#fitnfashionable Running Shoes: @PUMA Ignite with #PWRcool (A Shoe Review)

I love shoes. So when it comes to running shoes, I take a "sure...I'll try it" approach. Hardcore runners might balk at this, but my feet aren't picky. If the shoe fits comfortably, I'll wear it. That said, I do have three basic requirements: That it's neutral with a normal and/or slightly wider toe box, and that it  looks good. Because who likes to wear ugly shoes, right?

Now, I do have my favorites. My go-to shoes from my go-to brand. But again, I never close the closet on a decent pair from a different brand. So when FitFluential reached out with an opportunity to try the new PUMA Ignite neutral running shoe. I mean, yeah.

I just ran a half marathon, and those shoes are still in decent shape for a few more longer runs, but I really didn't have a suitable backup for shorter runs. My current backups have been demoted to gym use. They're still comfy, but no longer up for the road running challenge. M'thinks these Ignites will step up to the plate in their absence. According to PUMA, Ignite is "a superior cushioning material that disperses impact while providing optimal responsiveness." It's all over the midsole of this shoe, providing "instant comfort where you need it most."

I've taken these shoes out for one 4-mile run, and will use them tomorrow for what I'm hoping will be a 6-miler (maybe more, depending). I haven't signed up for my next race yet, but I think it will be a 10K in two weeks. Let's keep talking about these shoes, though:

When I first pulled them out of the box, I thought: "Grey and pink...right to the heart." It's basically my favorite color combination, and with the addition of the silver and polka dots, I didn't wait to put my foot right in. Double win for a toe box that doesn't cramp my bunions. (I know, so sexy.)

They're also made with PWRcool technology, which is essentially mesh that allows air and heat to flow freely. In other words, they're breathable so my feet won't sweat.

So, first impression: Cute shoes! I mean, the polka dots...

Second impression: I definitely need to break these in. Sometimes you put on a shoe and it's magical. I didn't have that feeling with these, but I wore them around the gym for a 4-hour shift and by the end I had forgotten that they were on my feet. So they adapted to my foot. I wore them again the day after my half marathon when I did a little shakeout walk on the treadmill. One mile, that was it. Not a single negative experience. They felt comfortable on my tired feet!

But how would they feel on a run? It was Thursday by the time I felt up for a decent run, so I laced these guys up and hit the gym for four miles.

Honestly, they felt great! Better than I had expected. Light on the foot, supportive and smooth. These are the first pair of PUMA running shoes I've ever owned and I was pretty skeptical. I have a pair of PUMA FormLite XT training shoes that I like, so I knew that PUMA could make a quality shoe. But they're not exactly, at least in my opinion, one of the major running brands. When I think of running, I don't automatically think of PUMA.

But here they are, selling a decent running shoe.
The bottom of the shoe, if you're curious:

It's hard to say if I'd pick this shoe over my go-to if I could only have one, single pair of running shoes in my closet, but I think I'm going to love having these around. For sure.

Quick tips:

1) Sometimes it pays to get fitted for a running shoe. If your feet are picky, or if you're plagued by injury, I definitely suggest you go that route at your local running shoe store.

2) Running shoes don't last forever, and it's always a good idea to keep track of their milage. Bad shoes can lead to injuries, and those aren't ever fun. Keep one or two pairs around and rotate between them. Maybe you have a shoe for short runs, a shoe for long runs and maybe even a shoe for speedwork.

3) Did you know there's a reason your running shoe has those last two lace holes up by your ankle? I thought they were just there for additional lace action, and they are, just not in the way that I thought. Go watch this video. And if you're already doing this, you're one step ahead of me!

Oh, PS:
For more information on the Ignite running shoe, click here.
For more fit and fashionable finds, click here.

Question: What do you look for in a running shoe? Do you like experimenting, or do you have a go-to that you'll never stray from?

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of PUMA.