The latest sneaker to make it to our review section is the Puma Cali Pro, a classic silhouette that we’ve come across recently. Puma Cali is a line of sneakers first introduced in 2018 defined by a clean, retro look with a leather upper and slightly thicker than normal outsoles. The women’s platform wedge version is a very popular version of this shoe while the Cali Pro is the men’s model that has been gaining some traction lately. Given their overall look and construction this sneaker is in many aspects similar to Nike Air Force 1, of course at a cheaper price and less hype. They both share a simple, classic design with clean branding.
How They Fit
The pair we got was the Puma Cali Pro Heritage in white and red that was released in 2020 along with a few other colorways. They come in the classic green and white box. At first sight they look very stylish, solid yet a bit heavy. They surely look like they’ll last for a while. They fit true to size and they feel comfortable as you put them on with no need to break them in despite their upper construction. If unsure about your size you can also check the Puma size chart here.
Upper
The Puma Cali Pro, like most of the sneakers from this line, the upper is made of leather materials. The toebox is pretty roomy and it features perforated leather for enhanced breathability. The leather seems to be good quality and the double stitching adds to the durable feeling you get from these.This is the only area with perforations so despite its summer Cali vibe I cannot recommend wearing these in hot weather. The branding is quite minimal, with a discrete Puma stipe blending in a mostly monochromatic upper design. There is just enough padding in the ankle collar area and tongue for optimal comfort for everyday use. While taking a closer look at these and reviewing its features it’s quite clear that the Puma Cali Pro was designed to be a casual sneaker with not much use for anything else, except skateboarding maybe.
Sole Unit
The sole unit is slightly taller than the classic Puma Suede classic being made of a solid rubber. Being a retro inspired sneaker the whole sole unit is a reflection of that, with the removable insole being the only part that delivers some cushioning. These insoles are known for losing their support after a while but of course you can easily change it. The Outsole is quite flat with a pattern that ensures some basic traction which is good enough for casual wear.
Bottom Line
To conclude this short review, Puma Cali Pro are a nice alternative for more expensive retro sneakers on the market. Its solid construction makes them very durable and reliable. For someone looking for a classic, timeless look for everyday wear these are surely a great option. While the sole support may not recommend them for all day wear when needed to stand up a lot, they are great casual wear or at school.
