Adam K wrote:
Shoebacca wrote:Prior to this big push of the Faas line, Puma had at least one traditional type of shoe in each category.
The Faas line seems to consist of flat-bottomed shoes with a less-firm rubber outsole than both traditional training and racing shoes.
Why does the Faas product line use this flat-bottomed design for its outsole? I can't see anything anatomical about the outsole, so is something happening in the midsole that I should know about?
Why is the Faas using a relatively flat outsole?
This is a good question and I'm wondering why Puma guys did not answered this.
I use FAAS500 and like them, although my many years ago ankle rotates and I feel better in some shoes with some kind of "dynamic support" like Nike Free Run for example (it'sinteresting, that Nike Free Run is a supportive shoe).
But getting back to Puma.
I'ms sorry I got late for this talk.
Anyway - I will comment few things Puma does.
Faas - is a good concept - it's easy, simple.
But Puma is very inconsistent with theirs shoes.
Few years ago they had a shoe I liked very much - Trail 100 or Trail Fox (both, very similar, agresive, narrow, for trail racing or training rather short distances, for its narrownest)
Now - they aggain have a shoe that is called Trail Fox. But it's like a bulky, fat and heavy truck comparing to old Trail Fox which was more like a light and fast racing car.
What's the point of giving the same name for a shoe that is so opposite ? It's not the first time the do it.
Anyway - thank's that you were open enough to a discussion on these areas. Three years ago whab I wanted to interview some of your people responsible for running line I received a funny response from your headquaters, that it's not possible.
I asked why?
They said: Because of two reason. Firts - is that they would be easier to take over by some competition brand if everyone know who they are. Second - because I have a habit to take a picture of people I'm interviewing - if they tur out to be not so fit as they should be working in such a brand this could result in some bad PR. :)
So - now - that's good that finally Puma shows their people and that they seem to be fit. :)
I'll answer Shoebacca's post first. The Faas line philosophy has always been "less is more" and minimal. The Faas Foam is a blend of EVA and rubber that is durable enough for ground contact which in turn allows us to reduce the amount of outsole coverage on the shoes. So it's a softer ride through the gait cycle. The reason for the shoe being relatively flat in the outsole is for a smoother transition which also allows us to do away with any plastic mid foot support pieces without compromising on all of the torsional integrity of the mid foot.
Adam K, thanks for your post. We do have a couple of supportive/light stability shoes coming out in the next 6 months you might like. The Faas 800 and the Faas 350. Agreed that consistency is important in some areas.