Puma Tazon 6 Complete Review

Originally making its debut before 2020, the Puma Tazon 6 continues to be a popular choice for those seeking a versatile, everyday athletic shoe. It's a model that has seen several iterations, including the Tazon 6 Fracture FM, but its core appeal remains consistent: a blend of comfort, stability, and style at an affordable price point. This review dives deep into what makes the Tazon 6 a go-to for many, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and ideal user profile based on numerous user experiences and detailed product analysis.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Best For: Everyday wear, walking, and gym workouts

Key Strengths: Exceptional comfort, especially with the SoftFoam+ insole; provides good stability and support; durable construction with a leather-like upper; and a versatile style suitable for various occasions.

Notable Limitations: Can run warm due to limited breathability; not ideal for serious running as it can feel heavy and stiff; some users report issues with sizing and fit, often needing to size up; the tongue may shift during wear; and some find the ankle collar causes rubbing.

What Makes The Tazon 6 Stand Out?

So, what’s the big deal with the Puma Tazon 6? In a sea of sneakers, it manages to carve out a niche for itself, primarily through its focus on cushioned support and robust design, all without breaking the bank. The secret sauce is really in the combination of a few key technologies. First up is the SoftFoam+ sockliner. This isn't just a basic insole; it's a memory foam layer that gives you that immediate "ahh, that's comfy" feeling the moment you step in. It's a feature frequently praised by wearers, like one who said, "Super comfortable, yeah soft foam optimal comfort so that's what it's about I guess. That's why um they feel so good". This is backed by an EVA heel pod that absorbs shock, making it a great choice for long days on your feet. Adding to its sturdy feel is a TPU shank in the midfoot, providing torsional rigidity and stability that's appreciated during workouts. The durable synthetic leather upper not only looks sleek but is also easy to clean, making it a practical option for daily wear.

Real Customer Experiences

Diving into user reviews gives us a real-world picture of the Tazon 6's performance. The feedback is largely positive, with many people becoming repeat buyers.

• Comfort is a major win. Many reviewers, especially those working long hours on their feet like nurses and retail staff, rave about the all-day comfort provided by the SoftFoam insole. One user even called them "the best shoes I've ever had!".
• Durability and value are consistently highlighted. Users appreciate that the shoe is built to last, with the sturdy synthetic leather upper often outlasting the inner cushioning. This longevity, combined with its affordable price point, makes it a great value proposition for many.
• The fit can be tricky. A recurring piece of advice is to consider sizing up. Many reviewers found the shoes run small or narrow, suggesting that trying them on before buying or ordering a half-size larger is a wise move.

Here are some direct quotes from users:

"I wear these every day they are easy to keep clean, the synthetic leather upper makes it a nice casual shoe, in the rain, they are protective, within reason, not in heavy rain, the shoes absorb shock and feel so comfortable for general things." - A satisfied wearer.

"The tongue does not have the loop that keeps it in place with the shoe laces. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but after wearing them for about 5 or 6 hours, with not a lot of activity, the tongue shifts, leaving the laces to cut into the top of my foot." - A Zappos reviewer pointing out a common design flaw.

Design and Build Quality

The Puma Tazon 6 has a distinctive look that blends athletic and casual styles.

• Upper: Primarily constructed from synthetic leather, it offers a clean, streamlined aesthetic. Perforations are included in the forefoot and side panels to aid with airflow, though many users report that the shoe can still get warm. The design incorporates a T-toe for durability and a midfoot saddle that integrates with the lacing system for a secure, locked-in fit. The collar and tongue are padded for comfort, but a notable design flaw is the lack of a lace loop on the tongue, which can cause it to shift.
• Midsole: The shoe uses a standard EVA foam midsole for cushioning, with an added EVA heel pod for enhanced shock absorption, particularly beneficial for heel strikers. While comfortable initially, the EVA foam may compress over time with heavy use. The real star of the midsole is the TPU shank, which provides significant midfoot stability, making it a great choice for gym workouts requiring a firm base. Many versions also include a removable SoftFoam+ insole for extra comfort.
• Outsole: The outsole is made of durable rubber, designed to hold up against wear and tear. It features a multi-directional tread pattern that provides reliable traction on various surfaces.

Comfort and Fit

When it comes to comfort, the Tazon 6 is a bit of a mixed bag, though it leans heavily towards positive experiences, especially for specific foot types and uses.

• Sizing Advice: This is crucial: the Tazon 6 generally runs small and somewhat narrow. The most common recommendation from wearers is to order at least a half-size larger than your usual size to ensure a comfortable fit. If you have wider feet, this is almost a necessity.
• Width Profile: For those who know they need extra room, Puma does offer the Tazon 6 in a "Wide" version. Users who have purchased the wide option generally report that it provides the necessary space and comfort they were looking for. One wearer noted, however, that the wide version also felt longer, so be prepared for a slightly different fit overall.
• Break-in Period: Thanks to the plush SoftFoam+ insole, many people find the shoe comfortable right out of the box. However, due to the sturdy synthetic leather upper and the firm midsole, some users have reported a brief break-in period is needed for the materials to soften up and conform to their feet.
• Potential Issues: As mentioned, the most common complaints are the tongue sliding to the side and potential for the collar to rub against the ankle bone. These issues can often be mitigated with different lacing techniques, like a runner's knot or heel lock, which can help secure the foot and ankle more effectively. For those needing more specialized arch support, the removable insole makes it easy to swap in your own orthotics.

Style and Versatility

One of the strongest selling points of the Puma Tazon 6 is its ability to transition seamlessly from the gym to everyday casual wear. The design is sleek and modern, with a distinct athletic edge that isn't overly aggressive. Available in a variety of colorways, often monochromatic with subtle accents, it can easily be paired with workout gear, jeans, or shorts. The synthetic leather gives it a more polished look than typical mesh runners, making it suitable for a wide range of settings, from hitting the weights to running errands or even a casual workplace. While it's marketed as a "running-inspired" shoe, its true strength lies in its versatility as a comfortable all-rounder, perfect for walking, light training, and daily activities.

Quality and Durability

The PUMA Tazon 6 is generally regarded as a durable shoe, with about 75% of users praising its longevity and solid construction. The synthetic leather upper is a key contributor to this, resisting scuffs and being easy to clean. The rubber outsole and supportive TPU shank also add to its robust build. However, the shoe's weak point tends to be the midsole cushioning. Over time and with consistent use, the EVA foam can compress and lose its responsiveness, a common issue noted by users. This means that while the shoe's exterior might still look great, the comfort and support can diminish. As one review pointed out, the feeling of the sole can become quite stiff, potentially causing discomfort: "The soles are stiff, much stiffer then I remembered, and they cut around the ankle". Minor issues like occasional loose stitching have also been reported.

Decision Matrix

Legend: ✓ = Good ○ = Average ✕ = Poor