Puma Seasons Fast-Trac Nitro Review: Puma Drops Trail Running Shoe with Apparel to Match
Puma continues to up the ante in the trail running game with its latest trail running shoe release; the Puma Seasons Fast-Trac Nitro running shoe. A multi-discipline shoe, with off-road capabilities, this latest offering from the Puma Seasons range has been designed to do it all, no matter the terrain.
The Puma Seasons Fast-Trac Nitro brings Puma’s famed Nitro running technology from the road onto the trail by combining full-length Nitro foam, a layer of ProFoamLite, and the durable PumaGrip ATR outsole to bring runners a shoe that is capable on any surface, including loose trails and gravel. Giving you even more confidence on rough terrain are integrated eyestays, to allow for a snug fit, and details at the toe to provide both drainage and protection from debris.
Puma’s nitrogen-injected foam is designed to provide runners with superior responsiveness and cushioning in a lightweight package while the extremely lightweight ProFoamLite is an EVA designed to cushion your landing and propel each step. Bringing these two technologies together results in a match made in heaven for a trail running shoe to give you a smooth ride that your joints will love. Taking it a step further is the PumaGrip sole, a trail-ready performance rubber compound designed for traction on ice, mud, and unstable surfaces.
The lightweight running shoe is a dream on the trails and the road, giving you the freedom to run anywhere. Trail running has become a big trend with South African sports lovers and now, with so many runners exploring off-the-beaten-path, a hybrid shoe like this means you don’t have to second guess taking the scenic route up the mountain on your next run.
You get a great secure feel under foot with this shoe and I’ve love that my foot feels secure and snug without the shoe feeling too restrictive. Another plus is the shoe’s flexible fit, you get just enough structure to feel like your foot and ankle are supported and protected without that rigid, blister-inducing feel many of us know all too well.
The Puma Seasons Fast-Trac Nitro has a 8mm heel-to-toe drop, making it great for runners searching for a mid-drop running shoe. The middle of the road heel-to-toe drop may help with heel and calf injuries for runners concerned about managing their running style and persistent niggles and injuries.
I love the Puma trail running shoes so much that I’ve even ditched my hiking boots in favour of this comfortable, yet rugged shoe. The Ripstop mesh upper ensure you get a comfortable fit that feel soft on the foot.
If I’m heading up the mountain for a hike with friends I’d much rather wear these lightweight beauties than my heavy hiking boots. They’re durable and they give me more freedom than a rigid boot, in case I feel the urge to bound up some rocks or run ahead from the group to snap a few pictures of the beautiful scenery.
If you’re curious about this shoe, it’s sure to be a great fit for neutral pronators looking for medium cushioning on the trails. It’s available now from Puma stores and online at a recommended retail price of R2,299.
Gear to match
Avid trail runners and hikers will also love the Puma Seasons trail running gear. I had the opportunity to test the Seasons apparel along with the new Fast-Trac Nitros and loved getting hands-on with this technical outdoor gear. The women’s Seasons CoolCell Trail Running Tee is ideal for hiking and trail running.
It’s super soft, feather-light, and keeps you feeling fresh and cool, even on the hottest days. The flattering slim fit t-shirt is made with a lightweight fabric and features Puma’s CoolCell technology that offers a pleasing cooling sensation when it comes into contact with the skin. It also features a stash pocket with zip on the back and reflective design elements for safety in low-light conditions.
Pair it with the Seasons women’s Full-Length Trail Running Tights, also featuring DryCell technology to wick away sweat and help you perform at your best when you’re out on the trails. Made with fabric that is partially constructed from recycled material, these high-waist tights are a little tougher than your average gym tights.
A more robust abrasion-resistant print material lines ‘hotspot’ areas on the tights where runners tend to rub or graze across shrubs, bushes, and rocks, giving you peace of mind your tights will come out unscathed. And, because trail runners tend to need more ‘stuff’ on hand, the tights come equipped with a back stash pocket and side cargo pants-style drop-in pockets for convenient places to stash a lipbalm, sunscreen, or goo.
Complete the look with Seasons women’s Trail Running Half-Zip Pullover. This half-zip trail running pullover is built with polypropylene fibres and water-repellent technology to keep your dry and comfortable when you’re out running in nature and the weather isn’t on your side.
Breathable mesh inserts in the underarm area further assist the stay-dry technology in the material, ensuring you never feel hot and sticky. The pullover also features a stash pocket with a zip closure on the back for storing small essentials. Crafted for use outdoors, the matte-feel material is robust and ready to take on the challenges of running in the great outdoors.
I’m always longing to wear my Puma gym gear when I’m on the mountain, as I know I’ll feel more comfortable, dry and far less sticky thanks to the built-in technology in the material. But, because I’m far more concerned about wear and tear on my precious gym kit I often opt to wear whatever old T-shirt and tights I care the least about ruining.
Fortunately with this Seasons gear, I don’t have to worry too much about my gear getting ripped and torn too easily and can concentrate on staying comfortable and dry. If you’re out on the mountains and trails often, whether it’s for running or hiking, I would highly recommend investing in a few favourites from the Puma Seasons range.
The full Seasons range for men and women is now available at Puma stores and online.
