TRIED & TESTED
NEXT LEVEL LACING
When I saw the PR release about the PUMA Speed IGNITE NETFIT , saying PUMA has reinvented lacing with this design , my first thought was OK , let ’ s see what the latest gimmick is trying to replace good old laces , but this one really does look like it will stick around . – BY SEAN FALCONER
In the 20-plus years that I have been running , I ’ ve seen a number of so-called revolutionary new lacing systems come , and I ’ ve seen most of them go again nearly as quickly , but good old laces are still found on most running shoes . It seems runners like the tried and tested . However , even my somewhat jaded eyes – about lacing , at least – have been opened by PUMA ’ s new NETFIT technology , released a few months ago in the Speed IGNITE NETFIT model .
PUMA hits the mark when they describe it as “ One shoe , infinite customisable fits ,” because this lacing system allows you to try what must be hundreds of different setups and combinations of lacing , to fit any foot ! They even give you a handy starting point on the underside of the shoe box lid , with diagrams of five lacing options to start with , namely standard , stability , wide foot , narrow foot and heel support . And a second pair of longer laces , should your lacing set-up need more length .
Basically , the shoe upper features a full-length evoKNIT compression sleeve bootie that hugs the foot for a really smooth , comfortable fit , and then overlaid on that is the NETFIT system . It looks like a net , hence the name , and this is where the lacing fun begins , because each hole in the net is a potential eyelet for a lace to go through . It ’ s made from a high-grade nylon material that I have found to be very durable in my wear-testing thus far , with no signs of fraying or tearing .
PUTTING IT TO THE TEST
Now , I have a neutral foot , and have always used the standard cross-over lacing system in standard eyelets for more than 20 years of running , but I was intrigued by the options on the box diagram , so I sat down to play with my laces . First I copied the wide foot option , because I have ever so slightly wider feet , hence I have always worn a half-size shoe for extra width . My one foot is ever so slightly bigger than the other , too ( which is quite normal , I hasten to add ). I could immediately feel the difference when I took the shoes for a loop around the block . Out of interest , I then tried the narrow foot system . I could feel the tighter fit across my foot … and my feet hated it . So it works .
The stability option also looked intriguing , with the lacing on the medial ( inner ) side going much further down towards the midsole , so I gave that a try . Now my feet do not overpronate , so I am obviously not going to feel the full effect of this lacing option , but I could nevertheless perceive the extra support in that area thanks to the tighter fit on that side . I also tried the heel support option , but went further than just the suggested double-loop on the top eyelet shown in the box diagram – I actually threaded the laces further back towards the ankle to see how it would feel , and it definitely grips the ankle tighter . Also , keep in mind that the heel cup is connected to the NETFIT , so the heel fit can really be made snug .
I ’ M A FAN OF THIS SHOE
With all the focus on the upper , it is easy to forget about the actual ride of the shoe . The IGNITE PU foam midsole offers great cushioning to combat the impact of the foot-strike , but this model actually offers better bounce back than some previous PUMA models , because they ’ ve reduced the volume of Ignite . Perhaps it ’ s the lower overall ride and 6mm heel to forefoot drop that makes the shoe feel faster , because it promotes midfoot / forefoot running , but I actually find this shoe ‘ faster ’ than other Puma models I have tested .
My last word is that while other shoe companies have models with variable lacing systems , this design takes things to a new level , and as one of my running friends said , “ If you can ’ t get the right fit in this shoe , you ’ re just not trying !”
GET THEM HERE : The PUMA Ignite NETFIT is available in men ’ s and women ’ s versions at PUMA stockists nationwide , at a recommended price point of R2799 ( men ’ s ) and R2599 ( women ’ s ). Note that prices may vary from one stockist to another .
Images : Courtesy PUMA
36 ISSUE 100 NOVEMBER 2017 / www . modernathlete . co . za