PUMA originates from Southern Germany , where the company was founded in 1948 by Rudolf Dassler when he parted ways with his brother Adolf , who went on to establish the rival adidas company in the same town , Herzogenaurach . Rudolf originally called his company Ruda , but later changed it to PUMA . Today , PUMA products are sold in more than 120 countries , covering most sporting disciplines , and the company ’ s PUMA logo and distinctive ‘ Formstrip ,’ introduced in 1958 , are recognised all over the world .
In terms of running shoes , the company is best known for producing lighter , faster shoes that are considered better suited to shorter distances , and they are even named accordingly , with the current Speed range have taken over from the Faas range ( named in honour of PUMA ’ s premier brand ambassador , Usain Bolt ). IGNITE and NETFIT are just two of the company ’ s current innovative technologies in its shoe designs .
Who Stocks them : You ’ ll find PUMA products in most of the leading sports retailers in South Africa , including Sportsmans Warehouse , Totalsports , The Sweat Shop , and various independent retailers , plus you can purchase PUMA products at PUMA Concepts stores .
Web : https :// global . puma . com / en _ ZA / home /
Outsole
EverTrack is an injected blown rubber compound that provides durability in highwear areas , but is still designed to be light and cushioned to enhance the ride . Lighter shoes use SPEEDTRACTION , a lighter but still durable version of EverTrack .
Decoupled Heel
Separating the heel from the rest of the midsole with a flex groove ( decoupling ) slows down the rate of pronation of the foot , providing a more gradual transition from heel-strike to midfoot stance and then toe-off .
Upper
PUMA ’ s evoKNIT mesh provides a smooth , light , sock-like fit that can adapt to the shape of each foot .
The Tech
The key technology you ’ ll find in PUMA ’ s shoes .
Flex Zones
PUMA has a solid track record in producing lighter , faster running shoes , and they traditionally have very effective flex zones in the forefoot .
Forefoot
A new development is PUMA ’ s Propulsion Zone , an outsole band of foam rubber suspended over the forefoot flex grooves to provide a reflex energy return as the shoe flexes , thus making the foot spring off the ground .
Propulsion Zone + takes it still further , with a nylon plate-like insert that gives even more responsiveness .
Heel Counter
A standard feature of most running shoes , the external heel counter , or cup , makes sure the heel is snugly gripped by the shoe .
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Lacing System
A recent addition to the PUMA designs is NETFIT , a wide mesh placed over the evoKNIT upper in the area of the lacing and stretching back towards the heel , which allows you to customise the lacing to suit your individual feet , or biomechanical needs . Different lacing options can thus help with fit , or even to slow the rate of pronation , and PUMA supplies two sets of laces with different lengths to allow you to experiment .
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Formstrip
PUMA ’ s unique stripe , often made from molded materials to add strength and shape to the upper .
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Midsole
PUMA ’ s proprietary IGNITE midsole foam rubber provides propulsion and energy return as well as great cushioning and comfort , and is often used in partnership with either a PU ( polyurethane ) or EVA ( Ethylene Vinyl Acetate ) midsole rubber in premier Speed range shoes .
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Footbed
Extra cushioning is provided by the removable EVA sockliner ( inner sole ), and that is further complimented by an EVA footbed underneath the sockliner .
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42 ISSUE 103 FEBRUARY 2018 / www . modernathlete . co . za