Details
Brand
Puma
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Puma’s Ignite foam makes the shoe very lightweight• Puma’s cushioning technology allows for higher speed• Has a narrow fit, but those that can wear it seem to love it• Many color options complement the stylish look of these shoes• Lower priced alternative
Upper
Puma’s Ignite v2 upper is largely comprised of flexible and breathable mesh. Though some reviews mention that the mesh does not aerate the foot as expected, creating a heat trap, most were pleased. Its overlays are flexible leather and are featured on the sides of the shoe which creates a more open construction. However, some feel it tends to make this already narrow shoe feel even more narrow, albeit more snug and secure, but creating the need for longer breaks. Puma paid special attention to the construction of the tongue as well, constructing it of suede and lightly padding it. Unfortunately, most reviews that mention this feature were not positive claiming that the tongue was not secured and slid too much to provide the effective comfort that Puma intended. Additionally, there is a silicon strip in the heel that works with the EVA sock liner to keep the foot adequately supported. The sock liner is designed to hug the foot combines with the lacing system that is higher up the instep in order to help promote midfoot stability. The confidence in the fit will have many runners feeling ready to fly.
Midsole
Midsoles can be composed of two different types of foam (polyurethane, PU, or Ethylene-vinyl acetate, EVA) or a combination of them. Puma uses the PU foam but its technology is unique in offering an aggressive transfer of energy to reduce stress and provide superior comfort despite changing temperatures. While other shoes may showcase the same materials, Puma’s midsole cushion shows pore holes from the unique way the polyurethane rubber is incorporated. Introducing this IGNITE foam that creates impressively responsive cushioning, Puma helped to create the basis for a solid speedy runner in the Ignite v2.
Outsole
The outsole of the PUMA Ignite v2 is formed from a one-piece unit with a triangle heel insert and transition line through the median of the shoe. This one-piece unit is comprised of Puma’s unique EverTrack carbon rubber which runs the length of the shoe. Carbon rubber tends to be heavier but stickier and provides impressive resistance to wear and tear. The ForEverFoam urethane insert at the heel offers optimal durability and an even better grip. The chevron flex grooves in the forefoot combined with the transition line that connects the forefoot to the rearfoot work together to help with gait creating a smoother running movement with better toe-off. A few reviewers found the sole of the shoe to be quite squeaky in a traditional setting, like a hallway or a gym. However, this did not deter them as the shoe was otherwise comfortable.
Breathability
Puma designed the upper of the IGNITE v2 to be breathable and comfortable thanks to the mesh fabric and strategic placement of the overlays. And while many feel they have achieved this, a few dissenting reviews claim that the ventilation left a little to be desired, indicating that they instead trapped heat – creating odors and reducing the lifespan of the shoe. Interestingly, Puma does offer another rendition of this shoe addressing this very concern in its Ignite v2 PWRCOOL that has special temperature controlling technology.
Comfort
Wearers of the Puma Ignite v2 seem to have one more universal critical comment: this shoe is narrow. This feature excludes it from the shoe rack of many runners that could otherwise benefit from all its features. However, fit issues aside, the main word associated with the Puma IGNITE v2 really is the comfort. Between the breathable mesh upper and the resilience and cushion of the sole unit, reviewers unite on this shoe’s comfort making it a revered option for many.
Style
Runners are, for the most part, pleased with this style of the Ignite v2, enjoying its vibrancy and many options. The men’s shoe is available in Red Blast, Safety Yellow, Puma Black/Puma White, Electric Blue Lemonade, Black/Red/Asphalt/Silver, Atomic Blue/Aged Silver. The women’s version is available in Purple Cactus/Puma Silver, Pink Glow/Magenta Purple, Puma Black/Puma White, Royal Blue/Red Blast, Rose Red/Fluorescent Peach, Periscope/Black/Aged, Black/White/Rose Red.;In addition to color, the Puma logo emblazons the side of the shoe in leather, making a bold but classic statement. A handful of reviews cited disappointment with the shoe’s lack of vibrancy in color, with a few claiming the red featured online turned out to be pink in person. Aesthetically, though, most feel this shoe is attractive and sleek and speaks to the confidence and speed it can deliver.
