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Puma FAAS 500 V4 Review

The Good

Thomas: The 500 is my favorite model on the FAAS line up. The FAAS 500 V3 dipped away from the simplicity that I appreciate in the line; the 500 V4 brings back the basics and leaves out the gimmicks. Overlays are left at a minimum leaving the upper with a sock like feel. The fit of the upper wraps the foot securely. The trainers feels low slung with a 4mm drop and a slim profile. The one piece midsole doesn’t feel like a slab, strategic groves give it good road feel. The size 10 (I went down a size) weighed in at 9.75 oz. The price! This is a really good shoe at a full retail price of $90.

Meaghan: I’ve run in a couple variations of this shoe, the Puma FAAS 500v2 and 500S. I liked both models. Puma kept a lot of the same great features with a couple key updates. First of all, they had me with the “upper bunion zone window.” I don’t even know that means but as someone with horrendously-flat-somewhat-bunion-prone feet, I’m totally into it. I think it’s an interesting way to say they’re wider. Either way, I had plenty of room in the forefoot. The shoes come with a new Weave Mesh upper, basically some very tightly-woven mesh. It’s comfortable and superrrr stretchy. Puma also added a locking system to the lacing, which they’re calling the EVERFIT 2.0 upper lockdown. I’d say it’s unnecessary, but I think it gives a better fit and feel around the midfoot. The weight of this shoe went up slightly from 500S, but comes in wayyyyy lighter than the V2 (W7.5 – 500V2: 9oz, 500S: 7.2oz, 500V4: 7.4oz). The ground feel is pretty good in these shoes, despite all the cushioning and durable outsole. There’s even a cool overlay on the heel that’s fully reflective.

The Bad

Thomas: There is good carbon rubber coverage on the outsole, however it isn’t terribly grippy. It will help with durability, but I wish it was a little more, I guess sticky is the word. I would also like just a little more give in the midsole.

Meaghan: First, for the petty con: this colorway looks like it came straight out of a jazzercise commercial. I’m not into it, but that is simply a personal preference. In a more substantial critique – I thought this shoe created somewhat of a hard landing. My stride felt forced and I never found that sweet spot for comfortable, easy running.

montageConclusion

Meaghan: The Puma FAAS 500V4 is still my favorite model from the FAAS lineup. It’s the middle of the road for cushioning, which works well for every day running and some substantial distance. At $90 a pop, the price is on point.

Thomas: This shoe falls in the Kinvara range of light weight stripped down trainers that can bridge the mileage vs speed gap. The styling is good and the functions well. I recommend down sizing a half size. I definitely recommend giving the Puma FAAS 500 V4 a try. Here are some bullets from Puma:

  • Air mesh upper for breathability and personalized fit and comfort, with lightweight, breathable Weave Mesh technology for support
  • EVERFIT 2.0 upper lockdown provides security without inhibiting foot’s natural movement and prevents tongue from moving
  • Lace closure for a snug fit
  • Molded, breathable OrthoLite® sockliner for exceptional step-in comfort
  • Lightweight FaasFoam+ One-Piece Midsole increases responsiveness while reducing overall weight
  • Injected blown rubber EverTrack+ outsole for enhanced cushioning, durability, and a smoother toe-off
  • Forefoot flex grooves align with flex notches for an easier toe-off and consistent flexibility
  • Lateral release grooves and a decoupled heel provide a gradual transition from heel-strike to midfoot stance
  • Fully reflective heel overlay for extra safety
  • Protective TPU toe for optimum lightweight protection on various terrain
  • PUMA Formstrip at medial and lateral sides
  • PUMA Logo label at tongue, with tonal PUMA Cat Logo at heel
  • Heel to toe drop: 4mm

Shoes provided by Puma for this review.
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February 21, 2015

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