Details
Brand
Puma
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Lightweight cushioning• EverTrack outsole• 4 mm drop• EverFit 2.0 upper lockdown that provides stability• Breathable sockliner for added comfort• FaasFoam+ midsole• Reduced weight• Blown rubber EverTrack+ outsole for enhanced cushioning, durability, and a smoother toe-off• Forefoot flex grooves
Upper
Puma has outdone itself when it comes to the shoe’s upper. On the Faas 500, Puma uses a weave mesh technology that gives the runner great breathability and stability. The shoe also has the EverFit2.0 which is an upper lockdown system. While often this is designed in a heavy manner, Puma managed to create a lightweight but still supportive fit. The tongue and lacing also provide a unique extra addition to the support the shoe provides. There are straps that attach to the tongue, providing extra support to the foot. Runners also appreciated the heat-retaining material the upper uses during the winter. Most runners felt that the features of the upper contribute to the shoe’s personalized fit and stability.
Midsole
The Faas 500 v4’s midsole has been upgraded since v3, as it now utilizes Faas Foam+ throughout the shoe. This helps to increase the shoe’s overall responsiveness as it is shock absorbent and provides a springy feeling when pushing off. The midsole, while it utilizes the soft foam, still gives the runner a feel for the road. Runners enjoyed the feel of the midsole, but many did desire a bit more flexibility.
Outsole
The outsole helps to support the foot from underneath. The Faas 500 v4’s outsole uses EverTrack+ technology, which is injected with blown rubber and is abrasion-resistant. While a relatively minimalist shoe, there is still a great deal of cushioning throughout the durable outsole. The outsole also has carbon rubber coverage that helps with the shoe’s durability. The Faas 500 v4 also uses flex grooves that allow runners to have an easier toe-off with flexibility. While many of these features help with the shoe’s durability and comfort, the one area lacking is the grip. Reviewers felt like the shoe could add more traction in the rain. Overall, though, reviewers were pleased with the outsole.
Breathability
Breathability is above average for the Faas 500 v4. Puma’s upgrades to this shoe from previous versions definitely impacted the breathability in a positive way. The weave mesh technology in the upper improves breathability and provides perfect airflow. This lightweight material ensures that the foot is comfortable and stable throughout runs. The sockliner also helps improve the shoe’s breathability, keeping the foot cool throughout the shoe. While one reviewer complained that the plastic layer over the toe box impacted the shoe’s breathability in a negative way, most runners feel like this added layer of protection doesn’t hurt.
Comfort
Comfort ratings are above average for this shoe. The Faas 500 v4’s new mesh technology and foam cushioning create comfort in a shoe that you wouldn’t expect it from. The faasfoam+ provides a supported, comfortable feel that one reviewer described as like running on clouds. These features combined with the adequate toe box and soft sockliner create a comfortable experience for all runners.
Style
While the Faas 500 v4 comes in a variety of colors like blue, orange, grey and teal, the options don’t help on the shoe’s style. For an updated shoe with such streamlined technologies, Puma is lacking in the design, as it still appears fairly dated. While it has upped its game in trying to follow the trends for colorful running shoes, the look still utilizes a lot of white and dated styling, but keeps with what has been seen in previous versions. However, if runners are not worried about having something too flashy, the simple, sleek look should be appealing.
Durability
The Faas 500 v4 has above average durability. With Puma’s added cushioning, this neutral shoe still has a strong rubber outsole that is greatly durable. The carbon rubber coverage also adds to the shoe’s durability, but it does not impact that shoe’s grip, which is lacking. The midsole is also a strong feature that helps create a durable shoe. And of course the newly designed mesh upper with its added locking system, strong tongue and laces create a strong shoe option.
Protection
There are many features that promote protection within the Faas 500 v4. The shoe’s foamfaas+ provides protection from the elements, without sacrificing the feel of the ground. This cushioning, combined with the strong outsole, provide an added level of protection on a tough surface with rocks. The shoe’s mesh layer is tightly woven together on the newly designed upper. The Everfit 2.0. Lockdown system provides additional protection to the foot while still allowing the foot to have a natural movement. The added plastic layer on the toe box also offers lightweight security.
