Puma Ignite evoKnit Fully Reviewed

Editor rating: 9.0 / 10

User's rating: based on 5 user ratings

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By Mike Gray

All Puma Shoes

Puma Ignite evoKnit Fully Reviewed Review Facts

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Puma is known for its excellent quality and stylish running shoes, and with their Puma Ignite evoKnit, this brand’s reputation for style continues. A unique high-top with an upper design featuring a sock-like fit that reaches up to the ankle, the evoKnit wraps the shoe comfortably for a shoe that mixes casual fashion with the sports capability.

With comfortable breathability and a responsive cushioning, the Ignite evoKnit offers a midsole with great flexibility. The signature Puma logo is displayed prominently on the tongue with a traditional lace closure, this high top covers the whole foot from toe to ankle, with an ankle strap that secures the foot firmly into the shoe.

The dynamic knit upper wraps comfortably around the foot while the midsole provides a good amount of cushioning. The entire upper is made of Puma’s proprietary EvoKNIT material, which provides great ventilation while also being comfortable. The evoKnit’s outsole is flexible, with deep flex grooves placed throughout. This helps balance out a thick midsole foam, which may feel a little stiff, by having a flexible outsole.

This throwback high top is reminiscent of a style of sneaker that once dominated the world of trainers. While Converse and Reebok have turned away from this sort of style, Puma, always a leader in fashion in the sports shoe world, is reintroducing this style in the Ignite evoKnit. With a fresh, kinetic aesthetic and eye-catching design, the evoKnit will find fans in retro gear enthusiasts.

More of a casual everyday shoe than a running shoe, the evoKnit is more than capable of functioning as a great workout or activity sneaker. With a slightly higher than average price, the Ignite evoKnit is still not extravagantly expensive, and those who demand a little style with their active wear will appreciate the extra bit of flair that has been added to this line.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

Great style and several color combinations available
Great for both casual and workout activities
Surprising amount of traction
Durable and flexible outsole

Cons

Some have found the width options lacking
Slightly pricier than comparable shoes

See How

What are buyers saying?

We have spent 5 hours analyzing a total of 750 reviews.

These reviews are then categoried into "Positive" and "Negative" feedback.

Below you will read a summary of them:

Positive

I am in love. These surprised me in comfort and they are a multi purpose shoe for me: walking running, everyday stuff. I will be bringing them with me on vacation for all the walking I will be doing. They fit snug, so make sure you like that type of fit.
I spend my day on m I spend my day on my feet and I like a supportive and stylish shoe. This shoe had no break in time and was very comfortable from first step. I love the cushioning, the support and the fact that they are very light weight. The upper area is a woven type material that feel like a sock, which cradles the foot--I found no need for socks.y feet and I like a supportive and stylish shoe. This shoe had no break in time and was very comfortable from first step. I love the cushioning, the support and the fact that they are very light weight. The upper area is a woven type material that feel like a sock, which cradles the foot--I found no need for socks.
I love this shoe. Unfortunately, it had to be returned because I have a obese foot -- too tight. If they could make these wider, I would buy all the colors. Treadmill worthy soles and great quality material. There is a strap that wraps around that I love and they have a hard shell support on the heel.
These are lightweight and I can move gracefully. Compression socks added with these sneakers are a game changer.The heel pain I normally get with every lateral movement wasn’t even noticed when making quick switches. The pain in my knees has reduced from bouncing around alot when MMA training. I’d like to see how they held up for a run but not in the rain because the material would absorb quickly. The shoe runs true to size.
These are the most comfortable training and everyday-wear shoes I have ever bought; these worked great for me. I have flat feet and suffer from arthritis in my knees. These prove stability, comfort and style can be combined into one great shoe. I highly recommend the Puma EvoKnit.
I deadlift and I use these for ankle support and for basketball practice. They are extremely comfortable but not made well for use on concrete.
A great sneaker and snug. Better to use them without socks or thin socks.
These shoes are very underrated. I have a wide foot and these fit a little tight around my arch but loosened up after 3 or 4 times wearing them. There is plenty of space for my toes. My foot sits comfortably in the rest of the sneaker.
The sole of the Ignite is extremely comfortable. The mesh upper area is supportive and snug. It is light and feels like a sock.
I didn't know if I should order these because of the size reviews but I found them surprisingly comfortable and they fit perfect. I highly recommend these sneakers.
After a month and a half of wearing these, I have to say, they are the most supportive and comfortable shoes I have ever worn. As a personal trainer, I am on my feet all day. These sneakers offer superior support in my heel area . I want to buy another pair to alternate so I can extend the wear.
I think these shoes are really cute and very light. The color was a little more dull than the photo but they fit incredibly comfortable. The insole is removable, which makes it easy to switch to a different insole if needed. Pumas usually are true to fit and these are no exception.
I purchased these based off of the many positive reviews.They are a little snug but they look great and the soles are soft and cozy.
I fell in love with these because they support my high arches and they look great. These sneakers force your stride to the inner side of the foot, which forces the arch to work properly.
I fell in love with these because they support my high arches and they look great. These sneakers force your stride to the inner side of the foot, which forces the arch to work properly.
These fit me like a dream; very snug but looser around the heel and ankle area, which is fine with me.
My number one favorite sneaker. Fits like a sock and is overly comfortable, if that is possible. They look fantastic and I just love this shoe.
Very, very impressed with this shoe. Very durable and works well as an everyday shoe.
Looks good, feels great and I highly recommend them. When I bought these, I went a half size down based off reviews and they fit great.
I had to buy this shoe a half a size bigger. It fits wonderful everywhere except for the top of the laces. Everything else is comfortable and snug and has tons of support.
These are the most comfortable shoes I use to run in. Just wearing them makes you want to go for a run and that’s how I knew they were a great shoe. It was virtually effortless to walk or run in. The sole is like a cloud and I recommend them for anyone.
I love training in these and they fit perfect! I want to buy them all.
By far the best work out and training shoe I have ever bought. Everything works great and fits like a sock.
I recommend this shoe for everything, just don’t use them when it is raining; they are super absorbent.

