Details
Brand
Puma
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Responsive Voltage technology rubber pods on the outsole• Piston-like pods cushion footfall at the heel and provide grip at the forefoot• Thick EVA midsole provides balance and maximum comfort• Incredibly stylish trainer with a functional but eye-catching design• Seamless triple-layer mesh upper provides both breathability and support
Upper
The three-layer mesh that comprises the upper of the Puma Voltage provides excellent ventilation while also adding to the sleek stylishness of its overall design. With minimal overlays, the seamless upper is instead supported by the Puma Formstrip, keeping it lightweight and allowing for maximum breathability. With a lace -up enclosure that keeps the foot secure throughout a ride, the Voltage’s upper is also outfitted with extra padding at the ankle collar, along with a plush tongue to keep the foot comfy without losing ventilation.
Midsole
Since comfort is a priority in the Puma Voltage, the midsole is made from a considerably sized piece of EVA that gives the shoe a plush feel from first step-in. Designed to counter any potential “sinking” feeling the wearer may get from the large rubber pods that over the outsole, instead the EVA midsole will leave the runner feeling stable and comfortable throughout while wearing this trainer.
Outsole
The outsole is really the main selling point of the Puma Voltage: the Voltage technology represented in the piston-like pods that line the outsole was designed for maximum cushioning and responsiveness during a ride. For runners who have found the outsoles of many trainers to be too hard on their soles or found the cushioning during heel impact lacking in previous pairs, the Puma Voltage’s rubber pods are the answer they’ve been looking for. In addition, flex grooves are outfitted along the outsole to provide good flexibility for the wearer. Bouncy without being springy, and designed for runners with a natural pronation, the Puma Voltage’s outsole is for runners who need that extra support while on a ride.
Breathability
Thanks to the three-layer mesh upper, and with minimal overlays, the Puma Voltage provides excellent breathability. Without losing any style, this is a trainer that’s retained its looks by smartly stripping down the upper to be comprised of just its mesh and the Puma Formstrip on both sides, allowing for maximum ventilation and providing the runner a cool, dry ride every time.
Comfort
If comfort’s what you’re looking for in a running shoe, the Puma Voltage has got you covered. Its large EVA midsole provides an immediate step-in comfort while the piston-like rubber pods give a responsive cushion with every footfall. The upper has extra padding around the ankle collar while its plush tongue keeps the foot comfortably snug and in place after lace-up. So comfortable is the Puma Voltage that many who work on their feet all day (or night) have chosen it as their go-to shoe for long, active shifts.
Style
Although it may seem shallow, here’s where the Puma Voltage really shines: having been described as the “Rolls Royce” of running shoes, this trainer is certainly stylish. The eye-catching rubber pods that line the outsole provide a futuristic, hi-tech aesthetic to the Voltage, which may turn heads and have people asking just what those shoes you’re wearing are. The upper is similarly slick, featuring Puma’s well-known logo and overall pleasing design. Available in a cool Quarry/White/Atomic, bright Safety Yellow/Black, or sleek Atomic Blue/White color combinations, the Puma Voltage asks that if you can have either style or performance, why not both?
Durability
Of course, what’s the point of having both style and performance if the shoe’s not going to last for that long? Thankfully, Puma’s reputation as one of the top brands on the market almost guarantees that the Voltage is going to a durable shoe, and several reviewers have also noted its sturdiness. Its carbon rubber outsole and sturdy piston-like pods keep intact even after heavy use, while the synthetic three-layer mesh of the upper is similarly durable.
Protection
Not designed for rugged terrain or even particularly harsh conditions, the Puma Voltage is ideal for dry surfaces and fair weather, the mesh upper will provide nominal protection against rain and the occasional puddle, but overall these are designed for ideal conditions. That said, its carbon rubber outsole and pods will protect the foot well against the jostles and jolts that come from walking and running.
