Best Puma Running Shoes

Running has been a great source of stress relief in 2020.

With the coronavirus pandemic forcing gyms to shut across the world, people have turned to running as a form of exercise.

Over 45,000 people took part in the 40th London Marathon remotely across parks and roads in the UK.

Having a comfortable pair of shoes is a big part of a positive running experience.

Puma have a variety of running shoes on offer, designed for comfort and built for speed to help you set a new personal best.

In this article, we’ll take a look at three Puma running shoes that are available to runners irrespective of your experience.

Things We Looked Out For

• Grip
• Cushioning
• Feel
• Ride

Calibrate Trainers

Puma Calibrate (Photo: Puma)

Puma’s website explains that the Calibrate Runner features XETIC, which is the latest innovative midsole technology from the sportswear company. They write online that this XETIC technology responds uniquely to the specifics of your individual step.

Fit:

These shoes have a snug fit. I like running shoes that feel secure without being overly tight. The Calibrate Runner has an engineered knit vamp. This provides a sock-like feel when you slip the shoes on. While it might seem lightweight, I still felt my ankle and calves had sufficient support.

Feel:

The word that springs to mind with these Calibrate Trainers is comfort. All the material used in the design of these Puma shoes is lightweight. So my feet felt secure but comfortable. They’ve got a woven sheer overlay at the lateral side for strong support. The midsole has a responsive structure so the impact of your landing is cushioned, while providing a springboard for your next stride.

Ride:

The Puma Calibrate Trainers allow for sleek, smooth ride. The midsole technology protects your landing while giving you the necessary kick for your next step. They’re extremely comfortable and feel lightweight so you won’t have that lumbering feeling you might associate with some more cumbersome running shoes on the market.

Price:

Puma’s Calibrate Trainers are priced at £120 on their website.

Verdict:

Initially, I was suspicious that these running shoes wouldn’t be a good match for me. I was concerned about the size of the sole. My first run wearing these shoes required some patience as I transitioned to the XETIC technology within the shoe. I did feel a little unsteady given the size of the heel.

However, I’ve been running regularly with Puma Calibrate Trainers for a month and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I feel comfortable wearing the shoes, while the technology has definitely helped me to shave minutes of my personal bests.

I like that the heel support is lightweight but strong, the shoes have a thick sole that provide some cushion to lessen the impact on my joints, while the ground contact outsole rubber offers good traction and durability running on the wet country roads in my neighbourhood.

Where To Buy: puma.com

UltraRide Men’s Running Shoes

Puma Ultraride (Photo: Puma)

The UltraRide is a lightweight men’s running shoe. These shoes are versatile because they can excel on a running track or cross country setting. Puma write on their website that the UltraRide have been designed to provide a light and airy feel.

Fit:

The UltraRide are a very comfortable fit. You’ve got a low boot with a midsole plate with dynamic bridge design. As someone who suffers with bad ankles, I felt a lot of support from the UltraRide’s heel.

Feel:

Puma wanted to create an airy and light feel with these shoes – and I feel like they’ve delivered. Of the three shoes that I reviewed for this article, I felt the UltraRide were the safe option. I knew what to expect with a feel that was comfortable. The textile upper allows the foot to flex during take-off and landing, so you’ve got a feeling of flexibility and security.

Ride:

Puma use technology called PROPLATE – their website explains that this engineered propulsion is designed to provide a reflex toe-off and propel runners fast through every stride. I did feel like these shoes helped me to maintain forward momentum. Puma use a ProFoam Lite to provide cushioning. This helps to reduce the impact on your joints.

Price:

Puma’s UltraRide running shoes are available on their website at £85.

Verdict:

If you’re unsure whether you can adjust to sleek Calibrate Trainers, these shoes represent a safe choice. I found the shoes to be an easy ride with a feel that is consistent with other running shoes I’ve previously worn. The design is more conservative compared to the other two shoes that I’ve reviewed in this article. If being inconspicuous is important to you, the UltraRide could be perfect for you.

Where To Buy: puma.com

PUMA x FIRST MILE

Puma First Mile (Photo: Puma)

PUMA x FIRST MILE is a versatile training shoe that can be used for running or workouts at the gym. It still has some unique technology within the shoe despite being a training shoe rather than running shoe.

Fit:

This shoe has a loose, snug fit. For people who don’t want their feet to fill suffocated by the shoe, Puma x First Mile could be for you. Compared to the other two Puma running shoes in this article, the heel is closer to the ground. This provides an even lower centre of gravity – perfect if you incorporate breaks in your runs for a little HIIT session. They’ve got camo coloring although Puma write on their website that there is a sense of irony to this description.

Feel:

The word that springs to mind with the Puma x First Mile shoes is stability. They’ve got Liquid CELL Technology to provide stable cushioning. Puma’s website explains that these shoes have been engineered for stable cushioning to get through the toughest of workouts or training sessions.

Ride:

While I liked these shoes for my indoor workouts, they wouldn’t be my preferred choice for running. In comparison to the other two Puma running shoes that I’ve reviewed in this article, Puma x First Mile don’t have the same feeling of comfort or cushioned ride. While they wouldn’t be my number one choice for running, Puma x First Mile make great shoes for a HIIT session or workout on a cardio machine.

Price:

Puma x First Mile are available on Puma’s website at £59.45.

Verdict:

Puma x First Mile look modern and stylish, I don’t feel like they’re the best running shoes on offer. Puma have superior options for avid runners like me on their website that would be better suited for clocking up the miles. Having said that, Puma x First Mile are a good choice if you’re looking for a shoe that is versatile enough to be used for running and indoor workouts.

Where To Buy: puma.com

Wrapping Up – Our Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to try something a little different and knock seconds or minutes off your personal bests, you may want to consider the Calibrate Trainers.

While I took a few days to adjust to the feel of these striking running shoes, I found these shoes to be comfortable, efficient and supportive. Having tried these shoes, I’d be reluctant to go back.

The UltraRide are safe pick if you’re looking for a pair of running shoes that you can enjoy on a steady run. They do feel light and airy, while their design is unassuming in comparison to the other two running shoes featured in this article.

Puma x First Mile look edgy but I didn’t find these shoes to be the best choice for running. Having said that, if you prefer to do HIIT workouts with a run a few times a month, you may prefer the versatility of these camo-colored training shoes.