Details
Brand
Puma
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• 12 mm drop• EverTrack outsole• Chevron patterns along outsole for added traction• Transition line that runs the length of the foot.• Ignite midsole foam unit for a firm cushioning• EVA sockliner that adds extra arch support• Tri-layer breathable mesh• No-slip laces
Upper
The upper of this shoe is where the Puma Ignite Ultimate Layered gets its name. The Puma engineers designed this upper using three separate, lightweight layers. When placed on top of one another they create a supportive, breathable upper that is fast drying and highly durable. The bootie like construction allows the design to shed the majority of its overlays without losing the support that they provide. The lacing system is a conventional one and allows runners to adjust the tightness or looseness of the shoe depending on their preferences.
Midsole
Puma continued to use their Chevron pattern design through the midsole to add flexibility and shock absorption. The grooves are designed to compress which helps reduce the risk of pain and injury to runners during their gait cycle. The midsole foam unit is made of Puma’s trademark Ignite Foam. This is a firmer foam that works to enhance responsiveness and energy return. Puma also included a molded EVA sockliner. This increases support to any height arches as well as provides added cushioning for more overall comfort.
Outsole
Puma selected their EverTrack outsole material for this shoe. This material is designed to provide added traction to the outsole, helping it keep runners safe and secure on a number of different surfaces. The tread pattern consists of a chevron pattern that is designed with multidirectional arrow shapes. The forefoot of the shoe is lined with chevron grooves one way while the heel is designed with a different pattern. The purpose is to create more grip and also to provide a smooth transition through the gait cycle. The material itself is durable, but Puma added multiple layers of the EverTrack outsole material to the highest tread areas to ensure that this shoe would hold up against aggressive mileage.
Breathability
The upper of this shoe is made using three separate layers that come together to create a bootie-like, snug and supportive upper. Each layer is made from a lightweight mesh that this highly breathable. Puma made sure in their design process that when each layer is placed on top of the other, the ventilation holes line up in such a way that air flow can reach the foot chamber, circulate throughout and exit again. This continuous air flow cycle keeps the runner cool and comfortable during their workout regardless of the weather conditions. It also helps to eliminate the risk of friction that can lead to painful blisters.
Comfort
The midsole unit of this shoe features a foam that is more firm than plush. This patented Puma Ignite Foam is designed to help runners maintain a high energy level during their runs by returning energy to the runner with each footfall. Runners found this to add comfort to their workouts because their feet tended to feel less fatigued. Also, runners reported high levels of comfort in the upper of the shoe due to the multilayered mesh design. This design helps keeps feet cool and dry by supporting airflow to reach the foot chamber and circulate throughout. The upper material is also fast drying, so even if runners are working out in the rain, their feet will dry quickly and stay comfortable. Finally, Puma added an EVA sock liner to this shoe to give runners added cushioning.
Style
Runners had positive and negative things to say about the style of the Puma Ignite Ultimate Layered. In terms of the pros, runners found this shoe to be aligned with the sleek and stylish Puma aesthetic that fans of the brand have come to know and love. This model looks stylish as an accessory to a casual outfit or as part of any athletic gear. Runners liked that this shoe can easily transition from the track to an evening out with friends. The color options are bright and fun, however, runners did complain that the color options are limited in both the men and women’s options.
Durability
This shoe received high ratings from runners in the durability department. From the upper to the outsole, the Ignite Ultimate Layered offers a variety of durability features. For starters, the upper is made using a three-layered mesh system. Each layer of lightweight mesh is placed on top of the other creating a virtually tear resistant upper. The midsole is made using Puma’s patented Ignite midsole unit. This unit provides a firm cushioning that will not lose its shape over time. Finally, the EverTrack outsole material of the outsole is durable and layered in high tread areas to avoid premature breakdown.
