Details
Brand
Puma
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Breathable mesh upper• TPU heel cage keeps foot from slipping around inside of the shoe• EVA sock liner for added arch support• Ignite Midsole foam returns energy to the runner• Chevron flex grooves line the outsole• Ever track rubber in the outsole adds durability and traction• Transition line along the outsole helps with a smooth transition and natural gait cycle
Upper
The upper of the shoe is designed using lightweight, breathable mesh. This material is fast drying and designed to keep the runner comfortable in the heat or in the rain. A classic lacing system with a padded tongue provides a customizable fit and protection against blisters. The open mesh design allows air to flow freely to the runner’s feet. This upper is sleek and stylishly designed, making it a great choice for runners who are looking for a fashionable athletic accessory to add to their closet.
Midsole
The engineers of the Ignite 3 made sure to maintain the qualities of the shoe that runners responded positively too, namely, the Ignite midsole foam. This foam is lightweight and cushioned. It is designed to provide excellent energy return and is a high rebound which reduces the risk of pain and injury to the runner. This midsole is also designed with an EVA sock liner that molds to the shape of the runner’s arch, regardless of how high or low. This added arch support adds to the overall comfort of the shoe. Although the Ignite midsole is lightweight, runners reported that it bounces back to its original shape, even after withstanding high mileage and tough workouts.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe features an advanced, unique design. The newest version of this shoe features a more rubberized coating to add an extra layer of protection and durability. Additionally, the Chevron Flex Grooves that cover the underfoot is designed to give the most flexible Ignite yet. These Chevron Flex Grooves are also designed to help runners increase their speed. The shoe has flex grooves along the forefoot that are specifically designed to support the natural gait cycle of the runner. An updated transition line runs the entire length of the shoe providing runners with a smooth transition from toe off to heel strike.
Breathability
Just by looking at the Puma Ignite 3, runners can see how breathable this shoe is. The entire upper is covered in an open engineered mesh design. The ventilation holes are visible and provide plenty of space for air to flow freely in and out of the shoe. This helps to regulate the temperature inside of the shoe, keeping the foot comfortable regardless of the weather conditions. The high level of breathability also reduces the risk of unwanted moisture leading to friction and painful blisters that can cut a run or workout short.
Comfort
This shoe is as good for lounging around and hanging out with friends as it is for putting in tough miles and completing complex speed workouts. The high level of comfort can be attributed to the Ignite midsole foam. This foam is both lightweight and adaptive. It conforms to the unique shape of the runner’s foot, creating a customizable comfort for each runner. Additionally, the Chevron flex grooves that cover the outsole support the natural gait of the runner. The upper is lightweight and breathable and keeps the foot cool and comfortable and free from blisters.
Style
This shoe is for the runner who likes a bright, eye-catching look. Puma has always been at the forefront of athletic fashion, and this shoe is no exception to that rule. The color options are vivid and the design is sleek and stylish. This is a shoe that is designed to look good at the gym or as part of a stylish casual outfit. Plus, at the highly affordable price tag, runners can purchase more than one color! The classic Puma insignia is prominently displayed along the side of the shoe in a fashionable manner.
Durability
There are elements of this shoe that are highly durable and elements that could use some improvements in this category. The Ignite midsole foam, although lightweight, provides runners with amazing bounce back and runners reported that this material maintains its shape and cushioning even after excessive mileage and use. However, the upper of this shoe is made from a lightweight mesh material that, over time, started to wear down and look old. This is a less expensive shoe, and runners reported that this could be due to the fact that the upper easily begins to break down.
Protection
For starters, the upper of this shoe features reflective details that can keep runners safe while they are running in the evening or in low visibility areas. Plus the color options that this shoe comes in are very vivid, making it easy to spot and keep tabs on the runners who wear them. In addition to this, Puma added in a heel cage in order to keep the foot locked in place. This eliminates unwanted movement in the shoe and keeps the foot safe from friction that leads to painful blisters. Additionally, the EVA sock liner provides added arch support to protect the runner from discomfort. Finally, the chevron design of the outsole adds more traction. It is also redesigned with more rubber to protect the foot against the elements and reduce wear and tear that can be accrued by logging long miles.
