Puma Faas 300

Editor rating: 8.0 / 10

User's rating: based on 13 user ratings

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By Kristin R.

Puma Faas 300 Review Facts

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Puma Faas 300 is the original 300 shoe. There have been a few revisions since but this one is the beginning of a well-respected line of lightweight speedsters. Called Faas, Jamaican for fast, the 300 lives up to its name. Many favorable reviews are further evidence to this claim. It’s clear that Puma did its research as it developed and adapted these kicks. From studying the footwork of some of the most renowned, talented runners in this day and age, Puma crafted a top-notch running shoe that garnered largely favorable reviews among its wearers and long-time fans. Creating this BioRide technology, Puma paid specific attention to a few key elements of the strides, foot movements, and overall technique of these runners and translated them into three features on the Faas 300: Rocker, Flex, and Groove. It’s also noteworthy that PUMA utilized a naming system with numbers for points of reference. With shoes ranging from 100 to 1000, 100 would be the fastest. This makes the Faas 300 a top contender for speed and performance in many the racing shoe closets.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

A neutral lightweight shoe

Was designed for speed and performance

Comfortable for shorter athletic ventures

Cons

Inaccuracy in size

Durability was a concern for a small number of reviewers

Outsole

The outsole gains the benefit of some of Puma's proprietary technology. The traction, cushioning, and durability gains a boost from the EverRide and EverTrack systems. And the components that Puma studied in runners were translated into three elements and implemented in the Faas 300 under the term BioRide technology. This system consists of a rockered sole for a more effortless, natural foot motion and better forward propulsion; flex grooves that allow for increased flexibility and accuracy on the go; and a groove running the length of the shoe to increase stability and provide additional confidence of movement to the runner looking to zoom.

Midsole

With little in the way of cushioning, this really is a minimalist shoe or racing flat. It does boast a rockered sole even though some feel it is not really prevalent. But, they claim it does still promote a natural gait with less heel striking and an improved toe-off. Intended for speedwork or racing, it would not be suitable for long runs on surfaces other than the road or track or treadmill, as some reviewers point out. Though there are those that like it for other athletic endeavors such as Zumba as its sole's touchpoints provide ample ground feel, some still find the shoe's minimal cushioning make it appropriately lightweight and solid enough for casual wear.

Upper

The Faas 300 boasts an air mesh upper with perforated sides for breathability. Wrapped in nubuck overlays, the sides synthetic covering has holes for ventilation and the rest covers the toebox of the shoe. Its less constrictive nature makes it ideal for swiftness and agility. Puma also incorporates a molded sock liner to create security of fit for added stability. Puma did not integrate a heel counter though some reviewers claimed the shoe rubbed a bit in the back of the heel. Most felt though it was nothing a pair of higher ankle socks could not fix.

Weight

While it is not the lightest for a racing shoe, most feel the way in which the components work together makes it feel extra lightweight and speedy. Weighing in at 9 oz for both men and women as it is a unisex shoe, the Puma Faas 300 is still considered lightweight enough for effectively racing at top performance speeds and for aggressive interval and track training. The lack of heft of this shoe is a source of satisfaction on and off the road though; some wearers are just pleased to use it as a daily "getting around" shoe.

Breathability

The Faas 300's upper is comprised of a highly breathable air mesh with a synthetic wrap overlay with large perforated holes on the sides that work together creates a cool comfortable environment for the feet allowing runners the confidence to fuel a swift kick on the course or road.

Comfort

While this shoe was overall very well rated, there were some that found the sizing to be largely inaccurate. The reviewers felt the Faas 300 to run small, and some felt it was a little narrow throughout. Though the majority were pleased with almost all aspects of this shoe - from breathability and the support of a well fitting upper to the right amount of cushioning for the intended purpose - speed and performance. There were those that liked these shoes for other athletic purposes such as Zumba, and some still, just for casual daily wear.

Style

Simplistic in style, some were not pleased by it, but the majority feel this shoe does what it sets out to do and the fashion of it is suitable for this purpose. With some time lapse since its debut, the Faas 300 is most readily available only in white/grey violet/lime punch and high risk red/ white/fluorescent lime. This first installment of the 300 is more difficult to come by than its successors making choices slim for a shoe that is so well received.

Durability

Overall, most wearers felt this shoe was well constructed with ample and not overpowering synthetic overlay and that the sole's evertrack rubber enhanced the lifespan of the Faas 300. A small number of reviews cited unusual wear and tearing of the upper in a short amount of time and durability is a very important aspect of any shoe. While it can be a deal breaker for those with this experience, judging from the positive feedback for the shoe, this seems not to be a very widespread issue.

