Puma Faas 250 Running Shoe

The Puma Faas series has been inspired by the rhythm of the world’s fastest country — Jamaica. Following up on reviews for the Faas 300 and 500 comes a breakdown of the lightest shoe in the series – the Faas 250.

The Puma Faas 250 is a lightweight and ultra-breathable running shoe designed to suit tempo runs and racers. Again, BioRide Technology and a moderate rocker shape are included to create a responsive shoe. Through testing, I nicknamed these shoes “the Stealth’s” – primarily because they make no noise as you take each step! This review is sort of overdue as I finished testing maybe a month ago, but here are my thoughts on what they have to offer.

Puma Faas 250, 300 and 500 – whats the difference?
It is all part of the Faas cushioning scale, with the lower the number the more minimal the shoe. Or, the higher the number the higher the cushioning – depends what way you want to look at it. This 250 version is the lightest in the series, at 6.7 ounces.

Design
Puma have created this shoe with a very light mesh upper that is super breathable. The design features a checkered mesh upper and synthetic polyurethane overlays.  I wore the New Navy/Blue Atoll/Dandelion colorway (available at FinishLine). It is the addition of the underlay/second layer Blue Atoll that delivers the sweet aesthetic look of the shoe.

Shape
The 250 is actually built on the same sole as the 300, which means you are getting optimal performance while weight is reduced on the upper. At 6.7oz and built with EverRide and EverTrack technology in the outsole, they are an optimal option for runners who like to set the pace.

How do they feel to run in?
Like the other shoes in the Faas range, I found these were a great running shoe that offers fantastic bounce and feel as you move. Ultimately, the Faas 300 is more my style and I like the additional materials in the upper, but if you want the complete lightweight package these are the shoes! Adding to that, if you run in warm weather then the mesh offer will give you extra breatability.

I think the primary concern a lot of people will have is based on comfort. I can tell you that these shoes are super comfortable and offer padding in just the right areas, including a well padded ankle region. From the first wear, they felt pretty much broken in. The sole is very flexible and adjusts perfectly to toe-off. While wearing them, I was running 4-5 miles, so I can’t really say whether they are a good option for long distance running.

Finishing Up
Having had the opportunity to test out the full Puma Faas range, I can tell you that Puma have lived up to the advertising campaign that first got me interested! The Faas 250 is a great option if you are looking for a lightweight running shoe that allows for about the best breathability you can get. While I was in college, we did a lot of preseason track running in the sun. If these running shoes had been around, they would have been an absolutely perfect compliment to those hard working days.

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.