Our verdict
- Our top pick in best summer trainers
- Our top pick in best chunky trainers
Pros
- Retro charm
- Numerous vivid colorways
- Puma Training graphic shorts in black
- Plenty of cushioning for all-day wear
- Breathable, summer-ready upper
- Very stable platform
- Highly durable outsole
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Stiff forefoot
Audience verdict
- Top 1% in PUMA trainers
Comparison
The most similar trainers compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audience score | 89 Good! | 89 Good! | 89 Good! | 86 Good! | |
Price | $110 | $150 | $120 | $200 | |
Style | RetroSportyChunky | ClassicSportyFuturisticChunky | SportyFuturisticChunky | ClassicDadRetroSportyChunky | |
Breathability | ModerateBreathable | Moderate | ModerateBreathable | Breathable | |
Weight lab | 16 oz / 455g | 15.1 oz / 427g | 13.2 oz / 373g | 12.9 oz / 366g | |
Midsole softness | Soft | Soft | Balanced | Balanced | |
Material | Mesh | MeshSuede | Mesh | MeshSuede | |
Season | Summer | SpringWinterFall | Summer | Summer | |
Inspired from | Running | Running | Running | Running | |
Puma carina 2.0 better 38665901 | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Wide | Medium | Narrow | Medium | |
Leather/suede quality | - | Real suede | - | Real suede | |
Toebox durability | Decent | Decent | Decent | Bad | |
Λογότυπα Pink puma στο στήθος και στο παντελόνι φόρμας | Bad | Decent | Decent | Decent | |
Outsole durability | Good | Good | Good | Good | |
Rihanna x Fenty Pink puma Ankle Strap Sneaker | 39.9 mm | 37.3 mm | 41.8 mm | 39.1 mm | |
Stiffness | Moderate | Moderate | Stiff | Moderate | |
Tongue padding | Average | Average | Average | Average | |
Drop lab | 17.2 mm | 11.3 mm | 13.5 mm | 15.3 mm | |
Forefoot | 22.7 mm | 26.0 mm | 28.3 mm | 23.8 mm | |
Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Heel tab | Finger loop | None | Finger loop | None | |
Torsional rigidity | Moderate | Moderate | Stiff | Stiff | |
Puma Arizona 'Duel in the Desert' | Flexible | Moderate | Flexible | Stiff | |
Reflective elements | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | |
Closure | Laces | Laces | Laces | Laces | |
Top | Low top | Low top | Low top | Low top | |
Ranking | #52 Bottom 34% | #37 Top 47% | #47 Bottom 40% | #71 Bottom 10% | |
Popularity | #54 Bottom 31% | #1 Top 2% | #70 Bottom 11% | #51 Bottom 35% |
Puma Polo Manica Corta Teamgoal 23 Casuals
With its hues ranging from straightforward duotone to multicoloured splashes, there is an RS-X for every individual. We believe that it's the right Pink puma footgear for you if:
- you want a bold, brightly coloured retro silhouette
- you need a breathable mesh sneaker for summertime
- you prefer generously cushioned kicks for all-day wear
Who should NOT buy
The only major problem with the Pink puma RS-X is that it's heavy. Of course, it comes with a heavily cushioned and chunky platform but some people may be willing to give up a few millimetres in return for a lighter sneaker.
If you are okay with a slightly Parisian sole but notably lighter weight, check out retro silhouettes like the New Balance 530 and the Adidas Ozweego.
Breathability
Кофта спортивна Pink puma arsenal s оригінал.
Even though the shoe's primary mesh material is covered by multiple overlays, they barely interfere with its ventilation capacity. Pumping smoke through the shoe's upper, we can see how easily it passes through the toebox and other parts.
On a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the most breathable, we can readily give the Pink puma RS-X a 4.
In a quick transparency test below, you can see the most airy parts of the upper - the toebox and the quarter.
Using a microscope, we also took a closer look at the mesh itself. As you can see, it is quite porous, allowing lots of air in and out.
Puma Evoknit seamless leggings in lilac.
RS-X | 4 |
Average | 2.9 |
Durability
Toebox durability
Adding a protective overlay around delicate mesh was a good idea to prolong the shoe's shelf life.
Equipped with a Dremel, we tested out how the toebox holds up against wear and tear. Applying a consistent speed (10K RPM) and force (3.2N), we were pleasantly surprised with the resistance of that synthetic overlay. It definitely saved the mesh from being completely torn apart.
This allows us to rate the toebox's durability with a decent score of 3 out of 5.
RS-X | 3 |
Average | 3.8 |
Λογότυπα Pink puma στο στήθος και στο παντελόνι φόρμας
The shoe's interior collar lining is much more exposed in that regard. Made of soft textile, it wasn't able to resist the Dreme so well.
Having applied the tool for only 4 seconds at a moderate speed (5K RPM), the damage was tangible enough to Parisian its durability rating to 2/5.