Negative

I found these to be very tight across the toes. I even bought them a half size up. They also do not have adequate arch support.
These sneakers did not have an efficient amount of foot and ankle support and run large. I found the insoles to be ineffective, which made me change insoles all together. The ankle support is below par. I have decided to keep them only as everyday walking shoes but that isn't why I bought them.
I found them difficult to put on and they were too thin and long. They are not made for wide feet.
The threads starting loosening after a week. They didn't last long under regular circumstances and started unraveling around the folded parts.
This shoe is very loud when you walk. They are a poor design due to this defect I believe.
After a month of use, the sole split along the side. Puma are my go to shoe and this has never happened.

8.2

Outsole

One of the Puma Ignite evoKnit’s strongest features is its outsole. Outfitted with a number of deep flex grooves for excellent flexibility, this also serves to balance out the thick, plush midsole, which some may find a little stiff. Besides the many horizontal flex grooves, a large vertical flex groove runs from heel to toe on the outsole, which enhances the transition from heel to take-off. The outsole also has Puma’s EverTrack rubber, which outlines high-wear areas of the outsole for additional resistance, while other areas of high traction are covered in soft blown rubber.

Midsole

The midsole of the evoKnit is made from Puma’s exclusive Ignite foam, which covers the entirety of the midsole. Providing soft cushioning, this material is both durable and responsive. The midsole’s full-length design also aids in efficiency during the gait cycle. While some runners have found the midsole to be slightly stiff, this is offset by the flexibility of the outsole.

Upper

The completely seamless upper of the evoKnit is covered by Puma’s proprietary EvoKNIT material (and from which the name of the line was derived). This material provides a sock-like fit that is smooth to the touch and comfortable from the toe to the ankle collar. This one-piece upper is flexible and stretchy, which allows it to accommodate a wide range of foot shapes. The Ignite evoKnit’s external heel counter provides structure and its ankle strap secures the foot firmly in the shoe. In addition, a heel loop is placed at the back of the collar.

Weight

A somewhat chunky sneaker, the evoKnit is not a particularly graceful shoe and some runners may be turned off by this factor. Weighing in at 11.9 ounces/337 grams, it’s a relatively bulky sneaker, but it’s also a durable one that will hold together even after heavy wear.

Breathability

The tightly woven one-piece upper of the evoKnit is lightweight and flexible, and the foot feels very secure when in the foot chamber. However, it’s not a particularly breathable sneaker--instead, the tight mesh is quite dense. In colder climes and for those not expecting a heavy sweat during a workout will find the evoKnit a comfortable sneaker, but not one that offers much ventilation.

Comfort

The Ignite foam, a responsive EVA that comprises the midsole of the evoKnit, is used in all of Puma’s sneakers and emulates the runner’s natural gait. It accomplishes this by making the midsole slightly thicker in the heel, providing energy return and rebound, while the midsole levels out towards the forefoot, providing a comfortable ride. The knitted upper feels smooth, while the sneaker offers a sock-like fit.

Style

For fans of the old school high tops that were in style during the 1980s and 1990s, the Puma Ignite evoKnit is a solid throwback shoe. Its one-piece upper features an eye-catching multicolor pattern that’s secured in place by its plastic and fabric heel lock and overlays, making it look like what the 80s would think futuristic shoe wear would look like.

Meanwhile, its heel-high design makes it look more like a trail gaiter than a sneaker. For sports enthusiasts looking for a dash of fashion in their active wear, the Ignite evoKnit certainly provides on that level.

Durability

Meant as a running shoe, the evoKnit really seems to shine as a highly durable everyday, all-around activity shoe. The evoKNIT material the upper is made of is very durable and will keep your feet from getting wet in a downpour, while the high-wear areas on the outsole are protected by Puma’s EverTrack rubber. The welded overlays of the upper are similarly durable, keeping the foot firmly in place even after a long day of activity.

