PUMA has been on the forefront of new running technologies for many a decade, as far back as the Running System technology in the ’80s.
In recent years, PUMA has continued to push the boundaries of its running tech with the NRGY beads on the Jamming in 2017, the HYBRID on the HYBRID Rocket in 2018 and the Fit Intelligence on the PUMA Fi in 2019.
In 2020, PUMA has once again delivered, this time with the new XETIC technology on the newly unveiled sneaker, the PUMA Calibrate Runner.
The XETIC technology forms part of a sponsored research collaboration between PUMA and MIT Design Lab to create the ultimate in cushioning tech. The new midsole will start a new era for running with mechanical cushioning and foam. The modern approach to cushioning is set to provide enhanced comfort, whether you’re simply out for a walk or hitting the streets while running – all in the form of the Calibrate Runner.
XETIC is a scientific advancement by human and machine. A calculated cushioning by PUMA. The new sneaker provides a meticulously-tested cushioning, which was conceived and fine-tuned in a lab for even the techiest of collectors. The midsole features a compression in all the right places as and when you need it in every step. The sneaker provides step-in comfort and a data-proven design. The product was the end result of hundreds of patterns and materials in order to find the most efficient for comfort and rebound.
The Calibrate Runner is a mix of materials on the most futuristic of midsoles. The structure of the XETIC provides cushioning for the impact of landing each stride while maximising comfort. In addition, the tech also promotes rebound for better toe-off. The XETIC offers a visible design to present a unique aesthetic, appealing to both sneakerheads and techies alike. The outsole is crafted from rubber for additional grip and traction, with durability in its design. The upper features knitted finish to round off the design.
Senior Head of Innovation at PUMA, Romain Girard, had this to say about the official release of the new XETIC technology:
“PUMA’s innovation department teamed up with MIT Design Lab because we needed their high-expert engineering capabilities. MIT has computer simulation possibilities, which enabled us to see the behaviour of the material and quickly find the optimal structure for calculated cushioning.”

The all-new PUMA Calibrate Runner is set to drop on 1 October 2020 featuring revolutionary XETIC technology at its core, retailing at a price of R3,299.
The sneaker will be available on PUMA.com, as well as at PUMA Select stores across the country.