Feel like a track king even if you're just out for a stroll

This Bolt edition has gold accents on the tongue and heel counter - and the sprinter's signature.
This Bolt edition has gold accents on the tongue and heel counter - and the sprinter's signature. ST PHOTO: TREVOR TAN

The new Ignite Dual is the latest pair of running shoes from the Puma stable to use the German sportswear giant's proprietary Ignite foam midsole, touted for its energy return properties.

Targeted at the average runner, who is typically a heel striker, its outsole is designed to complement the gait of a heel striking runner.

A guidance groove runs from the heel to forefoot area, to better transfer the runner's weight from heel- strike to toe-off. Deep forefoot flex grooves aid movement, while the use of carbon rubber increases durability.

The Ignite Dual ($159) comes in two colour options: red/blue and red/black. I reviewed the Usain Bolt special edition ($179), which is dressed in a blend of gold and black.

This Bolt edition has a reflective gold surface on the toe-box area, and gold accents on the tongue and heel counter. There is also the Jamaican sprinter's signature near the little toe area.

The Bolt edition looks good and easily doubles as a pair of lifestyle sneakers, although the gold is too flashy for me.

  • TECH SPECS

    PRICE: $179

    MATERIAL: Puma's Ignite midsole with two-tone flexible mesh upper and rubber outsole

    WEIGHT: 280g (Men's Size US 9)

    RATING

    DESIGN: 4/5

    PERFORMANCE: 4/5

    VALUE FOR MONEY: 4/5

    OVERALL: 4/5

The "golden" toe-box poses another issue. It is not made of the same breathable mesh of the other parts of the shoe. And my feet did feel a tad warm, even when I was just walking around catching Pokemon.

Other than the slight heat issues, the Bolt edition is really comfortable. The shoes fit my feet snugly with enough room for my toes to wiggle, and support my ankles well.

There was no need for breaking in, as they felt totally comfortable even when I ran 5km in them for the first time. The shoes felt comfortable throughout the review, except for the occasional hot spots.

Trevor Tan

•Verdict: If not for the occasional hot spots, the Puma Ignite Dual Usain Bolt edition is almost the perfect pair of sneakers for your training and leisure use.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 28, 2016, with the headline Feel like a track king even if you're just out for a stroll. Subscribe