Details
Brand
Puma
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Upper
The trainer’s upper is made with synthetic leather and contains perforated detailing. In classic Puma style, the toebox is more of a square than a point. The shoe lacks ventilation, so heavy cardio is difficult, especially for those whose feet swell. The shoe goes higher up the ankle than a typical running shoe. The shoe is also available in a wide, which can help secure a better fit, and is not always easy to find. Kuddos to Puma for making this option.
Midsole
The midsole of this Puma Tazon 6 is very stiff and inflexible and includes a TPU (thermoplastic urethane) shank. For those who need stability this is a positive, but for those who are used to shoes with some give, it will be too much. Typically, cardio activities like running, require some flexibility and this shoe simply does not offer it. An EVA foam cushioning heel pod is also included, which allows the shoe to absorb shock. Though, be aware that EVA will eventually wear down. This can be a tricky matter in a shoe like the Tazon 6 because the synthetic leather will hold up nicely and the shoes will not look like they need to be replaced, but the cushioning will feel otherwise.
Outsole
The Puma Tazon 6 has a thick rubber outsole with a triangle pattern. Puma opted for a unique touch by making the rubber on the bottom different colors. The sole provides a good grip on different types of terrain from asphalt to gravel. It is also a good outsole for gym floors or surfaces that are wet.
Breathability
This shoe is meant for basic workouts, walking, and the gym. As such, breathability is not high. The shoe is made of synthetic leather and offers virtually no ventilation. An EcoOrthoLite sock liner, which provides cushion, is inside the shoe, though socks are still highly recommended, especially given the snug fit. The previous model of this shoe, the Tazon 5, actually came with more air holes for ventilation.
Comfort
The Tazon 6 was made with comfort in mind. It offers stability and nice shock absorption. For those who are on their feet all day, it’s an excellent option because of the support it provides. The inside of the shoe is very padded and is comparable to memory foam. The shoelaces are nicely constructed and stay tied. The tongue is also padded so it is cushy on the top of the foot. To some, the shoe will feel tight because of the leather and padding. Furthermore, the leather does not lend itself to feet that swell naturally or swell during a run. The sock liner is extra soft and provides another layer of cushion. The shoe is available in a wide fit, which can make all the difference as far as comfort is concerned.
Style
The branding on the Tazon 6 is Puma all the way. It includes a large Puma Formstrip on the side and a cat on the toebox, heel, and tongue. It also comes in an array of color options, including monochromatic. The women ‘s version comes in a gray and aqua which many found to be especially good looking. However, you won’t find any bright neon options like in other brands, so wearing it around town is more of an option, as they don’t “scream” so loudly. An all-black option is available and can be worn in workplaces with strict dress codes like restaurants and hospitals. Black shoes are also nice because they don’t show dirt easily and can stay looking new for many months. Overall, reviewers were happy with the color options of the Tazon 6.
Durability
The upper of the Tazon 6 is made of a synthetic leather and the outsole is made of a durable rubber. The materials hold up nicely against the elements, especially the upper which is more durable than a shoe designed with a mesh upper. The leather can simply be wiped down with a cloth, so it’s easy to get them looking fresh and new, which is certainly a differentiator from other options on the market. However, they cannot be thrown in the washer and dryer, which is a problem if there is an odor. On a minor but helpful note, the laces are strong and do not fray easily.
Protection
The synthetic leather on these Puma’s offer great protection. Unlike other shoes in this category, there is no mesh, meaning items like small pebbles do not find their way into the shoe. The rubber outsole is also thick, so walkers and runners will not feel rocks under their feet. The shoe also has a snug, high fit around the ankle, so loose items cannot easily enter the shoe, thus disrupting a workout. The leather protects nicely against water for those who might want to walk after it rains and not have soggy socks and feet. This also means the shoes can easily be wiped dry and put into a gym bag. This makes the Tazon 6 a great option for those living in wet areas like the Northwest. There is no reflective material on the shoe, so those out in the evening need to take extra precautions.
