Essential Golf: A passion for the Game

Puma Ignite NXT Shoes Launched

Puma are gearing up for the arrival of summer golf with the release of the spikeless collection of Puma Ignite NXT golf shoes.

The leading brand, who boast Rickie Fowler as their number one ambassador, have caught the eye with creations in recent years including the limited-edition high-top shoes the American wore during parts of the 2018 season.

Now the NXT (not to be confused with the Titleist golf ball that carry the same name) takes the Puma Cobra stable into new ground with the spikeless shoes providing the option of three different lacing formats including one unique system.

Designed for comfort and boasting an attractive training shoe look in three colour schemes, the NXT Ignite shoes are likely to be a popular choice from a cosmetic point of view. But there’s a whole lot more to them and the lacing options is the obvious starting point.

Puma have come up with three different style of laces in the NXT: a standard version called Lace, a Disc version which tightens upon turning and a new Solelace system, which fastens the midsole and sole in a wraparound rather than just across the tongue.

The Solelace closure system is something completely new, with Puma’s development team coming up with the notion that wrapping the laces further round the foot and threading them through the midsole increases stability. The result is what they describe as “offering 360-degree support while securing the midsole and outsole directly to your foot for the ultimate ground feel.”

The Disc system, which is used by other manufacturers too, sits on the top of the shoe in the NXT and tightens laces with each turn to provide maximum stability. Or, if you are a traditionalist, the NXT comes with a standard lacing option that needs no explanation!

The technology doesn’t stop at the introduction of the new lacing options either. There is Puma’s Pro-Form TPU outsole design with the 100 hexagon lugs design in a pattern to give maximum traction during shots and provide stability and confidence.

There’s now Soleshield, a protective TPU film, added on top of the Ignite foam midsole to help protect it and maintain the colour regardless of the amount of dirt collected during a round. The foam, of course, has been popular since manufacturers first started using it, and Puma promise it provides “energy return, responsive comfort, stable cushioning and superior step-in comfort” in the NXTs.

A breathable waterproof mesh, across the toes and front of the shoe, now has what Puma called a Pwrframe TPU added to it to increase durability throughout the swing with no stone being left unturned in Puma’s quest to provide a high-performing golf shoe.

“The iconic IGNITE spikeless franchise has been taken to the NXT level,” Puma say. “Built from the ground up with Pro-Form TPU outsole with an Organically-Altered Traction pattern. A full-length IGNITE Foam midsole, wrapped in SoleShield for added durability, provides unparalleled comfort and energy return to help you feel and play your best all day long.

“The upper features a flat-knit waterproof mesh vamp with PWRFRAME reinforcement. Integrated with the SOLELACE Closure System, TPU SOLELACE units allow the lace to completely wrap the foot and secure the midsole around your foot. The innovative materials and progressive design provide the performance you need on the course and the style you need while off it.”

See also: Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1 X 2019 Launched: What is the Difference?