Responsiveness
The midsole of this shoe has been described as springy with a high rebound. This translates to a higher responsiveness than the average shoe. The Chevron flex grooves in the outsole create a flexible, natural gait and although there is more rubber in the outsole, runners reported being able to feel the road below them and respond to changes in direction and pace.
Support
This shoe is designed more so to support the natural gait cycle of the runner rather than keep the foot in a structured position. However, Puma did include a few supportive elements for runners who may need them. The first is the heel cage that has been added to this third iteration of the Ignite. The heel cage locks the foot down and keeps the foot from moving up and down in the shoe which can lead to blisters and discomfort. Additionally, the EVA sock liner in the midsole is designed to provide added arch support to runners regardless of the arch height. This material adapts to the arch and rises up to meet the arch, regardless of its height.
Terrain
This shoe does its best on the pavement, tracks, or in the gym. Puma has a long-standing tradition of being a great companion for athletes who are practicing and performing in fields and tracks, and this shoe is no exception to that rule. The outsole has more traction and grip than the average running shoe, making it a good choice for athletes who are stopping short or changing direction frequently. The lightweight nature of this shoe makes it a good option for speed work. It is also a great shoe for cross training like workouts performed on the elliptical, Stairmaster, or treadmill.
Price
One of the highest rated qualities of this shoe is its price. This is a great option for the runner who is on a tight budget but doesn’t want to sacrifice quality and style. This shoe is so affordable that runners reported that they could purchase two shoes (in different color options!) for less than one comparable shoe on today’s market.
Drop
This shoe features a traditional heel to toe drop. This is not a shoe that is designed for the runner who is looking for a zero drop or natural running experience. However, this is also not an overly cushioned or plush ride either. Runners who are used to running and working out in a traditional drop athletic shoe will need no time at all to get used to the Puma Ignite 3.
Stability
This shoe is not designed as a stability shoe. It is marketed as a neutral running shoe. This means that this shoe is best suited for the runner who is not looking for a shoe that will improve their gait cycle. This shoe is not designed to help with overpronation issues, and instead, supports a natural gait cycle.
Flexibility
Runners had a lot of very positive things to say about the high level of flexibility that this shoe provides. For starters, the upper of the shoe is made using engineered mesh. This open mesh not only provides breathability to the runner, but the lightweight construction adapts to the shape of the foot. The toe box and midfoot are free from overlays, allowing the foot to move freely. The outsole of this shoe is lined with Chevron flex grooves. It has also been updated with a transition line that runs from heel to toe. This transition line creates a smooth transition and promotes a natural running gait cycle.
Traction
The outsole of this shoe has been redesigned to increase durability, protection, and traction. The newest iteration if the Ignite features more rubber in key spots to increase the grip of the shoe. Likewise, the new Chevron flex grooves provide more traction, making this a good choice for slippery running. The Ever Track outsole rubber makes this shoe a great option for athletes who need to quickly and efficiently change speed and direction.
Bottom Line
The Puma Ignite 3 is a great choice for the runner who cares about style, is on a budget, and wants a versatile shoe that can take them safely and comfortably through a variety of workouts. The upper is lightweight and breathable, making it a good choice for warm weather running. The midsole has not been changed much from its previous iterations and still features the Ignite midsole foam that is adaptive and cushioned. The outsole of the shoe is flexible and has been updated to include more protective, durable rubber on the Ever Track rubber material. Overall, this is a good option for speed work and dynamic cross training that requires quick movement changes due to the added traction in the outsole. The shoe can also handle longer training runs and races. The color options are bright and runners love that this shoe is less than half as expensive as comparable athletic shoes on today’s market.