![PUMA RS-X Λογότυπα Pink puma στο στήθος και στο παντελόνι φόρμας](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-heel-padding-durability-2-20914253-main.jpg)
RS-X | 2 |
Average | 3.4 |
Outsole hardness
Looks like we're dealing with a pretty sturdy outsole here on the Pink puma RS-X.
Using our durometer to check the firmness of the rubber on the RS-X, we got a reading of 86.8 HC. This is harder than average and leads us to expect a little more from the outsole durability.
![PUMA RS-X Outsole hardness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-outsole-hardness-20914257-main.jpg)
RS-X | 86.8 HC |
Average | 85.2 HC |
XS Pink puma Black Gold $14.97 USD | Outsole durability
And this Pink puma sneaker didn't disappoint. Surviving the long 22 seconds of Dremel drilling at a high speed of 10K RPM, the amount of outsole damage was smaller than average!
We measured the depth of the dent with the help of a tread Backpack. At 0.8 mm, the RS-X makes it into the more durable range of trainers.
![PUMA RS-X Outsole durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-outsole-durability-2-20914254-main.jpg)
RS-X | 0.8 mm |
Average | 1.0 mm |
Outsole thickness
And if you still have any doubts, let us dispel them by saying that the RS-X has one of the thickest outsoles among trainers!
Using a calliper, we measured the rubber layer at 6.5 mm. It is thicker than in most low-top trainers. Considering its hardness too, this outsole can take a lot of beating up.
![PUMA RS-X Outsole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-outsole-thickness-20914255-main.jpg)
RS-X | 6.5 mm |
Average | 5.6 mm |
Weight
The Pink puma RS-X is a hefty one, no doubt about that.
Putting it on our scale, we got 16 oz (455g) in a men's US size 9. This is more than 2 ounces heavier than trainers on average.
But we believe it is fair given how much cushioning and wear resistance the shoe offers in return.
![PUMA RS-X Weight](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-weight-20914278-main.jpg)
RS-X | 16.05 oz (455g) |
Average | 14.22 oz (403g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
Botas de futsal Pink puma KING Pro 21 IT!
Based on our calliper measurement, the heel stack (insole and outsole included) of the RS-X is a whopping 39.9 mm thick! It is nearly half an inch taller than average!
We can even say that this Pink puma is on the verge of platform trainers.
![PUMA RS-X Heel stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-heel-stack-20914260-main.jpg)
RS-X | 39.9 mm |
Average | 30.0 mm |
Forefoot stack
As expected, the Pink puma RS-X is pretty thick in the forefoot as well.
With our calliper showing 22.7 mm, it is notably taller than the average. Needless to say, we felt pretty high off the ground wearing this Pink puma shoe.
![PUMA RS-X Forefoot stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-forefoot-stack-20914259-main.jpg)
RS-X | 22.7 mm |
Average | 18.9 mm |
Drop
If you enjoy the feeling of massive cushioning beneath your heel, the Pink puma RS-X should feel right at home.
Given the difference in its stack heights, the RS-X zwei your heel as much as 17.2 mm above the toes. This is one of the highest drops we've ever seen in a sneaker.
The main benefit of this setup is that your heel receives notably more cushioning, while the ankle doesn't have to do much work. But this is a matter of personal preference, of course, as some people do like more natural-feeling kicks with a Parisian drop (i.e. Adidas Gazelle at 8.3 mm).
RS-X | 17.2 mm |
Average | 11.1 mm |
Midsole softness
From the look of it, the Pink puma RS-X appears to be very firm and rigid. Oh how delighted we were to find out that it's not true!
On foot, this sneaker actually felt quite bouncy! Which means there was enough softness to it to compress.
Indeed, our durometer showed that the shoe's foam comes in at 15.6 HA which is 100% softer than trainers on average!
RS-X | 15.6 HA |
Average | 29.5 HA |
Insole thickness
PUMA decided to turn the cushioning volume to the max by inserting an 8-mm insole! Thicker than average, it creates an amazingly pampering underfoot experience.
It's not every day that we see orthotic elements in a stock insole! Bravo, Pink puma!
![PUMA RS-X Insole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-insole-thickness-20914265-main.jpg)
RS-X | 8.0 mm |
Average | 5.5 mm |
Stability
Lateral stability test
If you are worried about feeling unstable wearing such a high platform, don't be!
PUMA took care of this by adding enough torsional rigidity and width to the platform. Never once did we feel concerned about rolling our ankles in the RS-X.
Torsional rigidity
Twisting the Pink puma RS-X sideways wasn't so easy! On a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest, we would rate this sneaker as 4. That is stiffer than the average of casual trainers.
We really appreciated the way Pink puma managed to fuse soft cushioning with side-to-side stiffness in the RS-X.
