For many years, Puma and running shoes were not concepts that were associated with each other. Coming from Hoka Clifton 8, Saucony Triumph 19, Saucony Speed 3, and other previous models such as Nike Vomero and Adidas Solarboost, Puma was uncharted territory. After some rave reviews on international websites and a brief test during the Athens Marathon 2022, I bought them and I have to admit that I have no regrets at all. Usually, I change shoes because I like to try different brands and models, but this is the first time I can say that I will buy the same shoes again when the time comes. More specifically:
Fit: 9/10 The shoe fits very well on the foot without any issues. It has a narrow design, so it may not be suitable for those with wide feet. The knit material, although it may not seem like it, is durable and not very stretchy, allowing enough room for the toes. The tongue is not very padded, but I did not experience any discomfort in the instep or Achilles, as many complained about with the previous model.
Breathability: 8/10 The shoe is quite breathable, but it can be warm around the collar. I suppose this is because there is more cushioning material there. However, it is not a reason to be bothered during long runs.
Quality: 9/10 The shoe has good construction and durability, but some cuts in the lace holes and sticking of the knit material could be more refined.
Sole: 10/10 This is truly impressive. I won't judge if they have a plate or what material they are made of, but based on the feeling they give you. They have a very pleasant and relatively firm cushioning that provides stability and bounce when you pick up the pace. They are very comfortable for easy runs, but when you increase the pace and go below 5:30 minutes/km, the shoe continues to perform very well, absorbing shocks and giving a little push. They don't have the agility and lightness of the Saucony Speed 3, but they are perhaps a click or two below. They feel particularly soft when walking, but the faster you go, the tighter they become without ever becoming too stiff. Personally, I use them for all my training sessions except for interval runs, for which I wear the Speed 3.
Grip: 10/10 I don't know how Puma managed it, but the shoe doesn't slip anywhere, and the rubber is highly durable. I have worn them on muddy forest trails with leaves, and the grip is far superior to any other road shoe I have tried. Additionally, the durability of the sole is truly impressive, so add that to the many kilometers of use. As an example, I have included a photo of the Puma shoes at around 700 km and the Speed 3 at 220 km. The difference is significant, with the Saucony shoes not having seen much dirt, unlike the Puma shoes.
Weight - Size: 278 grams in size 44.5, while the Saucony Speed 3 weighs 235 grams. The shoe is neither very light nor heavy. It is simply satisfactory. As for the size, I went up half a size, but I also went up half a size with the Saucony shoes. It is better to choose a size based on the measurements of your foot, leaving the necessary margin.
Overall, it is a shoe that has truly won me over. It allows me to run at various paces, on different terrains such as dirt, asphalt, or even trails, and its durability is the best I have encountered so far in running shoes. The absorbency of it has not decreased after many kilometers, and even at 700 km I should be looking for the next ones, I am thinking if they will be the ones that will accompany me in the next marathon.