Details
Brand
Puma
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• EvoKNIT upper material• Deep Flex grooves• EverTrack features in the outsole
Upper
This shoe certainly has a unique look and feel to it, and the real star of this trainer is the upper. The upper features a seamless design that is covered by Puma’s patented EvoKNIT material. This is a luxuriously soft material, and just by looking at the shoe, runners can see the fit is something new. It comes up onto the ankle, creating a protective and comfortable collar, almost like a turtleneck for your foot! Since the material of the EvoKNIT is super stretchy, it creates a personalized fit for each runner. It actually conforms to the unique dimensions of each of your feet. To add some support and structural elements to the design, Puma includes a heel counter along the heel of the shoe. This works to keep the heel in place and eliminates any unwanted movement which can cause discomfort and ultimately blisters and hot spots. Overall, the upper is breathable and soft and accommodating to all foot sizes and shapes. Runners loved the individualized feel of the upper.
Midsole
The midsole of the Puma Ignite EvoKNIT Fade is designed to provide the runner with comfort and support, but not a ton of cushioning. These shoes are primarily designed for fashionable, casual wear, working out in a gym setting, and taking shorter distance runs. The midsole reflects the purpose of the shoe. The patented Ignite foam runs the entire length of the midsole. It provides enough responsiveness, cushioning and durability to take the runner through more low-key workouts. It keeps its shape well and keeps the shoe feeling new even after extended wear. Overall, the midsole promotes a natural movement in the foot. From start to finish, the entire gait cycle is supported through the use of the Ignite midsole material.
Outsole
Runners found the outsole of this shoe to be surprisingly functional. It provides the wearer with added flexibility and traction. Some runners commented that they were surprised by the superior grip, considered they purchased the shoe for more of a casual fashion shoe than a more intense workout shoe. The outsole is lined with deep flex grooves that keep the movement natural, fluid, and flexible. The entire length of underfoot is covered in a longer, vertical flex groove that is designed to support a natural gait cycle and provide the runner with superior traction. To keep the shoe looking and feeling new, Puma added their patented EverTrack to high tread areas. This protects not just the shoe from wear and tear, but also the runner from the unexpected elements of the road.
Breathability
The upper of the shoe provides the runner with a very lightweight, breathable experience. The knitted upper is constructed using a very breathable, stretchy material. Runners commented that they were skeptical at first about the cuff around the ankle, noting that it looked overly warm, but runner after a runner was sold once they tried this shoe. The ankle cuff is actually very light and breathable. It made using fast drying elements and is designed as a support and added comfort, so it is careful to regulate temperature and ensure that the ankle does not become too hot and sweaty during wear.
Comfort
Runners raved about the overall comfort the Puma Ignite EvoKNIT Fade provided. The obvious reason for the comfort is the unique design of the upper. This upper uses the EvoKNIT material to literally wrap the runner’s foot in breathable, stretchy, soft material for an unmatched wearing experience. Runners reported that the upper of the shoe felt like a glove and even said they hated taking this shoe off! The shoe also offered an EVA midsole foam sock liner. This provides added arch support and just the right amount of cushioning to carry the runner comfortably all day.
Style
Just by looking at it, any runner can see that this is an innovative design. This style might be too bold for all runners, but many reviewers loved the unique look and feel the shoe provided. This shoe garnished compliment where you are on the start line or running errands around town. This is a shoe that will get you noticed. Additionally, Puma offers the uniquely designed shoe in a plethora of color combinations and options. These options range from a more muted gray and black to a more vibrant electric blue with black features. Nike and Reebok have been leading the charge in the athletic wear meets fashion department, but with the Ignite EvoKNIT fade, Puma is making a name for itself in this department too.
Durability
The outsole of the shoe is where it garnished the majority of its durability. Made from a durable rubber, this material protects the shoe from wear and tear. Although the upper material is lightweight and soft, runners were surprised at how well it stood up to wear and tear. Runners reported that the EvoKNIT material is strong and while some other upper materials begin to fray and show signs of premature aging, this shoe maintained a newer look for a longer period of time than the runner was expecting.
Protection
The key protective element of this shoe is offered in the sole, which features deep flex grooves. These protect the runner by supporting their natural gait cycle and by helping to reduce injury by absorbing the shock of each footfall. Since this shoe is not designed to engage in the more intense elements of nature, Puma held back on their protective design elements to put the time and energy into comfort and style.
Responsiveness
This shoe receives high marks for responsiveness. This can be attributed to the deep flex grooves, and in particular, a long vertical flex groove that runs the length of the midsole. This provides amazing responsiveness to the runner. By increasing the flexibility of the shoe and keeping the outsole more pliable and thin, runners are able to respond to changes in terrain, pace, and direction quickly and easily without the concern of unwanted injury.
Support
In terms of support features, the Puma Ignite EvoKNIT fade provides the runner with two key design elements. The first is an ankle strap that is used to secure the ankle and provide added support to the runner. The second is the heel counter in the heel area of the shoe. This is used to lock the heel in place and provide added support for the runner without feeling too stifling. It keeps the heel in place, eliminating friction that can lead to hot spots and blisters.
Terrain
This shoe is suggested for the everyday wear. Runners loved it as a gym companion due to its flexibility and traction that is provided through the underfoot (and because of its eye-catching design!). This is a great shoe for everyday wear or shorter distance racing. While there are plenty of really great trail shoes on the market today, this is not one of them and should not be used on your off-road adventures.
Price
This shoe does come in at the higher end of the price spectrum. Many runners see this as a fun new investment and an important addition to their running shoe repertoire. It can be used as a light running shoe, a gym shoe, and as a fashion sneaker so some runners commented that they felt good about the price because it was as if there were getting a few different shoes in one. Also since the shoe holds up well against wear and tear, if the consumer looks at the price in terms of how many miles they will get out of it, it really is an affordable shoe.
Drop
The Puma Ignite EvoKNIT fade features a more traditional heel drop of 12-millimeters. Runners liked the added cushioning provided in the heel of the shoe but commented that it still felt thin enough that they were able to stay connected to the road below them.
Stability
In terms of stability, runners can expect to feel some stability features through the EVA midsole foam sock liner. This sock liner actually molds to the shape of the foot and gives the arch support and keeps it stable while running. Other than the sock liner, however, this is not a stability shoe.
Flexibility
A key area of praise for the Puma Ignite EvoKNIT fade is how flexible the shoe is. From the upper to the outsole, this shoe does a great job of promoting the natural gait of the runner and providing them with a feeling of security and flexibility. The upper is lightweight and breathable. The EvoKNIT material is very stretchy and fits almost like a sock. It conforms to the unique shape of each runner’s foot. There is nothing stiff or ridged about the upper material at all. The outsole comes designed with deep flex grooves and a long vertical flex groove through the center of the shoe.
Traction
The sole of this shoe features deep flex grooves. This provides added traction to the shoe and runner reported feeling safe and secure on slippery surfaces. However, this is not a good shoe for trail running.
Bottom Line
This shoe is for an athlete who likes to sport the latest trends and isn’t afraid of trying a new style or getting the attention that comes with it. The key feature of this shoe is the unique upper, specifically the collar around the ankle. The material is extremely soft and comfortable and runners raved about the unique fit that the ignite EvoKNIT offers. This is a flexible shoe with a more traditional feel through the midsole due to the 12-millimeter heel drop. It isn’t the most affordable shoe on the market, but runner after runner agreed that it was worth the price.