Responsiveness
The Faas 500 v4 is designed to increase responsiveness, without sacrificing the overall weight of the shoe. The shoe by far offers above average responsiveness. Its features maximize stability and responsiveness during impact. The shoe itself is designed to help runners improve their stride and their running technique. The shoe’s faasfoam+ midsole cushions the foot while helping with responsiveness. While absorbing shock, the shoe helps the runner get a better push off, and thus a smoother transition.
Support
While many would assume that the support would be lacking in this neutral shoe, it definitely is not. Puma uses the number within the shoe’s name to designate the amount of support that is provided. The Faas 500 is on a scale of 1000, so the shoe is said to offer medium support. The comfortable, supportive shoe not only cushions the runner with its new faasfoam+ feature, it also provides a shaped and cushioned heel. The lockdown system, the EverFit 2.0, provides a supportive fit for runners at any level. In addition, on the upper, the mesh technology keeps the foot supported. Reviewers feel like the Faas 500 v4 offers an adequate amount of support throughout both heavy and everyday running. It is a great option for those runners looking for a daily trainer.
Terrain
The Faas 500 v4 is designed to be used on the road or track. While the shoe does have flex grooves and foam cushioning, many feel that the shoe’s grip is lacking. While the shoe is not made for trail running, it still does well on many road surfaces. It is best to use the shoe on a dry, paved surface. Reviewers that used the shoe in the rain struggled to not slip, as they felt that the shoe was not able to grip. The shoe would not be ideally suited for intense trail running because of this as well.
Price
While most shoes with these types of features would be difficult to find anywhere near $100, the Faas 500 v4 is available at just about $90 for retail price, but if you search, they can be found for much less. With the redesigned shoe and added features, one would expect this shoe to be a much higher price tag. The affordable price makes this shoe not only a great price for those that are doing timed events, but also those who are just an everyday type of runner. Those that use this shoe are sure to get a faster shoe for a great price.
Drop
The shoe has a 4mm heel to toe. A common drop for those who are regular runners, the 4mm drop helps the runner’s stride to naturally go to the midfoot. This is definitely a feeling that beginner runners will have to get used to. It is something that is best eased into, but will help you become a more efficient runner in the end. The shoe’s added cushioning helps runners feel more comfortable with the lower drop.
Stability
While the shoe’s minimalistic characteristics could cause some to think that stability would be lacking, the Faas 500 v4 offers an adequate amount of stability for runners. The features like the faasfoam+, EverFit 2.0 lockdown and the mesh upper provide stability for runners of all levels. The shoe encourages a more efficient stride, and thus helps to avoid injuries. However, the Faas 500 is a neutral shoe, so if stability is a key feature throughout the purchasing process, it would be best to explore the options in the Motion Control category of shoes.
Flexibility
While often shoes like the Faas 500 v4 do not offer much in terms of flexibility, this shoe offers the perfect amount. Past versions tended to be less flexible so it appears that this is yet another feature that has been adjusted and added to throughout the redesign. The faasfoam+ technology is flexible enough to provide a great running experience. One reviewer did note that he wanted more give in the midsole, but others felt that the shoe was lightweight and flexible enough for their comfort. The flex grooves also offer an added benefit by assisting with an easier toe-off and added flexibility.
Traction
This is one of the main areas that the Puma Faas 500 v4 is lacking. The grip on the shoe is minimal. While the shoe does well on dry, hard surfaces, it performs poorly once there are wet conditions involved. The shoe also struggled when some runners went off of the paved surfaces, as the shoe is not designed for soft, trail-like surfaces. However, the cushioning and strong outsole do provide adequate protection from rocks and other items often found while running. Take caution though to avoid wet conditions when running in these shoes.
Bottom Line
Puma does it right with the Faas 500 v4. Taking notes from previous versions and what’s been done right and wrong, this shoe has almost all of the features runners of all levels need to up their game. This shoe could benefit the long distance racers, while also helping everyday trainers. Once the runner gets used to the minimal drop, the shoe will help improve efficiency by improving the runner’s natural stride. This lightweight, running shoe offers a combination of features that provide a comfortable, supported and smooth run. The shoe’s cushioning helps runners feel like they are on clouds. The newly designed upper uses mesh to optimize support and improve breathability. The EverFit 2.0 lockdown system helps create a supportive, lightweight fit. The updated midsole with the faasfoam+ creates a durable shoe that still feels springy. While runners felt like the two things that could be improved would be the grip when running in wet conditions and the shoe’s style, overall this shoe has a price tag that anyone could appreciate.
