Puma came out with a new modern sneaker recently, the Voltaic EVO , one that we are taking a look at this week. For this review I got a pair in navy with volt logos, one of the few available in 2024. At $80 retail price it’s part of Puma’s mid priced tier, right there with the Axelion. In fact, given the similarities between the two models we can safely say that the Voltaic is the next step in the EVOlution of the Axelion. Or is it? I took a closer look and tried them out for a few days to get an answer.
Out of the box they have a very pleasant look, with a modern design that in my opinion is certainly a step forward for the brand. They are pretty lightweight and they mold nicely to your feet as you first put them in with little need for breaking them in.
How Do They Fit?
The Puma Voltaic EVO fits true to size with a roomy toe box. As usual, I recommend going a half size up for those with slightly wider feet, especially because of the rubber mudguard in the front. If the fit is too tight in the front there is a good chance, that at least the ends the mudguard will rub on your toes. If unsure about your Puma size you can check out this size chart.
Upper
The upper of the Puma Voltaic EVO is made of a mesh base with synthetic overlays throughout. It is a very visually appealing look that I prefer when comparing it to the Axelion. The rubber mudguard fits well into the picture but it looks prone to get unglued at the ends and seems to be of a very cheap material. The mesh is moderately breathable which is good if you want to use them as a lifestyle shoe which is what I recommend these for, despite the “running shoes” label given by Puma. The lacing system keeps the feet stable and I like the look, reminiscent of the Flyknit cables from Nike. They are not as performant as these but they do the job.
Sole Unit
The most striking design feature of this shoe is, like the Axelion, the way the sole unit is constructed, with an almost non-existent midsole and a heel unit that reminds us of the Air Max tech from Nike. But instead Puma uses a 10 cell technology that does a decent job in absorbing shock and giving some bounce back. The cushioning you get from this shoe is given by the thick Softfoam sockliner. It is very soft and acts like a memory foam, giving a nice , comfortable ride. But as mentioned above this is hardly a running shoe and I would not even mention it if Puma did not advertise it as such on their website. For this review I took them to the gym and they felt pretty good for lightweight exercises, even running on the treadmill. But for fast paced, long runs I cannot recommend them. The outsole which is identical to the Axelion is very minimalistic and I can attest that on wet, neat surfaces it is quite slippery.
Bottom Line
To wrap up my review the Puma Voltaic EVO is certainly a viable lifestyle sneaker for those on budget. While the retail price seems high this is a BOGO item at several stores so you can get more value for what you pay. It is a versatile shoe that you can wear pretty much everywhere but if you turn it into your beater it will likely not last more than a school season. It is very similar to the Axelion. Not as stable but with a more streamlined, refined look.