Protection

Although at first glance the evoKnit doesn’t look like it would offer much in the way of protection, especially since the upper mesh is stretchy and flexible, runners and sneaker fans alike will find a fair amount of protection in a pair. The upper will keep your feet dry in wet conditions and its sturdy outsole will similarly protect your feet against the unexpected elements while out on a run or walk. Its ankle-high structure encases the entire foot, protecting it from the elements from the ankle to the toe. While it’s not a trail running shoe, runners will feel safe with the evoKnit on their feet.

Responsiveness

One particular aspect of the evoKnit that has been getting attention is its responsiveness. The midsole features Puma’s Ignite EVA foam, shaped to emulate the runner’s natural gait by having extra cushioning in the heel and thinning out towards the forefoot. Its traction-heavy outsole is lined with a number of flex grooves to provide the runner with a great amount of surface control, and the snug fit of the upper, which extends to an ankle lock, keeps the foot firmly in place throughout a run.

Support

Puma’s Ignite EVA foam midsole is comfortable without being plush, while the heel lock design on the evoKnit is as sturdy and tenacious as any other on the market. However, this shoe is designed for neutral runners in mind, so those looking for a support shoe may find that this trainer doesn’t provide for that explicitly.

Terrain

The Ignite evoKnit is an all-around athletic shoe, so besides runners that take their rides out on traditional running surfaces like concrete, pavement, and running tracks, the evoKnit will also find fans in basketball players who like high tops on the court and gym rats that enjoy a solid support during a workout. Even those looking for everyday shoes that can handle a trip to the grocery store as well as a run through town will find the evoKnit a comfortable shoe.

Price

While its initial release found the Ignite evoKnit at a substantially higher price point than many runners would want to spend on a trainer that’s not specifically a high-performance running shoe, since then the price has dropped considerably. Those who enjoy the retro look that the evoKnit offers and are looking for a great everyday shoe for an active life will find that this durable sneaker is well-priced.

Traction

Thanks to the EverTrack rubber that coats the outsole, which is outfitted with numerous flex grooves, the durable traction found on the evoKnit remains tenacious even after heavy wear. Thanks to said flex grooves, a great amount of surface control is allowed, which are cut into the forefoot and heel, with one large diamond-shaped flex vertical groove in the center of the outsole, the shoe flexes for easy transitions. The evoKnit has great traction on hardwood, pavement, cement, and other traditional athletic surfaces.

Flexibility

Here’s something about the evoKnit: it’s an incredibly flexible shoe. From its tight one-piece upper mesh that stretches and allows for a sock-like fit, to its outsole that features numerous flex grooves, the evoKnit is a secure but ultimately flexible trainer.

Stability

Puma’s Ignite EVA foam in its midsole is designed to match the natural running gait, with a plush heel and a thinner forefoot padding. Meanwhile, its outsole, which is made of sturdy EverTrack rubber and soft blown rubber, provides great traction and balances out the somewhat firmer midsole. However, this is not specifically a stability shoe but one designed for the neutral runner in mind. Those with over or under pronation may want to find a shoe better suited to address those issues.

Drop

The drop on the evoKnit won’t come as a surprise to the neutral runner and those used to the average drop of most sneakers: at 12mm heel-to-toe. Its drop is only a few millimeters higher than the average, which doesn’t present any problem for most neutral runners.

Key Features

- Ignite EVA foam midsole shaped to follow the natural running gait
- Sturdy outsole made of EverTrack rubber
- Numerous flex grooves for great flexibility and surface control
- Very stylish design that will appeal to fans of retro high tops
- Durable construction makes it a long-lasting sneaker

Bottom Line

The Puma Ignite evoKnit maybe won’t be the first choice for serious runners. With such a crowded marketplace and with shoes built to such specificity to address numerous needs and wants for every type of runner out there, the evoKnit’s high top design and relatively limited appeal to serious runners probably won’t make it the most sought-after running shoe out there.

However, for those looking for a specific style reminiscent of the high top designs of decades past and enjoy the more colorful style of old Reeboks may take another look at the evoKnit and decide this is the shoe for them.

In fact, this shoe is probably better as an all-around athletic everyday shoe than one dedicated solely to running. After all, its ankle-high design will probably not appeal to most runners, but it will appeal to those whose days are spent on their feet, constantly in motion or those who transition from sedentary to active pursuits at a moment’s notice.

Its eye-catching kinetic design and retro feel will certainly appeal to fans of the nostalgic aesthetic, while its ability to function as both a casual and activity sneaker will find fans in those looking to get the most out of their sneaker purchases.

With a tight mesh one-piece upper that offers a sock-like fit, the Ignite EVA foam midsole that provides good cushioning, and a flexible but durable outsole, the Puma Ignite evoKnit is a great sneaker for those that have an active lifestyle and can enjoy its colorful, retro design. It may not be the best running shoe out there, but it’s a solid all-around activity sneaker.