Some new kind of kick

The magazine deadline means long hours in front of the computer, cereal for lunch, sleep deprivation, and no exercise at all. I feel sluggish and lackluster, so I'm amped about hitting the pavement/trail around the reservoir by my home. Good timing, I just acquired some new running shoes.


Puma is best known for soccer trainers, Clydes, and Kien Lieu, but my source says that the company has been making big strides (sorry, couldn't resist) in running gear, and is actually pushing some of the tech elements.


Here, you can see some design multitasking. The straps hold your ankle down but also reflect car headlights, etc. Are those Jordan-inspired laces?


The stitching here reminds me of a baseball. There are a lot of nice touches, keeping Puma's streamlined image and applying it to a shoe that's meant to be pounded provide a lot of support, and protect your knees and arches. Check out the pieces of the heel cushion.


One more thing: This is a prototype. I have no idea what the shoe is called or if it's even out yet. I'll do another writeup after a few test rides, but I wanted to put up some pics while the shoes are still pretty.