Details
Brand
Puma
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Durable EverTrack rubber on the outsole• Breathable mesh upper• FaasFoam+ midsole• Lightweight EVA
Upper
The upper proves that the Faas 300 v3 was designed to be a lightweight shoe, ready for competition. This upper has a SpeedCell design that helps the shoe feel light and fast. There are no-sew overlays, so the shoe essentially fits like a sock. Despite the flexible fit, the Puma Faas 300 v3 still has some structure to it when the wearer takes the shoe off. The upper’s soft material helps runners feel as though they have a “custom” fit. This experience often makes people feel as though they are running on air, a feeling necessary for the competitive racer.
Midsole
This midsole is thoroughly updated in comparison to previous versions. The Faas 300 v3 has a midsole that is made with Faas Foam+, one layer, lightweight foam that keeps the shoe light and comfortable. Faas Foam+ is Puma’s signature midsole design that consists of a combination of foam and rubber. Another part of the midsole that improves the experience of the shoe is the molded EVA sockliner. This feature adds a level of responsiveness to the shoe’s performance. The midsole looks a lot thicker towards the back of the shoe due to the heel cup and slowly thins outgoing towards the forefoot.
Outsole
Puma takes its EverRide+ technology and puts it to the test on the outsole of the Faas 300 v3. This type of material makes the outsole significantly lighter compared to similar shoes, yet it doesn’t need to sacrifice cushioning or durability. A wearer will almost instantly notice the smooth ride provided by the Puma Faas 300 v3. In addition, Puma placed their durable EverTrack Rubber on areas of the outsole that are known to wear down easily.
Breathability
Generous breathability encompasses the entirety of the shoe. With that being said, breathability is a highlighted feature of the Puma Faas 300 v3. The thin upper has an air mesh texture that maximizes the shoe’s airflow. You can sweat as much as you have to in the hottest of weathers and your feet will stay cool and dry thanks to the high level of breathability in the Faas 300 v3. What does this mean to potential buyers? This means that the Puma Faas 300 v3 is versatile. Let me explain: the consistent amount of airflow going throughout the shoe makes it more enjoyable to wear for those who like to go on long distance runs. In addition, those who use this shoe as competitors will also enjoy the breathable characteristics of the upper, as they won’t be hindered by a damp, sweaty foot that will take them off track from their primary goal.
Comfort
The underfoot is arguably the section of the foot that gains the most comfort from wearing the Puma Faas 300 v3. Puma’s EverRide+ technology offers a superior cushioning that will keep the foot comfortable as it lands with each stride. The Faas Foam+ midsole also adds to the cushioning of the Faas 300 v3. The Faas Foam+ combination of rubber and foam ultimately dictate the comfort of the shoe. The air mesh upper also offers a comfortable experience, as it allows runners to move their toes and feet around freely without feeling restricted. The no-sew overlays ensure wearers that their feet won’t be irritated by vexing stitching inside the shoe itself. The Faas 300 v3’s outsole was also designed for added comfort by being significantly lighter than the standard competition shoe. The overall fit of this shoe is accurate to that of a racing shoe, as most testers felt as though they were locked down and light. The only downfall to having a shoe meant for competition is the shape. Many testers were dissatisfied with the narrow toe box, as they felt it could have been wider for a more comfortable fit.
Style
If you had to summarize the Puma Faas 300 v3 in one word, the word would be: sleek. From the narrow design to the lightweight upper and thin midsole, it is evident that the Faas 300 v3 is meant for serious competition based on its aerodynamics. Select testers have been most impressed by the updated colorways for the Faas 300 v3. This shoe has been seen in a handful of different colors, most notably black/orange/light blue, metallic blue/fluorescent peach/insignia blue, and methyl blue/insignia blue/lime green. The Puma design is printed from the midsole out to the heel with a loud color matching the interior and the laces. This design will help you stand out from the pack!
Durability
Durability is a solid plus with the Faas 300 v3. The most durable part of the shoe is easily the outsole. This section of the shoe has EverTrack rubber, which is a high-resistant material that will delay obvious signs of wear and tear. This abrasion rubber is strategically placed in areas of the outsole that usually take a frequent beating. Runners that are looking for a long-term shoe that can be used for both racing and daily running will be satisfied. The only part of this shoe that is questionable regarding durability would have to be the SpeedCell upper. This is due to the thinness and soft texture of the material. These characteristics leave the upper vulnerable to being punctured by random items within your surroundings such as tree branches, curbs, and railings.
