When Puma announced Tyrese Haliburton’s first-ever signature shoe, the Puma Hali 1, I was curious. I wasn’t sure how it would perform or whether it would live up to the growing reputation of Puma Basketball. Now that I’ve played several sessions in the Hali 1, I’m ready to share my complete experience in this Puma Hali 1 Review.
This article will cover everything from cushioning and traction to support and fit, highlighting what works and what doesn’t.
First Impressions of the Puma Hali 1
When I first pulled the Puma Hali 1 out of the box, the presentation really stood out. The packaging was sleek, clean, and premium—something you’d expect from a signature shoe. Sliding them on for the first time, the snug fit was immediately noticeable. I was a little concerned at first about the tightness, but I quickly realized that the materials broke in after a short session on the court.
One thing that surprised me was how much awareness this shoe created in the gym. As soon as I wore them, people noticed. That tells me Puma accomplished one of its main goals: building hype and visibility around its basketball division.
Traction – Reliable and Built for Indoor and Outdoor Play
The traction on the Puma Hali 1 is excellent. The outsole uses a traditional herringbone pattern with Puma Grip rubber. There are no unnecessary gimmicks—it’s all about performance.
From my experience, Puma’s translucent rubber compounds tend to grip better than solid rubber versions. That pattern holds true here as well, and I found the translucent outsole to perform impressively on hardwood.
Where the Puma Hali 1 really shines is versatility. The outsole is thick and durable, making it just as reliable for outdoor courts. Unlike some softer rubber outsoles that wear down quickly, this one feels built to last.
Pros of Traction:
- Excellent grip indoors
- Thick and durable for outdoor play
- Classic herringbone setup ensures multidirectional coverage
Cons of Traction:
- Slightly stiff at first, but breaks in after a few runs
Cushioning – Full-Length Nitro Foam
One of the biggest upgrades Puma made with the Hali 1 is its cushioning system. The shoe uses full-length Nitro Foam, unlike the LaMelo line where cushioning is usually segmented into the heel or forefoot.
The Nitro Foam is responsive yet comfortable. I felt impact protection on hard landings while still being able to stay quick on my feet. It’s not overly soft like some running shoes, but it strikes a great balance between court feel and comfort.
After playing for hours, my knees and feet didn’t feel sore—a sign that the cushioning was doing its job.
Pros of Cushioning:
- Full-length Nitro Foam for consistent comfort
- Balanced mix of responsiveness and impact protection
- Feels softer and more supportive than past Puma basketball models
Cons of Cushioning:
- Not as plush as some Nike Zoom Air setups
- Players who prefer ultra-soft cushioning may find it firm
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Fit and Materials – Modern and Functional
The upper of the Puma Hali 1 is built with lightweight textiles reinforced by TPU overlays. The materials feel modern, breathable, and performance-focused.
When I first put the shoes on, they felt snug—tighter than I was used to with other Puma models. But within minutes on the court, the upper broke in and molded comfortably to my foot. I appreciated how the overlays weren’t just for design—they provided real containment and durability in high-wear areas like the toe box.
Visually, the shoe gives off a slight Yeezy 700 vibe with its layered textures. The Puma Cat logo also makes a refreshing return, which I personally enjoyed since most recent Puma basketball sneakers relied heavily on the Formstrip branding.
Pros of Fit and Materials:
- Snug fit that quickly breaks in
- Lightweight and breathable textiles
- TPU overlays provide lateral support and durability
Cons of Fit and Materials:
- Runs slightly narrow; wide-footers may need to size up
- Materials feel modern but not premium
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Support and Stability – Rock-Solid Lockdown
Support is one of the strongest aspects of the Puma Hali 1. The shoe uses a wide base with an internal and external heel counter, plus a massive TPU shank plate that extends into the forefoot.
Usually, I’m not a fan of stiff plates because they can limit flexibility. However, in this case, I didn’t feel restricted. The forefoot design allows natural movement while still keeping the shoe stable.
On top of that, sitting slightly within the midsole enhances stability during cuts and landings. Whether I was defending laterally or pushing off for a drive, I felt secure and balanced.
Pros of Support:
- Wide, stable base for balance
- Strong TPU shank for torsional support
- Heel counters keep the back of the foot locked in
Cons of Support:
- Stiffer than some players may prefer
- Takes a little time to adjust to the TPU plate feel
Style and Aesthetics
Performance aside, I have to admit that the Puma Hali 1 looks good. The layered textures and TPU details give it a modern edge without overcomplicating the design. The tongue design also stood out to me—it reduces lace pressure and adds ventilation, which is a thoughtful touch.
This is a shoe I feel comfortable wearing on and off the court, which isn’t always the case with performance basketball sneakers.
Durability – Built to Last
Durability often gets overlooked in performance reviews, but for players like me who hoop both indoors and outdoors, it matters a lot.
The Puma Hali 1 is clearly built to handle wear and tear. The outsole is thick, the overlays protect high-wear zones, and the upper materials don’t feel fragile. After multiple sessions, I didn’t see any signs of early breakdown.
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My Final Verdict on the Puma Hali 1
After spending significant time in the Puma Hali 1, here’s my honest takeaway: this shoe is one of the most well-rounded basketball sneakers Puma has released.
It doesn’t rely on gimmicks. Instead, it focuses on solid traction, balanced cushioning, strong support, and modern materials. It’s not the absolute softest shoe, nor the flashiest, but it performs where it matters.
Who Should Buy the Puma Hali 1?
- Players looking for a versatile shoe for both indoor and outdoor play
- Guards who need responsiveness but also want cushioning
- Anyone who values stability and secure lockdown
Who Might Skip It?
- Wide-footers who prefer a roomier fit
- Players who want plush, cloud-like cushioning
Overall, I can confidently say in this Puma Hali 1 Review that the shoe delivers on performance and comfort. Puma continues to make big moves in basketball footwear, and the Hali 1 proves they’re serious contenders in the sneaker game.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- Excellent traction indoors and outdoors
- Full-length Nitro Foam cushioning
- Supportive and stable design
- Durable build with modern materials
- Stylish enough for casual wear
Cons:
- Runs narrow at first
- Cushioning may feel firm to some players
- Slight stiffness due to TPU plate
Conclusion: Puma Hali 1 Review
The Puma Hali 1 surprised me in the best way possible. It’s a strong debut for Tyrese Haliburton’s signature line and a sneaker I’ll keep in my rotation. If you’re looking for a reliable performance basketball shoe that balances comfort, support, and traction, this one is worth trying.
In short, the Puma Hali 1 proves that Puma is no longer just a side player in the basketball sneaker world—they’re here to compete.
Jason Cole is a passionate sneaker writer and basketball shoe reviewer with years of experience in the world of athletic footwear. Combining deep product knowledge with a genuine love for the game, Jason delivers in-depth reviews and insights that help players choose the right performance sneakers for their style and needs. His articles break down every detail — from traction and cushioning to support and fit — making them a trusted resource for both casual hoopers and serious athletes.
Over the years, Jason has tested and analyzed hundreds of basketball shoes from top brands like Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Puma, and Under Armour. His hands-on approach and honest feedback make his reviews stand out for their accuracy and authenticity. Whether it’s the latest signature model or a hidden gem on the court, Jason’s expertise helps readers find the perfect pair to elevate their performance.
When he’s not writing or testing sneakers, Jason follows the latest trends in basketball culture, exploring how innovation, style, and performance come together in modern sportswear. His goal is simple — to guide every reader toward the ideal basketball shoe that blends comfort, technology, and court-ready confidence.
