The Puma Tsugi Netfit is easily the best-looking sneaker I’ve ever owned. And I don’t make that statement lightly.
In May, Puma announced its breakthrough Netfit technology, offering the capability to customise your sneakers as you see fit. The company first launched the Netfit with the release of the Speed Ignite Netfit, followed in July with the Tsugi Netfit.
Design
If ever there were a pair of sneakers deserving their own exhibit, it would be the Tsugi Netfit. The design follows on from the stylings of the original Tsugi Shinsei. The Netfit technology not only adds a level of customisation of the lacing system, with each individual hole in the ‘net’, allowing for some truly unique and spectacular results, the net actually adds to the look in its own right. Remove the laces from the sneaker and you’re still left with a really good-looking sneaker.
There are few sneakers that stand out as much as the Tsugi Netfit, but the images posted online don’t really do it much justice. Seeing the sneaker up close allows you to appreciate all of the finer details of the design, from the grooved Ignite sole (which has three distinct layers), the uniquely woven evoKnit upper, and the netted mesh (the Netfit). It’s almost a shame to have to wear the sneakers, as they don’t look as stunning being dragged around on my feet all day, but are much more deserving of being added to an art gallery in a display cabinet.
Comfort
Puma‘s Ignite sole technology makes for a comfortable experience throughout the day. While it may not be able to compete with the adidas‘ Boost technology when it comes to comfort levels while strutting your stuff around town, the Tsugi Netfit offers a different type of comfort in how it feels on your foot. On more than one occasion in the two weeks since I received my pair I was faced with having to wear the sneakers for up to 20 hours at a time. For almost all shoes, of any kind, wearing them for more than eight hours becomes more annoying than it’s worth, and at 12 hours you’re just about ready to throw them across the room. Not only were the Tsugi’s able to survive all this but after the 20 hours had elapsed, I probably could’ve climbed into bed without any discomfort while I sleep. There are plenty of people out there looking at comfort alternatives so wear if you’re on your feet all day, most of which look as hideous evil itself, the Tsugi Netfit is a definite replacement, with loads more style.
Performance
With its Ignite sole technology at its core, the Tsugi Netfit has ample amount of performance capabilities. While I was able to enjoy a full day’s worth of walking and strolling around, the sneaker doesn’t easily double up an everyday runner. I put the shoe through its paces in this regard, although I wouldn’t be so quick to rid myself of my warn out daily running shoes, as it doesn’t quite make the cut in terms of the performance, bounce back, or other assistance needed to make it more comfortable. The sneaker doesn’t bend as much as most runners and feels a little bit stiff in this regard. But, as I said previously, these shoes are more artwork than a shoe, while still offering heaps of comfort as an everyday shoe, just not while running.
Quality
The quality of the sneaker is all in the detail. The woven evoKnit upper looks amazing and feels just as amazing. The more you zoom in, the more you’re able to appreciate the quality, as you notice some of the patterns, stitching, and other great elements hidden within. Even the netted mesh can be appreciated up close, as it too is woven, blending in well with the rest of the upper. The rubber midsole is styled with numerous engravings across the shoe with a ripple-like texture on the top, squared grooves along the bottom, and finely textured criss-cross patterns in the middle. The collar and heel tab are also somewhat distinct from the rest of the upper, while also woven in fabric, although much softer, with the knitted Puma logo across the rear.
Conclusion
Again, the Puma Tsugi Netfit is easily the best-looking sneaker I’ve ever owned. Viewing the sneaker up close provides a lot of details, from the woven uppers to the fine textures on the midsole. While it may not deliver much in the way of running support, it exceeds all other shoes I’ve owned in terms of all-day comfort, never feeling uncomfortable at any point even after a full day’s use. At a cost of R1,999, the sneaker is also more affordable than many other premium ranges, across other manufacturers and Puma too. The Tsugi Netfit is available countrywide at Puma stores, Sportscene, The Cross Trainer and selected retailers.