Protection
The key protective elements of this shoe can be found in the fit. The tri-layered upper is designed in such a way that air is able to enter and exit the foot chamber, creating a constant circulation of fresh air that protects runners from hot spots and irritation that can lead to painful blisters. Additionally, the Ignite Midsole unit provides a firmer cushion. It is designed to absorb any kind of shock from each footfall, helping to protect the runner against pain and long-term injury. Runners who are prone to injury found this shoe to be a good option for themselves. Finally, the Chevron flex grooves that line the underfoot are designed to provide a more natural, healthy transition through the gait cycle.
Responsiveness
Runners found these shoes to be highly responsive, making them a good choice for any distance or speed. The outsole is made using a Chevron pattern. The differentiated directional pattern is designed to add responsiveness to the runner because the forefoot is layered with upward flex grooves while the heel has a downward design. The improved grip of the EverTrack outsole material is designed to increase the overall responsive feel of the shoe.
Support
This shoe has an adequate amount of support but is not designed as a motional control shoe. The upper of this shoe opted for a bootie-like construction over immovable overlays. The tri-layered designed hold the foot firmly in place but still allows it to break and move without serious restrictions. The midsole of the shoe features a molded EVA sockliner that molds to the shape of the foot, providing arch support for high or low arched feet.
Terrain
This shoe does best on road, tracks, or treadmills, but it does also have enough traction to tackle groomed trails. This shoe is made as a road running companion, but the high level of responsiveness and the added traction make it a good choice for the treadmill, track, or other cross training workouts. Additionally, the higher than average grip provided via the Chevron design of the underfoot makes this a shoe that can also handle groomed trails, however, it lacks the lug system that would make it into a true trail running or hiking shoe.
Price
Runners were pleasantly surprised by the reasonable price tag attached to the Ignite Ultimate Layered. Although this shoe has a high level of durability and lasts longer than similar shoes on the market, runners can expect to pay nearly half of what the average high quality running shoe costs. This is a good option for the runner on a tight budget, or simply for the runner who is not looking to spend an excessive amount of money on a road running shoe.
Drop
Runner commented that the Ignite Ultimate Layered had virtually zero breaking in time and runners could slip on a pair and comfortably run right away. One of the reasons for this can be attributed to the drop. This shoe features a 12 mm drop which is slightly higher than the average drop of a road running shoe on today’s market. However, runners who are used to running in a traditional drop shoe will have no problem adjusting to this 12 mm drop.
Stability
This shoe is specifically designed as a more neutral-running shoe. This means that this shoe is not designed for the runner who is looking for assistance with over or under pronation issues. This shoe lacks the stability features that could change the gait cycle of the runner and shoe be reserved for runners who feel confident and comfortable with their gait cycle.
Flexibility
This shoe has certain flexible elements to it. The upper of the shoe has shed the majority of the overlays and traded them for a multi-layered mesh. The mesh layers that make up the upper of the Ignite Ultimate Layered is flexible and moves with the foot. While the midsole is made from a firmer midsole foam unit, Ignite Foam, the shoe is a neutral running shoe that lacks any of the overly structural elements that keep the shoe from feeling flexible and moving with the runner’s natural gait cycle.
Traction
Puma designed this shoe with features specific to increase the traction. For starters, Puma went with their Evertrack outsole material. This material provides extra grip on its own. They also added a unique Chevron design to increase the grip. The way they did this was by providing opposing directional tread along the outsole. This helps runners stay safely and securely on their feet. Plus, the added tread helps to push runners forward on slippery terrains and in slippery conditions.
Bottom Line
Puma has created an all-around, high-quality shoe that is versatile enough for long runs or speedy short races. This shoe is made using some of Puma’s best technology including the Ignite Foam midsole unit and the EverTrack outsole. These designs increase durability and add to a more comfortable ride. Runners appreciated the multi-layered breathable upper of this shoe, and while the overall weight of this shoe is slightly higher than the average running shoe on today’s market, this upper felt light and flexible. The style of this shoe is sleek and fashionable, and can easily transition from the finish line to a day out with friends. Although this shoe has a wide variety of highly rated qualities, one of the best is the cheap price this shoe comes at.