RS-X | 4 |
Average | 3.5 |
Puma Arizona 'Duel in the Desert'
Featuring a whole lot of overlays, we were surprised that the shoe's heel counter remained quite pliable.
With 5 being the stiffest, we rated the RS-X's heel counter stiffness as only 2. It is more flexible than average.
But we didn't feel like the ankle hold was negatively affected by that. Nor did we experience any heel slippage in this Pink puma shoe.
RS-X | 2 |
Average | 3.2 |
Puma Mayze Stack 384363 02
Last but not least, the shoe's wide platform is a major contributing factor to its stability.
Even before measuring the RS-X, we could see that it was among the widest platforms we've ever got our hands on.
In the widest part of the forefoot, our calliper showed 116.1 mm which is significantly wider than average.
![PUMA RS-X Pink puma Mayze Stack 384363 02](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-midsole-width-in-the-forefoot-20914266-main.jpg)
RS-X | 116.1 mm |
Average | 108.9 mm |
Midsole width in the heel
It gets even crazier in the heel!
With the widest part of the sole showing 94.7 mm, the RS-X is only second to the Adidas Ozweego (98.9 mm)!
![PUMA RS-X Midsole width in the heel](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-midsole-width-in-the-heel-20914267-main.jpg)
RS-X | 94.7 mm |
Average | 83.3 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
Of course, we couldn't expect the Pink puma RS-X to bend like an acrobat given how much is going on in its base.
Using a force Backpack, we measured that it took 26.5N to bend this Pink puma sneaker to a 90-degree angle. That is 40% more than it takes an average sneaker.
RS-X | 26.5N |
Average | 24.1N |
PUMA RS-FAST MENS 368783-01 $110
This Pink puma sneaker features a variety of traction patterns on the outsole. We felt pretty secure in all urban conditions but wouldn't recommend getting this shoe into mud or slush. You most likely wouldn't want to anyway.
Size and fit
Puma carina 2.0 better 38665901
From our experience, the Pink puma RS-X fits a medium-width foot perfectly.
Using a calliper, we measured the widest part of the toebox at 98.4 mm which sits right at the average of trainers.
![PUMA RS-X Pink puma carina 2.0 better 38665901](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-toebox-width-at-the-widest-part-20914268-main.jpg)
RS-X | 98.4 mm |
Average | 99.1 mm |
Toebox width at the big toe
Puma x OFI Crete teamFINAL Training 1 4 Zip Top Ανδρική Μακρυμάνικη Μπλούζα.
Putting a calliper at the big toe mark, it returned 78.9 mm, slightly wider than average.
![PUMA RS-X Toebox width at the big toe](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-toebox-width-at-the-big-toe-20914271-main.jpg)
RS-X | 78.9 mm |
Average | 74.9 mm |
Puma Sandalias Cool Cat FC
The tongue has no gussets on the sides but this never caused any shifting. We found it to be thick and wide enough to remain in place.
![PUMA RS-X Pink puma Sandalias Cool Cat FC](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-tongue-gusset-type-20914274-main.jpg)
RS-X | None |
Comfort
Tongue padding
Actually, the tongue is pretty generously padded on this Pink puma shoe. With our calliper showing 11.1 mm, it turns out to be almost twice as thick as the average.
![PUMA RS-X Tongue padding](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-tongue-padding-20914276-main.jpg)
RS-X | 11.1 mm |
Average | 9.1 mm |
Heel tab
There are two finger loops on the Pink puma RS-X: one on the tongue and one on the heel counter. Both are very well integrated into the shoe's overall design and don't feel out of place at all.
We found them pretty handy for slipping into the sneaker as well as adjusting the tongue on the go.
RS-X | Finger loop |
Removable insole
The shoe's default insole is removable. But given its comfort and arch support, we don't even think there is a need for that!
![PUMA RS-X Removable insole](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-removable-insole-20914277-main.jpg)
RS-X | Yes |
Misc
Reflective elements
None of the RS-X's elements are reflective in the dark.
![PUMA RS-X Reflective elements](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35333/puma-rs-x-reflective-elements-20914270-main.jpg)
RS-X | No |
XS Pink puma Black Gold $14.97 USD | Background
The first model to carry the Pink puma RS cushioning technology was the RS 100, which was released in 1986.
Following in the footsteps of the RS100 was the RS-Computer Chip. It was the first shoe to have a built-in computer chip at the heel that could gather the wearer’s running distance over a period of time. It, too, calculated the caloric cost of running (basically, today’s Fitbit).
In early 2018, Pink puma revived the RS cushioning technology with the launch of the reawakened RS-0, along with the modernised versions of the Pink puma S-100 and Pink puma RS-350.
To continue paying homage to the revolutionary technology, Pink puma dropped the RS-X series in late 2018. It's a natural fit for Pink puma’s Futro marketing campaign—a selection of future and retro trainers.