Details
Brand
Puma
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• No Sew neoprene bootie upper• Ignite technology provides superior responsiveness and energy return• Suede soft molded overlay along the upper to add support• Woven heel counter to help keep the foot in place
Upper
The upper of this shoe features a seamless, bootie design and construction. This translates to a few different things for the runner. The first is that runners can expect to experience a high level of comfort from this shoe. The bootie like construction makes it easy to slide the shoe on and off with a ton of wasted time with laces. It also provides a snug fit, but because of the breathable nature of the material used, it doesn’t feel claustrophobic or stifling. The main material used is a neoprene material that gives the shoe its bootie like feel. It also utilized a unique construction with the crisscrossing cables along the upper in place of laces. This secures the foot in place and keeps the comfort level high. Another place where comfort is added to the upper is through the use of their suede soft molded overlays. There is no rubbing or friction so there are no blisters or hot spots.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe features the Ignite midsole foam. This material provides an unbeatable energy return which helps keep the foot energized and free from premature fatigue. It is also very lightweight which keeps the overall weight of the shoe lower. Runners loved the comfort afforded to them through the midsole. They commented that this midsole was the right combination of cushioning and lightweight support.
Outsole
The outsole of the Tsugi Blaze is made of a durable, traditional rubber material. This helped protect the runner not just from the elements of the road, but also from wear and tear that can be caused by extensive use. Runners liked the outsole helped extend the overall life of this athletic shoe. Another interesting feature of the outsole is the razor-edged technology that went into its design. This again cuts down on the weight, and provides a precise fit and look to the shoe. Runners appreciated that Puma was able to provide durability in the outsole without adding too much extra weight or density.
Breathability
The material used in the construction of this design is Neoprene which is light weight and allows for air to flow into and out of the shoe without the need for large breathable holes like many other models. Runners liked that this shoe was able to provide maximum airflow and breathability without relying on a more traditional look. This creates a unique look for this shoe that runners really respond to.
Comfort
Runners could not say enough about the overall comfort of this shoe. Runners commented that the shoe was easy to wear and it that it felt like wearing slippers. This can mostly be attributed to the upper design which uses a no-sew neoprene material to craft the lightweight bootie construction. This shoe doesn’t come with annoying laces, and in their place, it is lined with softly molded overlays made of suede and crisscrossing, lightweight cables to keep the shoe in place. These elements of the upper help the shoe maintain a snug feel without feeling heavy or weighted down in anyway. Runners loved these shoes their everyday wearing shoe as well as a shoe to perform cross training workouts and light runs in.
Style
This shoe has a futuristic, simple style that runners are loving. If you are a fan of the vibrant, multicolored racing shoe look, this is not the shoe for you. This is more of a sophisticated style that comes in classic color options of white, black, red and navy. The uppers is designed with a solid color and the midsole and outsole are crafted in white.
Durability
This shoe is constructed using a durable rubber in the outsole that helps keep the shoe looking and feeling newer for longer. However, durability is not one of the key design focuses of this shoe. This shoe is designed for more of an every day, stylish shoe that can also be used for training and shorter distance running so there isn’t the need for intense durability features like there would be on a trail shoe or a shoe designed for more intense workouts. Due to the seamless design of the upper, runners reported that there was no annoying fraying or ripping which can make the shoe look old and worn down.
Protection
The key protective elements of this shoe are the found in the Ignite technology of the midsole. This midsole foam is lightweight but protects the shoe by providing superior energy return to the runner. This helps keep the athlete safe by avoiding fatigue which can throw the form off – which can lead to injuries.
Responsiveness
Runners responded positively to the level of responsiveness offered in these shoes. Runners reported that they felt connected to the road below them and due to the Ignite midsole, the shoe provided amazing feedback and energy return. This is one of the key reasons that runners love this shoe for cross training and class-style workouts because they can respond quickly and efficiently to changes in direction and speed.
Support
The key support element in this shoe can be found in the upper. The entire upper is designed with bootie-like fit and feel. This neoprene material wraps the foot in support without feeling too cumbersome or stifling because of its lightweight, breathable nature. There are no traditional laced, but in order to support the foot and help keep it in place, crisscross sculpting cables are found across the tops and side of the shoe. The Tsugi Blaze also features a woven heel counter for added support. This heel design helps keep the foot in place and eliminates painful friction that can be caused by an ill-fitted shoe.
Terrain
This shoe is designed for the urban runners and athletes. This shoe can handle pavement and it is great for the gym for cross training or treadmill running. Athletes commented that the shoe is great for a day where you will be on your feet for extended hours because of its lightweight nature and comfortable design. This is not a shoe that is designed for the trail or extreme off-road adventures because it lacks the traction and protection needed.
Price
This shoe is at the higher end of the pricing spectrum. It may not be the best option for the runner on a very tight budget. However, runners found this shoe to be a good value because it can double as a running and training shoe as well as a casual fashion shoe. Runners could spend twice as much if they purchased two separate shoes to do the job the Puma Tsugi Blaze. Runners also commented that the neoprene material used in the upper stays looking and feeling newer for longer.
Drop
This shoe comes with a lower heel drop. The feel of the shoe is natural and works with the natural gait cycle of the runner instead of fighting against it to improve the form. This shoe doesn’t offer thick cushioning or elements that impede the natural movement or development of the muscle in the foot and legs.
Stability
This is not a shoe that is designed for the runner who wants or needs added stability support for overpronation issues. The Ignite Midsole foam does conform to the shape of each individual’s foot, so it does provide a slight amount of a rch support, however, it is not designed for the unique needs of the over or under pronator.
Flexibility
The bootie-like fit of the upper makes this one of the most flexible shoes on the market today. The upper is made from neoprene material which is lightweight and provides a snug yet breathable fit for the runner. Athletes loved that this shoe doesn’t impede their movement in any way and helps to support the natural movement of the shoe. The Ignite midsole foam is also very flexible and moves easily with the gait cycle. The outsole is thinner than some others and is designed with comfort and flexibility in mind.
Traction
This shoe does not provide the higher level of traction that is needed for off-road adventures and trail runs. This is a shoe that is designed for lighter runs, cross-training, and casual everyday wear. The outsole is made of a durable rubber, but it lacks an aggressive lug system to help attach the ground below it.
Bottom Line
The Puma Tsugi Blaze is a lightweight shoe that is super stylish and comfortable. Runners love that it is double as a shoe for light-running and cross-training as well as a stylish daily wear shoe for the athlete who likes to easily transition for working out to going out. The upper of the shoe is lightweight and comfortable due to the no sew, bootie like fit and feel. The shoe is not for the runner who likes bright and wild colors and style as it employs more of a classic look. It comes in four classic color options, red, black, navy and white. The upper is constructed using a bootie design for maximum comfort and flexibility. The price is a slightly higher than some would like, but considering this shoe is an athletic should and a fashion shoe makes it worth the price.