Responsiveness
While the large piston-like pods on its outsole may deter some runners from even looking at the Puma Voltage, their fears should be put to rest by knowing these do not take away from the shoe’s responsiveness. Quite the opposite: the rubber pods compress upon impact, with the larger pods on the heel taking the force of the landing, providing excellent cushioning and translating to excellent responsiveness to varying speeds and strides. Also, the EVA midsole was designed to lessen the potential “sinking” feeling a runner may have from the rubber pods, which balances the feel of the shoe so the runner never feels disconnected from the road during a ride.
Support
With a neutral arch support, the Puma Voltage provides nominal support to the foot. The rubber pods on the outsole also provide a great amount of comfort when walking or running, while the EVA midsole is similarly plush. Although the Voltage aims to provide great comfort to the mid-range runner, it is not a support shoe, instead designed with the runner with natural pronation in mind.
Terrain
The Puma Voltage is a comfortable trainer, and a responsive one, but it is not a particularly versatile trainer. Designed with roads and regular running surfaces (asphalt, pavement, tracks) in mind, the Voltage is made for solid performance and to provide excellent comfort to the runner that jogs around their neighborhood or trains down the sidewalk–which is just as a running shoe should. But taking it out on the trail or for a hike may not result in the desired experience a runner is looking for. As mentioned, this shoe has also found an audience with workers who are on their feet all day, in addition, some have reported enjoying it as an everyday shoe for around the house.
Price
Here’s where the Puma Voltage may lose some people: its price tag. While not an extremely expensive shoe, it is pricey enough that runners who are looking to invest in a trainer that will go the distance and make the long haul with them will not find what they’re looking for in this shoe. Alternately, some runners for whom this shoe is designed for–mainly those who run medium distances, for exercise, or to keep in training between heavier competitions–may also find some sticker shock waiting for them at pricing. However, the Voltage technology that comprises the dynamic outsole and the high level of comfort and style that come with this trainer makes it an appealing pick for those that don’t mind paying a little extra for these amenities. It hasn’t been referred to as the “Rolls Royce” of running shoes for nothing, after all.
Drop
The Voltage has a 12mm heel-to-toe drop, which is just slightly higher than the standard running shoe. For the heel-first runner–for which the Voltage has excellent cushioning–they may enjoy this slightly higher drop. Although the fad for zero drop trainers has left many companies scrambling to shave off millimeters to appeal to this trend, the Voltage’s 12mm drop keeps with its philosophy that more is more, and more is better.
Stability
A neutral running shoe, the Voltage is meant for the neutral runner. As such, it is not specifically a stability shoe. However, the large rubber pods on the bottom may make some prospective runners nervous about feeling balanced while wearing them. But the pods are there for cushioning and support, not to keep the runner off-balance, while the EVA midsole is designed to counter any potential “sinking” that may be experienced when wearing a pair.
Flexibility
For such a thick outsole, one would expect the Puma Voltage to be a stiff, if not cumbersome, trainer. However, thanks to the flex grooves that line the outsole, it remains as flexible running shoe as any for its weight, while the triple-layer mesh of the upper allows for the Voltage to fit the foot firmly after lace-up.
Traction
Although the rubber pods on the outsole provide excellent responsiveness and great comfort, there have been some complaints that the Puma Voltage’s traction isn’t where it should be. However, this shoe is for easy runs at mid-ranges and wasn’t necessarily designed with speed in mind, but rather comfort. It’s not looking to break records but to make sure the ride is as plush as possible for its wearer.
Bottom Line
For the mid-range runner looking for a comfortable ride as they get their daily run in, the Puma Voltage is an attractive trainer. With its Voltage technology of piston-like rubber pods that cover the outsole providing a springy, comfortable ride with every footfall, this shoe is made to provide maximum comfort for its wearer. While its price may be more than some runners are willing to pay, particularly for a shoe designed more for comfort and mid-range runs rather than competition, the “bells and whistles” attached to it account for its relatively higher price tag. But for a very stylish trainer that provides a great amount of comfort and maintain its integrity even after considerable wear and tear, the Puma Voltage will put a spring in your step and keep you running without complaint.
