Puma Mobium Elite Adaptive Running Shoes

Puma has introduced the Mobium Elite, performance shoes that expand and contract with your foot movement, what the company calls ‘Adaptive Running.’ The shoes move and change depending on how the runner is moving to provide the best support.

Rooted in anatomy and inspired by nature, they are the product of two years intense design and development based on how the foot moves. Puma’s innovative footwear adapts with the body in motion, encouraging a more natural and efficient mid-foot strike.

A “Mobium Band” runs through the outsole in a figure eight, enhancing the foot’s natural spring and works like the tendons in the foot. The “Windlass Chassis” is a sculpted arch that mimics the foot’s expansion and contraction and creates a platform for it in movement, so the entire shoe moves the way the foot naturally does.

The “Expansion Pods” on the outsole were inspired by cat’s paws. These also move with the foot so the running shoes’ cushioning, protection and flexibility encourages a more efficient stride and offer a smoother transition. Mary Taylor, global head of footwear for Puma, said:

We believe PUMA Mobium Elite will change the paradigm in the category of performance running.  With patent pending, break-through technologies that work together as a system, we’ve created a new class of Puma Shoes.  The marketplace is currently driven by shoes that are static – that do not move with your foot in motion. In Mobium Elite, we have designed adaptive footwear that actually expands and contracts with your foot in motion.  At PUMA, we are driven to look at performance through a different lens, to break with convention through true innovation. Mobium is the result of this and we feel strongly it will be a game-changer.

These kicks are made for neutral runners who strike with the mid foot or forefoot, and the first thing I noticed about them is how spongy the sole felt when running. I felt almost gazelle-like with each step, which is one of the best feelings to have when you're sweating it out on a run. The fabric of the shoe is also slightly stretchy, which one of Puma’s main selling points is — that this shoe "adapts to you," meaning to your expanding and contracting foot as you run. I definitely appreciated that. The shoe felt roomy, yet supportive since the fabric hugged and moved with my foot.

I also liked that the fabric is made of breathable mesh, which is great for warmer weather or indoor running to prevent sweating that can lead to blisters. For those of you still dealing with temps in the 30s or 40s, I'd hold off until spring weather arrives or you'll end up with cold feet. Another interesting feature is the elastic Mobium Band than runs through the outside of the sole of the shoe in a figure eight. Just like your foot's tendons, the more force you apply with each step, the more spring the band gives in response.

With the super-snug fit offers one drawback — these shoes can't easily be slipped off after a run without you having to bend over and untie them. It's not the worst thing in the world, but a little annoying when you're rushing to get into the shower after your post-run stretch session. All in all, I'm a fan and would recommend these to fellow runners looking for a supportive, lightweight shoe.