Durability
With the outsole’s carbon rubber unit, EverTrack foam at its edges, and ForEver foam at the heel, this shoe promises to endure the rigors of being a daily trainer as this type of rubber tends to be more durable overall. The perforated fabric mesh and synthetic overlays in the upper are sturdy and breathable and do not appear to rip near the toebox. A handful of reviews cited foot odor and reduced lifespan due to reduced aeration despite the breathable mesh in the upper.
Protection
Puma designed the IGNITE v2’s upper with mesh to keep the foot cool, and the overlays, made of nubuck, featured on the sides on the shoe act as a supportive framework. The sole unit’s carbon rubber compound that is known to be durable and substantial provides a solid base that is protective underfoot.
Responsiveness
The Puma IGNITE v2 is touted as the company’s most responsive shoe ever. With the invention and incorporation of its own unique IGNITE foam, Puma created a shoe that efficiently uses energy from the impact and returns it into the shoe. It is considered by many to be stable, flexible, and lightweight. This combination, according to most reviews, helps the shoe live up to its hype delivering speed and agility, and helping runners go the distance without added leg fatigue.
Support
Providing a cushioned base and a supportive upper, this shoe is considered by many to be a good neutral daily trainer. Although it offers little arch support with the molded liner and a heel counter that helps keep the foot secure, it is intended for those who do not require motion control in their shoes. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive on the support this shoe provides with its springlike cushioning and ability to absorb shock.
Terrain
Intended for asphalt and smooth surfaces, the outsole is comprised of carbon rubber for better stick and to withstand more wear and tear. The IGNITE v2 tackles the ground nimbly and with confidence on the morning run or during a racing event.
Price
Even in its debut, this shoe was not considered to be overly expensive. Coming in at a reasonable price range, the Puma Ignite v2 pleases many runners and their wallets. With the shoe becoming less available, the price dropped in most places making it a definite good buy.
Drop
Bordering traditional and maximalist cushioning, the heel of this shoe is 31mm off the ground while the forefoot is 19mm up. The difference between the two represents the heel drop. The IGNITE v2, therefore, is 12mm. This is a higher drop and those with the toe concerns might be less inclined to wear it, but that those with achilles issue should appreciate it as comfortable.
Stability
With a stack height on the higher end of traditional, this is a well-cushioned shoe but this does not create any instability. Although the Ignite v2 is a 31mm (rear) and 19mm (front), it is well balanced and the foot is evenly balanced. The rubber of the sole unit and its composition with a heel insert and transition line create a solid ground contact while the upper locks the foot in place with a molded liner, heel cup, and overlays framing the sides of the shoe. The arch is well supported and the laces help keep the foot from shifting on the run. Many reviewers felt pleased with the security of fit of this shoe and said that it allowed them to navigate courses confidently.
Flexibility
The Puma IGNITE v2 offers cushioning and features like the transition line that allows the foot to move naturally and calls into play forefoot flex grooves in the sole to assist with flexibility. Already lightweight, any agility gained help make it a rockstar of a shoe garnering mostly positive feedback.
Traction
Some laud the shoe’s rubber sole as well fitted for the road and its overall light weight as a good combination for speed on the run. There are some that claim the tread is not sticky enough for the treadmill or a gymnasium floor of basketball court but still rate it well as a daily wear shoe. It seems that the consensus is that it performs as advertised in keeping runners moving over terrains such as neighborhood streets and along paved park venues in dry and reasonably wet weather.
Bottom Line
As a great example of the quality for which Puma is well known, the Ignite v2 is a solid running (or even racing) shoe. If you have narrower feet, no issues with pronation, and a need for speed, the PUMA Ignite v2 may be the shoe for you. In the lower end of the running shoe price range and still available in an assortment of colors, this shoe can take you the distance.
