Fronted by R&B star The Weeknd, PUMA’s first major training shoe release of 2017 and the latest silhouette to “Run the Streets” is the IGNITE Limitless, a prominent sneaker that attempts to fuse running shoe technology with urban streetwear looks.
Sneakers, the footwear of choice for millions across the globe, have been a staple of casual fashion for years. However, sneaker culture is constantly growing, developing and changing. In 2016, we entered a new era which saw musicians and artists collaborating with some of the biggest brands in the world to offer more exciting solutions for both fans and sneakerheads. We had the likes of Drake and Jordan, adidas and Kanye, Rihanna and Puma. Fashion savvy artist The Weeknd joins the list as he becomes the frontman for Puma’s latest offering which promises to be the perfect crossover between fashion and performance.
Basically, the idea behind Puma’s IGNITE Limitless is to blur the lines between form and function in order to create something that works both on and off the track. In other words, it’s comfortable enough for a run, sporty enough for the gym and sleek enough for a walk around the mall. The honest truth is that, like most collectors, I find myself with simpler needs and tastes. All I really want to know is that it looks good, feels good, and is made with supreme quality. Thankfully, Puma IGNITE Limitless delivers on all fronts. It oozes cool.
For most people who look over the sneaker, it’s a case of love at first site. Just have a look at the luxe detailing of the shoe. The upper on the IGNITE Limitless consists of five main components: an innovative stretch fabric collar that creates a mid-cut look, the luxury leather with bonded edges, the boldly branded forefoot strap, the mid-foot grillesque cage made of Kurim, and a clam-shell construction of stretchy, breathable Ariaprene. PUMA has truly delivered a unique, modern and stunning design. The net result is a type of sneaker that jumps out at you from the shelf. It’s designed to garner admiring looks wherever you go.
But the IGNITE Limitless is more than just a pretty face. There is functionality behind the design too. The sleek modern upper is matched with tech to deliver maximum comfort, stability and performance. For starters, it provides premium cushioning and energy return with the full-length IGNITE Foam embedded in the midsole. When sliding it on, your foot immediately feels snug and supportive. And even though you’ll notice a bit of more space in its toe box, the sneaker never feels loose or too big.
The shoe’s cushioning is supplied by an injection-molded EVA midsole underfoot. Which means you’ll feel a welcomed bounce when climbing up stairs or simply walking about. Although this is probably intended to lend support to runners, it’s great addition even if you never intend on using the shoes for a jog. Also, despite its solid look, it’s remarkably light – probably one of the biggest surprises on the first fitting. When you consider the amount of different material and tech available here, it almost doesn’t add up. Somehow Puma has managed to squeeze all this into a sneaker that is lightweight, feels sturdy and is built to last.
As someone who has only worn high-end Nike and Jordan branded sneakers in the last five years, the Puma IGNITE Limitless really made an impression on me. At times, I felt like I was cheating on my other shoes by liking this pair so much. Truth be told, Puma has created a winner. Regardless of your preference or your loyalty to a specific brand, it’s hard to deny that the Ignite Limitless is worthy of praise. It’s just a beautiful and wonderful all-around sneaker.
Galeed Majiet