Responsiveness
This is not a responsive shoe. The synthetic leather on the upper is inflexible and does not provide give when pointing or flexing one’s foot. In addition, it has a TPU (thermoplastic urethane) shank. This makes for a stable shoe, but not one that is flexible in the arch. It does not feature any type of technology that will help propel runners forward like other running shoes. The higher cut at the ankle also prevents flexibility. Those searching for a flexible, responsive running shoe will want to look elsewhere.
Support
The Tazon 6 is very supportive. It features an EVA foam cushioning heel pod, which absorbs shock and provides a comfortable secure landing. It provides a TPU (thermoplastic urethane) shank for stability in the mid-foot. There is plenty of padding inside the shoe and an EcoOrthoLite sock, which makes it cushy. This shoe is a great option for those in occupations like nursing, where being on one’s feet all day is a requirement. With the Tazon 6, one can take their shoes off at the end of a shift and not have heel or arch pain.
Terrain
The Puma Tazon 6 works well indoors, like in a gym as well as on other smooth surfaces such as pavement. The upper of the shoe is made of synthetic leather which will provide a level of water resistance, but it also takes away from the ventilation, making it a bad choice for warm climates. It also does not offer flexibility, so going over rough, uneven terrain like rocks would be difficult. In addition, it does not offer ankle support, so trail running is not recommended in these shoes.
Price
The Puma Tazon 6 is a great value. It is a durable, long-lasting athletic shoe, which makes the price very reasonable. In addition, the shoe’s styling lends themselves to pull double duty, as one could easily wear them to the gym and zipping around town. Because they can wipe clean, owners will not find themselves replacing the shoe simply because they look dirty. This is even more true given that an all-black option is available. However, because they cannot be thrown in a washer or dryer, odor may become a factor. The shoe has many repeat buyers, which is why this is a sixth-generation shoe.
Drop
The Tazon 6 is a neutral shoe with a standard heel to toe drop. Reviewers did not seem to have any issue with the drop of the shoe.
Stability
While not officially labeled a stability shoe, the Tazon 6 is a solid option in this category simply based on how it is built. The EVA foam cushioning heel pod and higher cut at the ankle provide a stable foundation for balance and the TPU (thermoplastic urethane) shank is great for the arch. The laces also provide a secure fit. The shoe will provide a solid foundation for those looking to use the shoe for strength training when a steady base is important.
Flexibility
These shoes are not flexible. The synthetic leather makes them stiff on the top and the TPU (thermoplastic urethane) shank makes them unwavering underfoot. Flexing and pointing one’s foot is difficult in this shoe. While the leather does soften somewhat with time, it will never compare to a shoe made with a mesh upper. Because of the lack of flexibility, this shoe also lacks in terms of responsiveness.
Traction
The solid rubber outsole on the Tazon 6 provides great traction. They are slip-resistant on a gym floor or wet sidewalk. In addition, the outsole is thick, so those wearing them won’t notice when they step on an item like a pebble. As a unique flare, Puma uses multiple colors on the rubber outsoles.
Bottom Line
The Puma Tazon 6 is a solid option for someone looking for a comfortable shoe to wear to the gym or to wear if they are on their feet for most of the day. The inside padding and shock absorption at the heel make them a comfortable option for as little as 30 minutes, or as long as 12 hours. The styling of the shoe is classic Puma and is unique to the brand. The coloring is far different than other brands and isn’t as “loud”, offering more monochromatic options. The shoe offers solid stability and protection but is not flexible enough or breathable enough for long runs or track workouts. The synthetic leather construction provides protection against water, so it keeps feet dry, and can easily be wiped down. The material is also animal-friendly for those concerned about wearing real leather. Finally, the shoe is long-lasting and is a reasonable price for well under $100, especially given that it can be worn for both gym, work and casual everyday wear. The shoe has a solid fan base because it is stable, cozy, reliable, and long-lasting.
