Review: PUMA BioWeb Elite Trainers

As we continue our look at some the latest training footwear for the Spring of 2013, our attention turns to the newly released PUMA BioWeb Elite running shoe (available soon at World Soccer Shop, soccer.com and Kitbag).

Over the past couple of weeks, one of our Football Fashion team members has been maintaining his soccer match fitness by wearing these beauties on his training runs and during his weightlifting regime at the gym. This is our world exclusive review of the PUMA BioWeb Elite.

Technology

Inspired by nature, spiders and spider webs, BioWeb is a design and tech fans dream. BioWeb Elite’s overall design plays with negative space, carving into the outsole tread and minimizing materials to reduce weight, but it also features a unique element called the “Webcage.”

This is an engineered piece of technology that wraps around the foot in order to keep it supported during intense workouts. This is a trainer perfect for those workout enthusiasts who want to feel and look their best.

Outsole: Rubber outsole with flex grooves for enhanced flexibility and a smooth, efficient stride.

Midsole: Webtech – IMEVA, Flexible TPU heel wrap, provides impact protection and structured cushioning.

Upper: Webcage – Breathable mesh, injected PU overlays for flexibility and support in an extremely lightweight package.

Design

The pictures do not lie. The innovative design of the PUMA BioWeb stands out even in today’s world of extra colorful running shoes. Even if it came in a blackout edition, the BioWeb would look great and have you receiving the compliments that I did upon wearing them such as “Nice kicks!” and “Where can I get those?”

The shoe’s designers came up with a look that is clearly based on biology. Its web is reminiscent of a series of cells while its heel counter and sole look like muscle tissue. The latter are highlighted via the use of contrasting colors from the rest of the shoe to make them really stand out. Finally, the PUMA Formstripe appears on the BioWeb’s in a metallic finish. I love the sci-fi, cyborg effect this created.

It won’t surprise me if the PUMA BioWeb wins awards later on this year for its groundbreaking design!

Fit

The PUMA BioWeb fits true to size. My size 10 pair of them fit as I would expect a typical pair of size 10 running shoes to. However, I will note that the fit is roomy and not as snug as some of the foot-hugging shoes on the market such as the PUMA Mobium and adidas Energy Boost that we recently looked at. That said, if you want more of a glove-like, barefoot runner feel then I recommend going half a size down. The BioWeb has a little room for growth (such as when our feet change shape during impact with the ground) and will accommodate you.

On the Run

I got my feet attuned to the PUMA BioWeb by walking around in them for about three days before wearing them for running. My first run was a quick 5 K. Since then I’ve logged over 15 miles in the BioWeb on asphalt, a rubberized track, treadmills and some concrete sidewalks (which I prefer to avoid). Here’s what I found:

• Breaking-in: The PUMA BioWeb’s sole is a bit stiffer than some of the other shoes that I’ve worn lately. Therefore, an extended break-in period is needed to get used to the feel of them. After this stint in the BioWeb’s I was used to them and had no discomfort in running with them.
• Cushioning: On a scale of one to ten, I’d gauge the cushioning of the PUMA BioWeb as a nine. The shoe offers an incredible level of support from the heel to the front of the foot that I thoroughly enjoyed on each stride. While the cushioning at the heel is greatest, there is also heavy cushioning for the mid- and fore- foot areas. You feel likes the shoe has a pivot in its sole guiding you along at times. Finally, this is the first running shoe in which I can feel a great deal of support for the inner ball of the foot.

• Stability – The PUMA BioWeb’s heel counter not only looks great, it is very functional and provides a great deal of stability on each stride. If you hit an uneven surface or your feet pronate or supinate too much, this will help keep them in line.
• Slippage – The BioWeb fit me snugly enough for me not to experience any slippage while running in them. There was no unwanted rubbing from these shoes and I had no occurrences of blisters or red spots on the upper foot while using them.
• Ventilation  – The mesh upper of the PUMA BioWeb provides good ventilation in warmer temperatures. While wearing them on a couple of indoor five mile treadmill runs my feet remained comfortable and never felt hot.
• Gym – I’ve also worn the PUMA BioWeb at the gym for weightlifting workouts. What I found is that they work well as cross trainers as well during upper and lower body workouts. The stability that they provide definitely helped with my form on exercises such as deadlifts and upright rows.

Durability

Fifteen miles of running later, the PUMA BioWeb look much like they did out of the box. They’ve picked up some dirt along the way because of my abuse but still have that new shoe appearance and feel. They are clearly solidly built and I expect them to last for at least another two hundred miles before retirement.

Value

The PUMA BioWeb has a non-discounted price of $100. This is average for a good running shoe by today’s standards. I would pay that price for this shoe just because of its looks. Throw in all of the technology in the shoe that gives a fantastic ride and $100 for the BioWeb becomes a steal.

Thanks to Michelle!