Puma Stewie 1 or Puma Stewie 2? Which one should you go for? Let’s find it today.
If you’re into basketball, you’ve probably heard of these two Puma models lately. They’re performance sneakers designed for Brenna Stewart and lots of people, no matter their gender, love them because of her fan base.
Both models are fantastic and fans are having a tough time choosing between the two Puma Stewie models. If you’re one of them, I’ve got you covered with this comparison.
Today, we’ll find out which Puma Stewie is best for you. So make sure to read till the end.
Contents
Analyzing Puma Stewie 1 And Puma Stewie 2
Stewie are signature sneakers from WNBA player Breanna Stewart. Breanna Mackenzie Stewart, born on August 27, 1994, is a pro basketball player for the New York Liberty in the WNBA. She’s a star, winning the league MVP in 2018 and 2023, and she’s been an All-Star multiple times. Stewart has helped her team, the Storm, win two championships in 2018 and 2020, earning the Finals MVP both times.
In the market, you’ll see two models of Puma Stewie; the Stewie 1 being released in September 2022 and the Stewie 2 being recently launched in June 2023.
Now, let’s analyze them based on some important factors like materials, cushioning, fit, traction, and price.
Materials
Stewie 1: The Stewie 1 goes by putting tough mono mesh on top, with some nice breathable sections on the sides for comfort in hot weather.
Synthetic leather adds structure to the eyelets and reinforces the back heel to prevent it from collapsing, especially during sideways movements.
With that, there’s also extra protection in high-wear areas, like the lateral side, to keep the shoe intact during pivots.
The tongue and back collar mold to your foot over time for a better fit. Overall, the materials are durable and suitable for outdoor play.
Stewie 2: The deal with Puma Stewie isn’t very different. The upper of these shoes is made of a thin and soft mesh material that conforms well to the foot without causing any discomfort. It’s supportive and features overlays for durability, particularly at the toe area, which is great for toe drags.
The shiny fuse material on the sides promises good quality and aesthetic appeal compared to Stewie 1.
The tongue is plush and comfortable, featuring the Puma logo, and the ankle area is well-padded for extra comfort. Overall, the design provides a minimalistic feel while still offering sufficient support and comfort, making it a good choice for the price.
Read More: Are Puma Sneakers Underrated?
Cushion
Stewie 1: As far as I’ve seen, for cushioning, these sneakers combine molded EVA with Puma Nitro in the heel. This nitro foam provides a smooth ride once broken in, and for me, it took around two to three sessions to break in.
Moreover, these shoes feel light when you wear them, and because they’ve got thick soles, you can feel good impact protection, especially for hard landings.
This Puma Nitro in the heel offers good energy return, and I think these should be placed in the forefoot too, but let’s not complain at all. So overall, the cushioning offers a balance of court feel and impact protection, remaining durable even after two weeks of use without that breaking-in feeling lingering.
Stewie 2: The Stewie 2 is a bit taller yet softer compared to the Stewie 1.
The cushioning feels decent. Puma’s plush insole provides an enhanced step-in experience. It feels very smooth and nice but bottoms out quickly.
Moreover, the shoe’s structure does appear stiff, but it actually has a nice feel to it and promises better comfort after breaking in.
On the upper side, you’ll see a thin and soft mesh material that molds well to the foot. The presence of overlays and a durable toe cap adds support and protection, giving the shoe a more premium look compared to previous models. The tongue is plush and comfortable, contributing to the overall cozy feel of the shoe.
Fit
Regarding fit, it’s important to note that both of these are women’s basketball shoes, so sizing up is recommended. For example, if you are looking for male sizes, you will have to go with 1.5 sizes more. If you’re normal fit is 13, you need to go with 14.5.
However, if you’re a female, then stick to your true size; there’s no need to size up.
Traction
Stewie 1: The traction pattern on these Stewie sneakers is designed with some storytelling elements for Brianna’s team, the Seattle Storm. The shoes feature a cloud at the top with lightning striking down to the midfoot and a burst pattern on the heel. This design provides coverage in multiple directions, making it suitable for crossovers and step-backs.
The burst pattern on the heel prevents slipping, except in extreme cases. Overall, they offer good traction for both indoor and outdoor play.
Stewie 2: The traction pattern on Stewie 2 is again somewhat better than Stewie 1. The forefoot has a herringbone pattern, the midfoot has a cloud-like design, and the heel resembles fire. Traction compared to Stewie 1 feels good on wood floors but might pick up dust due to the closely spaced grooves. The durability, however, seems lacking, especially in the thin rubber areas like the toe.
Moving on, the heel-to-toe transition is smooth, with a rounded heel and good forefoot flex.
Price
In general, you’re going to see a good difference in between both shoes. The Stewie 1 is generally going to cost you less because it’s an older model and people always tend to buy newer items.
Back in 2022, the Stewie 1 was around $120 but now many retailers are selling it for around 80 to 100 bucks. You can even find it for less.
However, for Stewie 2, the price remains $125 as it’s a newer model and it’s high on dependencies these days.
Overall, the price seems decent for a performance shoe. It is neither less nor too much.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?
As far as I’ve seen, both models from Puma Stewie feel great and durable for playing basketball. However, if you’re someone who wants more cushioning and better traction on the court, then Stewie 2 might be a better option. It’s the pattern on the outsoles and thick midsoles feel great for impact absorption.
However, if you’re short on money and want a reliable performance shoe for basketball, the Stewie 1 is the way to go. Its material, traction, and cushioning are all aligned to enhance your performance.
FAQs
Is Puma Stewie Good?
Yes! NBA players and reviewers have given Puma’s Stewie line of basketball shoes positive reviews. With features tailored for performance and style, these shoes offer excellent traction, support, and comfort on the court.
The Stewie 1 delivers above-average performance, while the Stewie 2 is regarded as a potential contender for the best basketball shoe of the year.
So, whether it’s the innovative design, reliable grip, or comfortable fit, the Puma Stewie series has certainly made its mark among top basketball footwear.
Can Men Wear Puma Stewie?
Yes! They can. The Puma Stewie line may be marketed with a signature from Brianna Stewart, a female basketball player. The shoes are designed to be unisex and suitable for anyone, regardless of gender.
So, as long as the size fits and the wearer finds them comfortable and supportive, anyone can definitely wear Puma Stewie basketball shoes without any issue.
Who is Stewie in Puma?
Stewie stands for Brianna Stewart, a famous basketball player who has a signature line of shoes with Puma. Brianna Stewart is known for her exceptional skills on the court and has partnered with Puma to create the Stewie line of basketball shoes, which bear her name and represent her style and performance needs as a professional athlete.
