite Foam provides, Puma included a second layer of cushioning by including a layer of standard EVA foam across the length of the midsole.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe has been redesigned to add durability and flexibility to the overall fit and feel of the shoe. The underfoot of the shoe features a guidance line that runs the length of the shoe from the midfoot to the forefoot. This guidance line is included in the design because it provides a smooth transition through the gait cycle. It helps the runners with a smooth transition that adds to the overall comfort of the shoe. The overall design of the outsole has been created to promote flexibility. The durable rubber materials protect the entire shoe from wear and tear, to keep the shoe looking and feeling newer longer.
Breathability
The redesigned upper of this shoe features a breathability that runners appreciated. Even though this shoe provides the runner with superior water resistance, the design of the upper is specifically designed to keep water out, but allow air to flow freely into and out of the shoe. The upper is made using a dual mesh. The first layer keeps water and debris from entering the shoe, and the inner layers promote breathability and ventilation. Due to the high level of ventilation provided in this shoe, runners reported that their feet stayed comfortable and free of blisters.
Comfort
One of the key elements of this shoe is Puma’s signature Ignite midsole foam. Runners raved about the comfort it provided. Additionally, Puma included a removable EVA insole. On its own, the EVA midsole provides added cushioning that adapts to the shape of the foot from superior fit and an extra layer of cushioning, but for the runner who needs more support, the insole can be replaced with an orthopedic insole to address the specific needs of the runner. The upper of the shoe also got high reviews for comfort from the running community. There are not many shoes on the market that manages to be both water repellent, and breathable, but the Puma Ignite dual Nightcat is able to do both of those things.
Style
Runner commented that there were pros and cons about the style of this shoe. The pros are the sleek design and stylish look. Runners felt confident and comfortable attacking tough runs in this shoe as well as wearing the shoe as a fashionable accessory for their casual outfits. However, the cons of this shoe, regarding style, are that the color options offered are limited. There is a color option for the runner who likes bright and flashy looks, and there is one for the runner who prefers a more classic look. Across the board, runners reported that they would have liked to see more options available on this shoe.
Durability
Runners reported that this shoe lasts for a long time and maintains its new look and feel much longer than similar shoes that runners had tried previously. For starters, the upper is made from dual layers mesh. This protects the shoe from fraying or ripping. The EVA midsole insole and the Puma Ignite midsole foam maintain their shape and provide continuous cushioning to the runner without losing their density and bounce. Finally, the outsole is made from a highly durable rubber that holds up against tough runs, mile after mile.
Protection
The key protective element of this shoe is the 360-degree reflective elements that can be found all across the upper. This protects the runner on their evening runs or during activity in low visibility areas. In addition to this, the outsole is made from a highly durable rubber that is designed to protect the runner from the elements of the road. It also acts as a protective shield and keeps the rest of the shoe protected from premature wear and tear.
Responsiveness
Runners responded positively to the amount of responsiveness provided in this shoe. The Ignite midsole foam is described by many runners as “highly responsive”. The drop of this shoe is slightly lower than other shoes, and this helped runners feel connected to the ground below them too. In addition to this, runners reported that they felt confident changing direction and speed in this shoe.
Support
Runners can expect to find adequate arch support in this shoe. The Puma Ignite midsole foam conforms to the shape of the foot and provides the runner with unbeatable arch support. If the support provided is not enough, runners can also use an orthopedic insole because the insole provided with this shoe is removable.
Terrain
This shoe is designed for the road, the gym, or the track. The shoe does not provide aggressive enough grip to keep the runner safe on the trails. The design along the underfoot is created for flexible movement and because of this reason, runners found this shoe to be a great companion for group fitness classes that require a lot of movement, like Zumba and other dance classes.
Price
This shoe is a great price and is an excellent choice for the runner on a budget. It comes in under the average price for a road running shoe on today’s market. In addition to the lower cost, runners were pleased with how long lasting this shoe was, which makes it an even better overall value.
Drop
This shoe features an 8-millimeter drop. This drop is slightly lower than the traditional drop, which comes in around 10 millimeters, so runners who are used to running in a traditional drop show may require an adjustment period. However, this is a good heel drop for the runner looking to slowly transition from a traditional heel drop to a more minimalist or natural running shoe.
Stability
This shoe is not designed as a stability shoe. Although it offers assistance with arch support, it is not designed to assist the runner who is looking for an improved gait due to over or under pronation. However, the insole of this shoe is removable, and runners can replace this insole with a medical insole designed for the runner struggling with over or under pronation issues.
Flexibility
The shoe is a great choice for the runner who is looking for a flexible ride that supports the natural movement of the foot. The dual mesh of the upper conforms to the shape of the foot and wraps the foot in a snug, comfortable material that moves freely with the natural gait of the runner. Additionally, if the runner flips the shoe over, they’ll see a long guidance line running down the entire length of the outsole. This guidance line is designed to create a smooth transition from toe to heel strike and moves with the natural gait of the runner. There are also individually placed flex grooves along the outsole to increase flexibility.
Traction
This shoe provides adequate traction, but is not suggested for t rail running. Since this shoe is designed with a water repellent upper, Puma also added some additional grip to the outsole that makes this a good choice for running across slippery conditions. From the upper to the outsole, this shoe is a good choice for working out in wet conditions.
Bottom Line
The Puma Ignite Dual NightCat takes all of the best qualities of the Puma Ignite and adds some fun technologically advanced design elements. The NightCat keeps the runner comfortable with a dual mesh upper that is water repellent and keeps the runner safe with the addition of 360-degrees reflective material. The shoe is flexible and responsive, and runner commented on the overall comfort provided by this shoe. The shoe is a neutral running shoe, but it also comes with a removable EVA midsole insole that can be replaced with an orthopedic insole for the runner who needs additional support with over or under pronation issues. The shoe is affordable, and while the color and style options are limited, runners were pleased with the colors that are offered, even though they would love to see more options.
