The Puma Faas series has been inspired by the rhythm of the world’s fastest country — Jamaica. A few weeks back, the Puma team sent over both the Fass 250 and 500 after reading our review of the Faas 300.
The Puma Faas 500 is lightweight neutral trainer that is constructed using Puma’s advanced BioRide Technology, an integrated system that gives you a more natural and responsive ride. The unique rocker shape allows for a bio-mechanically efficient stride with an effortless toe-off. The sole features flex grooves that increase responsiveness as your foot naturally moves across the surface of the ground, while the full-length lateral groove in the midsole reinforces stability throughout the gait cycle. The Faas 500 takes design cues from PUMA’s old school running trainer, the RS1, and features EverRide and EverTrack in the outsole for added cushioning and durability.
Design
Well, this Fluo Green/Puma Silver colorway is about as out there as you can get – but I like them a lot. I’m not sure if it is actually what they are designed for, but I have felt safer running in the evening time while wearing them! They really are pretty minimal to look at, with just the signature Puma design in Navy running along either side of the shoe. The upper is created using a mix of lightweight mesh and synthetic suede creating a very durable combo.
Shape
One of the unique features of the Faas series is the actual design of the sole. If you look at the above image, you will notice how the front of the shoe (toe box) sits naturally off the ground. This is part of the BioRide technology used in the shoe designed to create a naturally responsive ride, in particular it is the rocker shape that offers smooth touchdown and effortless toe-off as you run.
How do they feel to run in?
If you are looking for running shoe that offers fantastic rebound properties but is also lightweight, well then these are for you. Weighing in at 9.7oz, I am still shocked at how Puma have put the whole shoe together. They are well padded, offer a super soft landing and are just down right comfortable – something that is extremely difficult to find in a lightweight shoe.
For me, the key to the shoe is the Groove technology, a midsole groove offers flexibility in the shoes movement side to side offering a more natural stability to the way you run. This, in my opinion, is the highlight of the shoe and offers an ideal solution for runners who have ankle issues. Think of it this way, you know when you are running around a corner and you sort of drop your hip/shoulder into the turn? Well, the Faas 500 offers a smooth feel as you go through the turn, with the sole of the shoe staying flush to the ground, but the midsole groove moving with your foot to give you increased stability. When I run, I go through different phases to compliment my training style. I will increase my speed for 30 seconds on/off and this makes the Faas ideal as I deal with different types of terrain. It adds confidence in my ability to deal with any oddities in the terrain.
Finishing Up
While reviewing them, I really took a liking to the Faas 300. Having now also tested the Faas 500, I am also love what they have to offer. But it is difficult to compare them as they have been designed to offer completely different traits. The Faas 500 is a running shoe designed to offer the highest level of comfort and durability. They absolutely succeed in both capacities. I would recommend this running shoe for anyone looking for a super high level of cushion and support while running. There are many similar versions on the market, but when you add the lightweight feel of the Faas 500, it seems to be the complete package! Soccer wise, they are great if you are looking to use road running as a source of fitness, where the terrain might be pretty bumpy. And if you have ankle issues, they are a pretty solid option!
Finally, if you decide to buy a pair, I recommend checking them out at the online PUMA store where you can get them on the PUMA Time Trial Program. This basically means you can try them out for 30 days risk free and if you don’t like them you get a full refund.
I hate running or jogging. I usually incorporate it into dynamic warmup passing the ball up and down the field with a partner or dribble randomly all around the field. These shoes, however, might change all that.
A long time ago (in the early 80's) Nike had running shoes with similar sole pattern.
Not to diss on Puma or anything, but have you not tried any of nike's Lunar shoes? They changed running for me, especially since I used to hate it. I absolutely love them, and I'm flat and wide footed. So if your searching for running shoes, keep them in mind, especially since you could probably find some on sale somewhere. Try foot locker, they always have coupons online.
On the other hand though… the Faas 200, or whatever the lightest one is, sounds intriguing to me. I'm going to be getting a "near bare foot shoe" it's between that and the nike frees 3.0 and the Mizuno universe.
The Lunar range is designed for indoor more than running, although they are a sweet shoe!
Nike5 Lunar Gato review – http://www.soccercleats101.com/2011/03/02/nike5-l…
Actually Bryan, the Lunar technology was first developed for Nike's Running line back in 2008. Nike only recently crossed it over to soccer/football with the Lunar Gato, a nice addition to the indoor line.
Looking forward to hearing about your experiences with the Mizuno Wave Universe too. I'm also a guy who likes running in more "minimal" shoes, as I right now run exclusively in the Nike Free line.
I was actually talking about the Lunar glide, which I have. Great shoes!
You should do a review on a pair of nikes and adidas, since you did these and have one the mizunos on the way. Then you'll have everyone done!
Wait…then there's asics…you'll have all major Soccer brands done.
I would suggest either the Nike Lunar Glides, which are the mid range shoes, then the new adidas climacools or f50 running shoes. It would be pretty awesome…
I have seen in another site where Osain bolt was wearing Puma running shoes. And the color pattern was matched with Jamaican Flag. After all they are the fastest nation in the world. This pair is has too thick bottom sole to be minimal shoes. But looks comfortable.