First Impressions -- Puma FAAS 300

Let's start with the proposition that, at this stage in life, I'm a far larger (and heavier) runner than I was when I was running 5ks in less than 17 minutes.  I also have wider-than-average, flattish feet and generally have been steered over the last 15 years into motion control or stability shoes (even though I don't pronate).  So what is a guy like me doing running in so-called minimalist shoes?

For me, the light dawned sometime in the last year or 18 months when I finally figured out that stability shoes were hurting my legs.  At that time I went to neutral shoes, but ones that still had significant heel-to-toe drops.  Earlier this year I read about the Saucony ProGrid Kinvaras and bought a pair.  I ran in them, liked the cushioning and the way I felt when running in them, but wasn't crazy about certain aspects of the fit of the upper or the likely life of the outsole.  I also bought a pair of Adidas Adizero Rockets, which are lightweight and have a low heel-to-toe drop.  While I run fast in the Rockets, they feel less cushioned and beat my legs up.  However, I had no problems with running in minimalist shoes.

Anyway, giving in to my Imelda Marcos-esque shoe fetish, I asked Santa for a pair of the Puma FAAS 300s for Christmas based solely on the specs.  I've never worn Pumas before, and frankly knew Pumas for (1) soccer and (2) fashion.  The shoes were wrapped under the Christmas tree, and I was a happy runner opening the box Christmas morning.  No underwear or ties!  Shoes!  I wore them around the house Christmas day to get a sense of the fit and feel.  The shoes had a nice feel, and the toe box was sufficiently roomy.

Last night I put on my tights, my reflective gear and laced up the Pumas for a 7 mile run. Immediately I noticed how cushy the shoes felt.  Nice, but so cushy as to be unstable?  After the run, I can say that I experienced no instability at all.  In fact, my legs and feet feel great today.  The shoes felt quick, and the soles show very little wear (especially when compared to how the Kinvara outsoles looked after my first run).  I also liked how the upper felt around my little toe, which has been a concern with the Kinvaras.

I have no hesitation recommending these shoes to anyone other than a total newbie.  And PLEASE don't wear these because they look good with jeans.  These are running shoes.