Ignite your training with Puma

One shoe for all your workout needs — take it from gym to pavement

It’s not often that I find myself in a gym at 4pm on a work day but I did just that at the launch of Puma’s all-new Ignite XT training footwear.

There, clad in a pair of black Ignite XT running shoes, I took part in an hour of cross-fit, courtesy of the System Gym.

From gym gear to street wear

Call me vain, but I was delighted that my Ignite XT in Black Periscope matched my navy dri-fit T-shirt and black shorts.

With the sleek silver trademark Puma stripe sweeping across one side of the shoe, and a leaping puma mascot on the other, these shoes could easily pass off for street wear.

Available in four colours, two of which are already available in local Puma stores, the shoes we especially liked were
the Cloisonné-Poseidon-Sulphur Spring, donned by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt in his Puma campaign.

Perfect partner in cross-training

Throughout my hour-long high-intensity workout, I experienced first-hand the virtues of the Ignite XT. With additional heel thickness on the media and lateral sides, I found that my side-to-side movements were nicely supported, especially when I had to diagonally swing a 5kg weight.

My feet also didn’t feel restricted by the shoes even as I performed various side and forward lunges, thanks to the full-length Flex Groove, which enabled fast and dynamic multi-directional movement.

One shoe, various workouts

As someone who dabbles in a variety of workouts, be it running, yoga, or spin classes, I found that the Ignite XT made a great all-rounded training shoe.

Puma’s signature Ignite foam also offers high-rebound cushioning, which is suitable for both high-intensity workouts as well as track running.

Seeing how my current shoes have already suffered the brunt of my nightly jogs, resulting in uneven sole wear-outs, I’m curious to see if Ignite’s EverTrack high-abrasion resistant rubber outsoles offer as much durability in high-wear areas as it claims. Time will tell.

The Ignite XT retails for $149 and is available at Puma outlets.

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Asics Gel-Quantum 360

Asics’ new running shoe ($279) has maximum shock absorption and its reinforced stretch mesh aims to offer extreme comfort and a custom, glove-like fit.

Available at select specialty and sporting goods stores

New Balance Vazee Pace

This lightweight running shoe ($179) is engineered for faster running and aims to deliver a responsive ride for long runs.

Available at New Balance stores

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By Samantha Francis