The Puma TitanTour Ignite shoe steps on from the TitanTour shoe that was one of my favourites from last year.
You can see the TitanTour design theme in several of the features that have been carried over from the previous model to the Ignite version, most notably the Power Frame sole that is now abbreviated to PWRFrame.
Like before it is a thin TPU frame that goes along the length of the sole and then up and around the heel of the shoe.
It looks like it should be quite rigid and it is, but like before the comfort is maintained through the materials in the sole that cushion your foot as you move.
When I discussed this with Grant Knudson of Puma, he said the rigidity of the PWRFrame sole is preferred by their Tour players as it creates more stability during the swing and I would go along with that.
As you can guess from the name, the shoe now includes Ignite foam that Puma has brought across to golf from some of its other sports. Ignite absorbs the energy from the impact of the foot on the ground and then rebounds to stay responsive.
Rebounding foam seems to be de-rigueur at present and the Ignite version does the job as well as the IdCell material in the previous TitanTour shoe.
You could probably feel the rebounding a little more in the TitanTour as the IdCell went the full length of the shoe, whereas the Ignite foam is just under the heel and mid-foot.
However, I would say that the overall comfort is better in the TitanTour Ignite as the shoe seems a little lighter and the PWRFrame is not as bulky as before.
The big change for me though is the visual one, as Puma has made the TitanTour Ignite much sleeker than before to appeal to a wider audience.
Traditionally Puma shoes have had a wider forefoot and a slightly pointy toe, which I have always liked. Now the Ignite sees that forefoot slimed down a little and the toe made a little rounder for a more traditional look that should have wider appeal.
Whilst it maybe does not have the usual Puma shape, I do like the revised design as it does make it look very classy. The slimmer last does mean that the edges of the PWRFrame sole do not extend beyond the edge of the front of the sole as much, which helps the look but means a smaller footprint of the forefoot.
The sole still features the GripZone sections around each Softspike Stealth spike and they thankfully seem a little less in your face visually without any reduction in grip.
The Ignite features 9 spikes on each foot, which is 2 more than the TitanTour. One is in the rear to give a traditional four spike pattern and the other is under the big toe of each foot at the front to provide more grip as you move through impact during the swing.
The upper uses the same PWR-Cool material in the sole and the inside of the shoe to moderate the temperature of your feet and this is pretty effective at preventing your feet getting too sweaty compared to traditional materials.
What is up another level is the premium leather upper that looks and feels top quality, especially with the embossed hexagon pattern around the throat and down the logo stripe.
It is robust, yet breaks in easily so it is possible to wear these straight out of the box if you like that pristine look.
Each shoe comes in five clean but eye catching colour schemes, each with a choice of contrasting lace colours to suit your mood and wardrobe, which is always a nice touch.
They tie up over a wider U-shaped tongue on the Ignite compared to the more V-Shaped TitanTour with its contoured top.
Like before Puma has managed to combine fashion with performance and understated style that will have wide appeal. The Ignite carries on the good work started by the TitanTour and once again I would recommend checking out Puma's leading shoe this year.
Puma TitanTour Ignite Disc Shoe Review
In 2017 Puma updated the TitanTour Ignite range with some new styles and their Disc lacing system.
Instead of laces the Disc models uses a dial on the outside of the shoe to tighten wires that criss-cross over three eyelets. The Disc is a dial that you turn forwards to tighten the wires to the desired fit. To undo you just rotate the dial backwards so it clicks and releases the tension in the wires.
I like these type of wire fastenings on golf shoes as they don't loosen during the round and it is easy to tighten them if you want to.
The wires spread the load evenly and are comfortable to wear thanks to the padded tongue. The Disc version of this concept has the dial on the outside compared to rival versions that have it on the rear or the top so you may or may not prefer this.
Compared to the FootJoy BOA system that is at the back, the Disc wires do not go around the heel, but are focussed on the top of the shoe and are really a lace replacement system.
Having the wires going around the back it tends to draw your heel back into the rear of the shoe more than traditional laces that focus the pressure on the top of the foot, so if you prefer the latter approach then the Disc option does not cost extra and makes taking the TitanTour Ignite Disc shoes on and off quick and easy.