Review: Usain Bolt’s PUMA evoSpeed Runner

Part of the new multi-sport PUMA evoSPEED range, the evoSPEED Runner is London 2012 Olympics 100m and 200m gold medalist Usain Bolt’s signature show. It is now available at World Soccer Shop and soccer.com.

Here is a world exclusive up-close look at what is surely to be one of the most sought after trainers of the Fall of 2012 courtesy of the staff at Football Fashion. We’ll start with the specifications of the shoe from PUMA followed by our tester’s thoughts on the shoe.

Sure, this running shoe offers superior cushioning and all-over foot support. But don’t let its shock-absorbing midsole made of an innovative foam/rubber combination and abrasion-resistant outsole for enhanced stability fool you. This sneak is all about looking good on and off the track.

Features:

• Premium mesh upper for keeping things light and ultra breathable
• OrthoLite® sockliner for superior fit and moisture/odor control
• Lightweight midsole for maximum cushioning and response
• Rubber outsole with EverTrack component for additional cushioning and abrasion resistance

Looks
The look is flashy without being tacky. Something that gets attention without screaming for it! The color combination is awesome (who doesn’t like red, white, and blue!). I love the design as I got compliments but didn’t feel that my shoes entered the track before I did! I will say the designers did a great job at the graphics as the shoe just looks like it could win races!

Fit
You see, on a regular basis I wear a neutral trainer, so you could only imagine how much I appreciated the weight of these shoes! Immediately after I picked them up, I knew there was only one place these shoes needed to be, ON MY FEET! Mind you, I have high arches and my feet are a little wide (but not wide enough to warrant purchasing a specialty wide shoe), think more like Fred Flintstone feet (yes, I have been called that). Anyway, now that you have an idea what my feet are like, you have to understand my delight when I put them on.

You see, the PUMA evoSpeed Runner has an OrthoLite sockliner which provides a great fit and maximum comfort. Seriously, it does! You don’t have to worry about going a size up or down due to your width.

This made me so happy as often I buy my shoes online and hold my breath hoping that they fit my feet in the width. The top is a mesh upper which makes the shoe breathable! I live in the deep South and have to run in extreme heat and this is one feature that is a must have for my runs! The rubber midsole and high abrasion rubber outsole offer durability and cushion without weighing down the shoe.

Ride
The PUMA evoSPEED Runner is definitely a top rated performance shoe for the athlete looking to improve their time without compromising comfort and cushion. I was extremely impressed with the comfort I had with each and every stride. Often times with performance shoes, the comfort is compromised for the weight of the shoe.

I usually shy away from performance shoes due to my high arches as I don’t want to risk injury by not having the support and cushion, instead I will deal with the bulk and weight of stability trainers. Luckily I have found this shoe!I felt no discomfort in my arches thorughout my run. Once you race in these shoes, you will have an extremely difficult time trying to find any shoe on the market to even come close to the comfort and design!

Durability
The PUMA evoSPEED Runner is designed to take a beating on the pavement! One thing I like about them is that they don’t have a gel insert or some air pocket providing the comfort (yes, I have been known to blow them out).

The rubber midsold and high abbrasion rubber outsold provides the comfort and long-lasting durability. The sockliner provides the great fit and comfort allowing the shoe to hug your foot; therefore no pinky toe pushing through the sides which happens on other shoes without such a great fit! I know this will be my “go to” shoe when I reach for my performance trainer.

Final Thoughts
Well done PUMA! Your designers did a great job at creating not only a great looking shoe in the PUMA evoSPEED Runner, but a shoe worthy of having the world’s fast man’s name attached to it! The design from looks to ride, to fit, to durability exceeded my expectations. Any person out there looking for a quality performance shoe, look no further. One of the best running shoes on the market has arrived and it is called the Puma evoSPEED Runner! I believe your design team deserves the Gold medal for this product!