Pushing the Pumas

I had planned to replace these well worn Puma running shoes a few months ago.  With focus and determination I went shopping at my local running store.  I tried on a few pairs, ran up and down in the store and decided not to buy a new pair.  I may be tempting fate but these Pumas feel even better now that they are so well worn.  Is it possible that I have hit the sweet spot with them?

For sure they look great!  You know sometimes you look at a pair of running shoes and they just look plain ugly!  Not these.  They have the right level of detail and colour coordination that gives them that 'just right' look.  I know that form is supposed to follow function...it's nice when form equals function.

Sally says I'm thinking and talking about this particular pair of running shoes way too much.  Given the amount of miles they've gone, she won't let them into the Apartment.  She barely lets me keep them on the balcony.  Yes they do have a high odour.  I call it character...she calls it stinky!

Yes I've pushed these Pumas past their best-before date and I know one day soon I'll have gone one run too many.  But till then, I'll keep on running.

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

Saying Goodbye to my Puma Faas 1000 Running Shoes

Puma Faas 1000 Running Shoes

I shed a tear this past weekend.  For my Puma Faas 1000 Running Shoes.  I've been running in them for nearly 8 months now and although I have alternated with Ugly Running Shoes over the nasty Toronto winter, I know the time is coming to say goodbye.  And I don't like that one bit!

These Puma Faas 1000's have been one of my favourite running shoes.  First and most important has been the fit.  They have a fairly wide toe-box that accomodates my wide feet allowing me to stay comfortable on long runs in all temperatures.  They also have fairly pronounced arch support which has been great for foot support.  

Then there's the cushoning:  The '1000' refers to a high level of support through the entire mid-sole that allows me to run comfortable with both heel strike and mid-foot styles. And like almost all of the other Pumas I've run in, the outsole is virtually industructable.

The only weakness has been that very same outsole:  It's built like a racing slick.  If you follow auto racing, think 'Intermediates':  very shallow grooves.  This has proven to be excellent in dry, warm conditions;  not so good for wet or icy/snowy running.  The Ugly Running Shoes stepped in nicely for the bad weather.

I'm not a professional running shoe reviewer but I know what I like. And these Puma's have been great.  Here's what I wrote previously about some of my other favourite running shoes:  A few of my favourite running shoes.  

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

New Running Shoes! Pumas Unleashed!

Have you ever done anything to impress someone?  Have you ever done anything to impress an object? That's a totally different thing and I did that in my first run in these new Puma Faas 1000's:  I ran to impress the running shoes!

A few months ago when I made the mistake of buying a pair of ugly running shoes from a discount store, I hated running in them and felt them made me run more slowly.  For my first run in these Pumas's I felt I had to impress the shoes...I didn't want them to think I was a slogger!

And these Puma's responded...I had a great run!  Maybe it was all in my mind but nothing beats a new pair running shoes especially a pair as good looking at these.  Once I've had a few runs in them I'll have an update on how they really perform.  So far so good though.

Puma Faas 1000 Running Shoes...Pumas Unleashed!

Yes, the Pumas have been unleashed in Central Etobicoke.  Watch out Raccoons!

For the video of the full reveal, check out this video:  Pumas Unleashed.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

A few of my favorite running shoes

These Puma Descendant running shoes aren't Puma's most famous model but they are getting me through this snowy and cold winter in Toronto.  They have a fairly neutral ride and promote the forefoot running style that I now favour.  What I really like though is the tread pattern that provides a lot of grip in the snow and on ice. That's been a savior this winter in Toronto!

These PureConnect Brooks running shoes are absolutely fabulous to run in. I picked up this bright orange pair late last fall and just love them.  Although I was slow in Reggae Marathon, they proved to be super comfortable.  They feel like 'Im not wearing any shoes at all'.  They have a particularly interesting outer tread that does take a few runs to get used to but then they are a smooth, neutral ride.  These have been languishing in the closet this winter and I can hardly wait to get back into them this spring.

These Asics took a lot of abuse last summer and fall.  Asics are known for a wide toe box and these shoes were definitely comfortable to run in.  A neutral ride that promoted forefoot running.  My only concern was that the outsole wore down fairly quickly.  I may have worn them too long though so that's not really a big complaint.

These Puma Faas 500's started my journey in forefoot/mid-foot running.  They look odd at first and are farily narrow but the running was simply superb.  Neutral ride with outsoles that seemed to wear forever.  Plus they seemed to get more comfortable as the miles piled up.  After Reggae Marathon in 2010 where I coordinated my tights and top to match the bright red colour of these Pumas, I ran directly into the ocean while wearing them.  Bad idea unfortunately...thankfully they were at the end of their life cycle.

What's next?  Brooks, Asics, Puma?  I dying to try a pair of the Puma Mobium running shoes.  They look to be super-responsive and the reviews have been great.  I've always had had success with both the Asics and Brooks models...wide toe-boxes that provide a comfortable ride especially in the summer.  Decisions, decisions...

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy