Puma Ignite

The Puma Ignite was launched about a month ago, and this model is designed with the IGNITE foam; ie. the sole which is made from a new polyurethane material that is meant to provide responsive cushioning, maximizes energy return and to deliver superb durability.



After having run in them for about a month now, here is what I found out about these shoes.

My first impression is that Puma Ignite is a very responsive running shoe. Similar to the Boost concept from Adidas, the IGNITE foam gives good rebound on every stride made.  I also think due to similar reason, these shoes weight slightly heavier for its look.

According to the technical literature, the sole of these shoes also incorporate the 'ForEverFoam’, which is the material used at the heel of the shoe and it is designed in such that it will disperse the impact when your foot touches the ground.



The shoes are said to have durability built in, but I can't share about this feature until I clock more miles in them.  However, I do find that they absorb the impacts very well from continuous poundings I made throughout my run in them.



The Puma Ignite is also a very comfortable trainer.  Besides excellent cushioning, the shoes delivers good ventilation points through the perforated mesh used across the uppers of the shoe allows longer training sessions.

The fitting is superb, for it is not too narrow nor too wide.  The heel counter of the shoe is very well made, provide excellent hugging fit on the rear of the feet while the toe box is quite roomy.



The reflective strip at the back of the shoe keeps you visible when you run in the dark, and this feature work very well for me during the recent stormy weather in the evening.



Visually, these shoes looks awesome, and they come in youthful and vibrant color scheme both him and her.

Overall I think these shoes will make excellent neutral trainers for the longer runs, and may even fit in as a pair of speedy racers for the heavier runners.

And I saw it in the Puma Stores recently that  there are plenty of colors to choose from.

Adidas Energy Boost 2 : A review

I always wanted to try the Boost series from Adidas ever since it was launched, and I finally get to try on the Adidas Energy Boost 2.

When I was in Hong Kong recently, I have noticed that Adidas has already fast replacing most of the models that are made from traditional EVA based midsole materials, and the newer models are constructed with the 'boost' material, also known as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material found in the dashboards of BMW automobiles.  

This material looks like the foam used for the packaging, but the feel is totally different.  In fact they feel very springy and bouncy and I suppose that is the basis of greater energy return in the shoe design concept. And that is a bit of the technical background about the TPU material used in the all the Boost models.

Overall Structure: the shoe is built with a solid plastic like frame structure that wraps around the feet from the heel cup to the of the middle of the feet. In the middle the 3 stripes logo is also part of the cage like structure, offering a real snug fit that feels like an easily adjustable shoe lace.

The upper is also different from those traditional Adidas models; they are made of a stretchy mesh that feels like a pair of thick socks, but it is much thicker and is reinforced with a printed thin black structure that says Techfit.  The feeling is as though the shoes wrap around the feet like a pair of socks.

I found the upper to be exceptionally comfortable, but from the look of the mesh, I suspect that it will retain water which makes it not a very good shoe for the runners whom sweat a lot especially during a very long race such as marathon.  I will need to run in them during rainy days to confirm this.

For me, since this is the first pair of Boost I have ever tried on, my focus is always about the midsole of the shoe every time I wear them.

Overall, the foam is much softer than  the typical materials that are used in the midsole of most running shoes, and they gives the firm bouncy response every you feet land. The shoes are pretty good in terms of stability despite the heavy cushioning.

The Energy Boost 2 is a trainer, so it is slightly heavier due to the more TPU material packed in the midsole, but there are other lightweight models such as the Boston Boost etc.

The cushioning of these shoes are fantastic, and screams cushioning at the heels, so if you are a heel striker and you like good cushioning at the heels, these shoes are made for you.The forefoot area has less cushioning and that provides a firmer and more responsive feel during lift off.

Finally, in terms of the higher and heavier profile, thicker cushioning, I must say that the Adidas Energy Boost 2 will make a good training partner for the heavier runners whom prefer plenty of cushioning. For the rest, the shoes promise durability and much more comfortable ride for the longer runs.