The Top 15 Wireless Earbuds for Runners: A Comprehensive Guide

Fitbit made waves in the wearable tech market with its recent announcement that it sold over one million Blaze smartwatches within the first month of its release. Alongside this, the company also sold more than a million Alta activity trackers, marking a significant milestone in its product line.

Fitbit’s Chief Business Officer, Woody Scal, expressed the company’s excitement about the strong demand for both the Blaze and Alta, highlighting their ability to innovate in the wearables space. “The positive response to both Blaze and Alta reinforces Fitbit’s leadership position in the global wearables category,” Scal said.

This success came as a bit of a surprise to many. Just months before the release, Fitbit’s standing in the market seemed uncertain. When the Blaze was first introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, it faced skepticism. Investors expressed concern that the Blaze lacked the features necessary to differentiate it from competitors, especially with the crowded smartwatch market. At the time, Fitbit’s stock dropped by 18% as the news also coincided with a lawsuit alleging inaccuracies in Fitbit’s heart rate monitors, particularly during intense exercise. However, Fitbit dismissed the lawsuit, stating it lacked merit.

The Blaze, priced at A$329.95, tracks the same core data as Fitbit’s more affordable wristbands. However, its sleek square design targets the Apple Watch crowd or those looking for a similar device at a more accessible price. Unlike the Apple Watch, the Blaze doesn’t come with built-in GPS, so users must rely on their smartphones for accurate distance and mapping during activities like running or cycling.

For gym-goers and casual runners, the Blaze offers an attractive and functional smartwatch. With features such as phone notifications, a long battery life (up to five days), an optical heart rate sensor, and customizable straps, it delivers on both style and substance.

Fitbit’s success was evident, with the Blaze topping Amazon’s smartwatch and heart rate monitor categories, receiving over 1,200 reviews, 83% of which were four- or five-star ratings. The company’s rapid sales growth places the Blaze as a formidable competitor in the smartwatch space, especially when compared to the Apple Sport Watch, which starts at A$429.00. While Apple has not disclosed exact sales numbers for the Apple Watch, reports indicated strong sales, especially in the month of December. Still, Fitbit’s Blaze positions the company as a major player in the smartwatch market.

The Puma Speed Sutamina is designed for runners who prioritize a lightweight, responsive feel. This running shoe features a soft, cushioned midsole and a propulsive edge that provides an energizing ride. However, its softness might not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who are heavier or prone to injury.

Lightweight and Supportive

The Sutamina is engineered to provide a secure fit with its lightweight upper and an effective lacing system. The Proplate technology in the midsole is specifically designed to boost your running performance by helping with faster turnover and smoother transitions. At first glance, the shoe may feel like it’s not offering much support due to the softness of its cushioning. Yet, it’s surprisingly light and responsive when worn, making it an ideal choice for runners looking for a shoe that feels natural and energizing during their runs.

The ProFoam Midsole: Softness Meets Energy Return

Puma’s ProFoam midsole, an EVA-based foam, is the secret behind the Sutamina’s responsive cushioning and energy return. The foam’s ability to rebound was demonstrated by a viral video in which an egg bounced without breaking when dropped onto the ProFoam material. This technology promises a cushioned ride that absorbs impact and helps propel you forward. However, the high softness of the midsole has garnered mixed feedback from runners. While some testers appreciated the lightweight feel and comfort, others felt that the cushioning lacked enough support for longer runs or heavier foot strikes.

In my experience, the Sutamina’s soft midsole did feel forgiving when walking or during short runs. However, after extended runs, I began to notice some discomfort in my shins and hips. This might be due to the lack of arch support and the softness of the cushioning, which didn’t provide the stability some runners may need, especially on uneven surfaces or long distances.

A Secure, Comfortable Fit

One of the standout features of the Sutamina is its snug, secure fit. The upper is flexible, providing plenty of room in the toe box while still holding the foot firmly in place. I tested the shoe in a half size larger than my usual fit, and I was pleased to find that there was no slippage or discomfort. The effective lacing system ensured that my foot stayed secure without feeling overly tight.

Pros and Cons

While the Sutamina is praised for its lightweight feel and the secure fit of the upper, it does have its drawbacks. The soft cushioning is a significant advantage for lighter, more efficient runners, but it may not be sufficient for those who require more support or cushioning for their feet. The lack of arch support and the softness of the midsole could cause discomfort for some, particularly on longer runs or for heavier runners who need more stability.

Tester Feedback

Kristen Parker, a RW Photo Editor, found that the Sutamina’s lightweight upper provided good flexibility, especially around the toe box and arch. However, she noted that while the cushioning felt adequate for shorter runs, the sole felt flatter compared to other shoes, which may not be ideal for heel strikers like herself.

Stephanie N., a tester with a neutral gait, initially appreciated the lightness and flexibility of the shoe. However, after using it for longer runs, she began experiencing knee pain. She attributed this to the lack of cushioning in the midfoot and forefoot, which made the shoe less effective for handling hilly terrain and uneven surfaces.

Should You Choose the Speed Sutamina?

The Puma Speed Sutamina is perfect for runners who prefer a lightweight shoe that delivers high energy return and a responsive feel. However, its soft midsole and minimal arch support make it more suited for efficient runners without a history of injuries. If you’re someone who needs extra support or cushioning for longer runs, you may want to consider other options. For runners looking for a propulsive, lightweight trainer, the Sutamina could be a great fit.