Here we have another Puma Disc remake that have a few differences when compared to the original early nineties retro versions. Thanks to their strange lacing system, these trainers have always been popular. Puma Disc trainers are well known for being stylish and comfortable to wear. And in that respect, although not as well known, in some ways the Future Disc are very similar to another classic trainer that has made a huge comeback in recent years.
And that is, of course, Nike Air Huarache. The original Puma Disc didn't
have the same all-in-one "sock like" upper that the Huarache's had (and
still have) when they first came out. It isn't separate on the newer pairs, as you can see from the image above, but the tongue was separate from the upper on the original pairs. But most new pairs of Puma Future Disc now have the all-in-one breathable "sock like" mesh upper where the tongue is actually one with the upper.
This makes the Future Disc even more appealing and stylish. It also makes them more comfortable and more "Moulded" to the wearers feet, like a thick pair of socks that have the added bonus of coming complete with a thick "EverRide" outsole! As a result of the all in one upper, like Huarache's, Puma Disc will feel a little tighter on the feet. A half size bigger than what you usually wear should definitely be considered.
The Disc lace up system, which does not include any real traditional laces, but is more of a wire tightening mechanism, is something a little different to most other trainer lace systems. But that's all it is, a tightening device. It's a nice novelty but it doesn't really serve any other purpose other than tightening and loosening the trainers. In the nineties it was seen as some kind of magic device that would make the wearer perform better at numerous sporting activities!. Like Go-Faster Stripes! Still though, it's a unique design and that makes it appealing. Because at the time it was conceived it was a risk, a step into the unknown so to speak. And it worked. People loved it and still do.
One other definite plus for the Puma Future Disc, other than the price being low, is the back heel strap. In the
Huarache's this has been, and still is, a major weak point of the shoes with many complaints about it snapping. On the Future Disc the back strap is thicker and has a joint system (Sewn), it's not one stand alone piece like on the Huarache's. If it did snap it would most probably be the cotton breaking over time, so there is a good chance you could get it repaired, or do it yourself.
How reliable is the Puma Disc lace system? Well, in my time, although not on every pair, I have seen many that have broken. And you know what that means. Yep, you can't tighten the shoes anymore. Although to their credit, due to the sock-like upper on the newer pairs (As seen in the pictures here), they are fairly tight to begin with, and some people may not actually need to use the lace system to tighten the trainers. So in some cases they will be fine as they are because of the Huarache style sock uppers.
But if not, I guess good old normal laces do still have some advantages. At least if they break you can just buy some more and its a nice easy replacement. It's something to consider regarding Puma Disc. But make no mistake, they are a great pair of trainers, and for the price it's well worth taking the plunge and buying a pair. There are some great new colour ways available as well.