Protection
There is arguably below average foot protection within this running shoe. It is safe to say that Puma basically sacrificed protection for a lighter weight that would be a greater benefit to speed runners. While the midsole provides cushioning to the runner, it lacks true underfoot protection due to its thin nature. The Faas Foam+ midsole material does provide a significant amount of cushioning, so one could imagine how much better the underfoot would feel compared to not having cushioning underneath. While the Faas 300 v3’s thin upper encourages superior breathability, it lacks protection for the top of the foot, which could become bothersome if you are a runner that tends to stub your toes on the track, a branch, or even a curb.
Responsiveness
The responsiveness in the Faas 300 v3 is nothing more than average. The molded EVA sock liner located in the midsole is used to add responsiveness to the shoe’s performance. The soft texture of the EVA sock liner provides a comfortable experience but has the potential to be detrimental to a shoe’s overall responsiveness. The wearer will feel a bouncy type of experience, where they feel energized to take each step, but nothing aggressively noticeable.
Support
In regards to support, the Puma Faas 300 v3 is considered a stability shoe. Runners who are seeking arch support will be delighted to use the Puma Faas 300 v3, as it hugs the arch just enough for advanced comfort. Being a slim shoe with a minimal amount of material underneath, it is surprising that the Faas 300 v3 is considered a stability shoe rather than a minimalist shoe. Underpronators may gain the most value from the Faas 300 v3, as it slightly supports the arch throughout the running experience.
Terrain
The Faas 300 v3 is built for a flat surface, primarily the track. Racers can go to the local track and take off in a sprint, or you can use the shoe for daily running on the sidewalk, street, or light trail. The flat outsole will help runners hit the pavement without any interference from deep outsole tread. If someone were to take these shoes and wear them in a callous environment, such as up a mountain, they will shortly begin to notice that the Faas 300 v3 won’t sustain very long. Other shoes that have aggressive tread would work much better in the rougher terrain. Ultimately, the Faas 300 v3 works best on hard flat surfaces rather than unstable terrain.
Price
The price of this shoe is reasonably low, and there are a few reasons for that. This price reduction is most likely due to the fact that there is a new version of the Faas 300 available. This fourth version potentially has upgraded features, which will force Puma to lower the original price of this shoe. Unless you’re the type of person that always needs to have the latest version of everything, the Puma Faas 300 v3 still has some value. Sometimes the most recently released product isn’t always the best one. The Faas 300 v3 is a symbol of an inexpensive racing shoe with some value. Those who don’t want to spend more than $50 will be pleased with what the Faas 300 v3 has to offer.
Drop
The heel to toe drop of the Faas 300 v3 is measured at approximately 8 millimeters for both men and women. Runners that prefer minimalist shoe will likely feel as though this measurement is too much for their liking. This measurement is ultimately a result of the thick abrasion resistant rubber that protects the outsole from casual damage, as well as the heel from impact.
Stability
The feel of the Puma Faas 300 v3 will give the runner a solid sense of stability. The all-around snug feel of the shoe helps keep the foot tightly in place no matter how fast you are running. The heel cup at the back of the Faas 300 v3 also keeps the heel stable so that it doesn’t move around within the shoe.
Flexibility
Flexibility is a must for a running shoe like the Puma Faas 300 v3, and the upper, midsole and outsole contribute to the above average flexibility of the shoe. The thin and lightweight sole of the shoe provides wearers with the opportunity to move and bend their feet in a natural motion. Each strike will feel close to barefoot as you hit the ground running! Another feature that helps with this shoe’s flexibility is the seamless upper. This sock-like texture makes it that much easier for runners to move naturally.
Traction
Although not very steep, the tread is easily visible on the outsole of the Puma Faas 300 v3. The tread on the outsole of the Faas 300 v3 is just enough to grip onto the road surface for an effective foot strike. The thin layer of tread indicates that this shoe should be used on the right surface, otherwise it won’t reach its full potential. Based off of the tread pattern on the outsole, it is unlikely that the Faas 300 v3 will hold up on unstable grounds such as ice, snow, or even wet sidewalks from the rain.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Puma Faas 300 v3 is a speedy shoe that encourages runners to move quickly with each step. This shoe has a handful of features that make it desirable. The high amount of cushioning, responsiveness, and durability help this shoe reach its potential as a racing shoe, as well as open the possibilities of it being a long distance, daily running shoe. This shoe looks like a fast-paced racer shoe, yet has just enough underfoot support where users won’t feel uncomfortable while running on hard surfaces. The Puma Faas 300 v3 is a great shoe for anyone who enjoys competitive racing, daily running, and other forms of training.