Protection

With minimal cushioning beneath and an upper with a small amount of synthetic overlay, the Faas 300 covers and guard the foot against the elements but doesn't really stand out as offering additional support in the way of protection. Though the breathable mesh in the upper does aid in keeping the foot cool and dry to the end that it helps runners avoid damage to the foot in the way of blisters.

Responsiveness

One of the main benefits of a barely barefoot shoe like the Faas 300 is the amount of groundfeel it allows. Wearers brand this shoe as not too soft or too firm and are pleased with how speedy and responsive it feels. Puma's incorporation of the BioRide system put features into play in the sole unit to create an improved, more responsive experience. The combination of the rocker-like outsole, the strategically placed 360o flex grooves, and the groove running along the lateral side of the sole seem to be a key reason this shoe has received such high marks for its appeal to those looking for a shoe that can help them move it.

Support

With little to offer in the way of cushion but a good overlay shell keeping the foot in place, the Faas 300 seemed to please most that understood it truly is a minimalist shoe. Those that require additional support indicated that there was enough room in the upper to use orthotics to fit their needs to alleviate any pain from plantar fasciitis or knee pain. A handful of reviews asserted that, while speedy due its lightweight nature, this shoe is not cushioned enough for daily use on the road but did, however, find it suitable for moving along on a treadmill. Though, overall, most felt it behaved as intended on roads and other smooth surfaces.

Terrain

Puma designed this shoe for those runners wishing to kick it up a notch in speedwork or find their swift feet on a run or crossing the finish line. So it's no surprise that this shoe performs best on roads and track surfaces, and treadmills. Most reviews claiming to be truly satisfied with the Faas 300 are pleased with its handling on this terrain. For those looking to broaden their horizons and perform in a wider range of terrain that would require more grip but still maintain a similar fit will find that Puma has also developed a trail runner version of this shoe called the Puma Faas 300 TR.

Price

When these shoes were introduced to the market, they did not have as high an asking cost of many others out there. Even with the attention to detail and all its simple but effective features, Puma Faas 300 debuted on the lower end of the scale. Most reviewers, save those that had durability issues, were inclined to agree that these shoes offer an impressive bang for the buck, often buying more than one pair of them before they were discontinued.

Traction

The outsole of the Faas 300 implements some crowd-pleasing features. With its Everride in the forefoot and Evertrack technology in the heel, most have experienced a lightweight, durable ride that is enhanced by the BioRide's system of flex grooves and a strip in the sole that improves stability. For its intents and purposes, many are pleased with the traction and how it feels as the shoe glides along most man-made surfaces. Keeping in mind these parameters, the Faas 300 still fits the bill for a speedy, confident run.

Flexibility

Introducing, as part of the BioRide technology intended to create a more natural, efficient running motion, Puma's 360o flex grooves delivers an extra dose of nimbleness and freedom of movement. Placed strategically to encourage the most agile movement of the foot, reviewers over pleased with their overall effect and ability to create responsiveness and fast feet.

Stability

This speedster shoe has been described as a neutral daily trainer or racing shoe. Though it doesn't aim to correct stability issues like under- or overpronation, it does sport features that allow for a security of fit and assurance in each footfall. One is the upper's sockliner that fits like a glove. And the groove that runs laterally through the sole of this shoe is a component of the BioRide system that has been a large talking point of the Faas 300. The groove serves to improve stability and increase responsiveness. The majority of wearers that reviewed this shoe are overall pleased with the confidence of their runs and this plays a large role in that.

Drop

The Faas 300 sports a forefoot height of nearly 17mm with a heel height of about 24mm. This is considered to be a moderate minimalist shoe and offers a moderate 7mm drop height to go along with it. There are some that suggest a break in period would be beneficial to avoid achilles strain if moving from a much higher drop shoe but some reviewers are pleased they could wear this shoe straight from the box.

Key Features

- Meaning fast in Jamaican, the Faas 300 lives up to its namesake

- Puma created the Faas 300 for speed and performance studying real-time movements

- Many are pleased with Puma's pared-down minimalist approach to cushioning

- BioRide system has three components - Rocker, Flex, and Groove

- The upper is lightweight and breathable

- Engineered and styled simply

Bottom Line

A well-priced shoe that pleases its wearers with its comfort, support, stability, flexibility, and lightweight feel, the Faas 300 is one for which many would find worth opening the pocketbook. With durability issues a concern for some, by and large, this shoe seems to be one that could give a runner looking for speed and performance a speedy run for his or her money.