Details
Brand
Puma
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• AirMesh interior allows for air to circulate• AirMesh stability components• EverFit on the lateral and medial sides• EverTrack+, a high-abrasion rubber• Faas Foam+ in the midsole• EcoOrthoElite Sockliner• Flex grooves in the out-and midsoles• 4mm drop
Upper
The upper is composed of AirMesh, plus additional mesh panels. This provides optimized ventilation to keep the foot and interior of the shoe dry and cool. AirMesh also helps secure the foot without added weight, while allowing it to move freely. The shoe has added reflective overlays to improve the visibility of the runner in low light environments. The interior is lined with an OrthoLite sock liner padding to improve comfort. The toe box has added the room to allow toes to splay naturally, although this received mix reviews: some appreciated the extra room, while others felt it was uncomfortably wide. The women’s shoe is designed narrower in the heel, and more room in the toe box and the upper sits lower across the top and supports the arch more. This adjustment received positive feedback.
Midsole
Composed of FAAS Foam+ (Puma’s blend of foam and rubber), the one-piece midsole compound provides the shoe’s main cushion, delivers a springier impression, better resilience and an easier ride. Just like in the outsole, flexibility has been improved with flex grooves. Testers say that although the cushion was sufficient for such a light shoe, they could still feel rocks and debris underfoot.
Outsole
The outsole includes EverRide+ (an updated blown rubber compound) is lightweight for a more reactive toe-off. It uses EverTrack + which is an abrasion-resistant rubber to increase durability. An outer heel counter adds support and protection without feeling bulky. Flexibility has been improved due to the added flex groove in the outsoles, plus the rubber has been removed from under the forefoot.
Breathability
The Puma Faas 500 S v2 includes AirMesh which allows air to enter the shoe, promoting a drier, cooler environment while maintaining freshness. The EcoOrthoElite Sockliner works with AirMesh to promote comfort while destroying odor-spreading bacteria and promotes breathability. The shoe doesn’t include any stitching which helps reduce irritation and increases airflow.
Comfort
The shoe lacks toe spring, in that it sits flat on the ground. It’s stiffer than the typical trainer but offers enough support and cushion for everyday use. The insole has a spongier feel than most insoles, making the shoe feel cushy, yet at the same time, the mid and outsole feel rather firm.
Style
The Puma Faas 500 S v2 is available in assorted styles. Currently, the women’s version is available in Grey/Dawn, Clematis Blue/Fluorescent Yellow/Black, Clearwater/Blue Coral/Sulphur Spring and White/Astral Aura/Bleached Denim. The men’s version is currently available in Dark Blue/Light Blue/Fluorescent Yellow, Dark Grey/Green/Black, Light Grey/Green and Quarry/Silver/Sulphur. Previous styles are either currently unavailable or out of stock. The shoe includes reflective properties to promote visibility of a runner in low light conditions. Testers say the shoes fit true to size, while some say they run a little wide.
Durability
The shoe includes EverTrack+ on the outsole, a high-abrasion rubber, protecting the shoe from high-wear areas and surface friction. This was added in critical areas of the shoe where the shoe could be most compromised. Faas Foam+ in the midsole promotes more resilience and cushion. The foam compound provides additional protection, plus it doesn’t easily wear off or break down, guaranteeing a reliable buffer between the road surface and foot. The added mesh panels in the upper add structure while maintaining reliability.
Protection
The outsole’s EverTrack+ protects the shoe from high-impact areas. The toe has a rubber overlay that helps protect the toes from debris. The shoe’s EverFit helps reduce pronation, protecting the runner’s stride and preventing rolling. The AirMesh protects the runner from heat buildup. The outer heel counter protects the back of the foot without feeling like it’s added weight. Some runners reported being able to feel the terrain through the shoe which can cause irritation.
Responsiveness
The EverRide+ helps encourage springiness, especially when the runner begins toe-offs. Flex grooves in the out-and midsole allow the shoe to give when needed, but also spring back when the runner lets off, allowing it to bend and move throughout positioning. The extra room in the toe box allows proper in the front of the shoe for toes to fully splay, allowing more comfortable toe-offs. The lack of toe spring can be a minor drawback.
Support
While marketed as a neutral shoe, EverFit was added on both lateral and medial sides, which provides more midfoot support. This reduces over-pronation while you run and secures your foot without getting in the way. AirMesh also helps secure the foot in the upper. When coupled with EverFit technology, this provides all-around support. The outer heel counter adds support without any resistance.
Terrain
This shoe is intended to be a road running shoe. It can grip surfaces such as dirt, paved roads, paths and light trails, but is not intended for use on questionable terrains, like serious hiking trails or slippery terrain.
Price
The Puma Faas 500 S v2 cost is right in line with other similar shoes. The shoe has been discontinued, and most sizes are unavailable. Potential buyers who don’t find their size or color choice may look into the Puma Faas 500 v4 or Puma Faas 600 v2.
Drop
The shoe maintains the 4mm drop it has in other Faas models, which is much less than the standard 12mm. The lower drop measurement helps ensure an easier landing on the midfoot and a more natural running form. If a runner is used to a higher drop, this shoe may feel a little unnatural and will require an adjustment period.
Stability
The shoe is a neutral shoe intended for low to mid-grade pronators. EverFit reduces the pronation by providing more midfoot support. The outer heel counter adds stability and protection without the shoe feeling weighed down. AirMesh helps secure the foot without the added weight. The women’s version places the upper lower across the top with more arch support.
Flexibility
The flex grooves found in the mid- and outsole promote flexibility, plus the lack of rubber found beneath the forefoot. The insole has a thicker, spongier feel, making the interior feel cushier than its predecessors. The upper mesh allows the foot to move more freely while reducing weight. Some runners stated they found the shoe to be too stiff to experience much flexibility, while others didn’t feel much give in the heel.
Traction
The outsole design allows proper traction on hard surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, tracks, grass and light hills. The shoe does not have spikes or lugs allowing for proper use on difficult terrains, such as ice or other slippery or unreliable surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Puma 500 S v2 is a great training shoe, or even for everyday wear. It’s breathable, cushiony and has a springy step. While it might seem stiff to some users or irritate the backs of their heels, these concerns seem to be few. It reduces pronation while supporting the arch. They come with reflective strips to promote safety in low-visibility conditions. The sock liner and AirMesh technology promote health by reducing the spread of bacteria. Some areas of improvement could be reducing the feel of the terrain through the soles and reducing the stiffness which can irritate.
