Let ’ s Talk Tech …
The Fast-Trac NITRO has a dual-density midsole that consists of a full-length NITRO top-layer sitting atop a PROFOAMLITE lower layer , with an 8mm heelmidsole design , with two layers of complimentary foam rubber . The Fresh Foam X ( white section running from the heel to just behind the toes ) provides the soft cushioning needed for the landing of the foot , while the slightly denser FuelCell ( orange layer running from the midfoot to the toes ) offers good responsiveness needed for the push-off . The former is all about squishy cushioning and shock absorption , the latter is all about springy firmness for energy return .
I expected to find the v12 a little firmer than the v11 , given that is has less Fresh Foam X , but I actually found it softer , and this is thanks to the fact that New Balance has tweaked the recipe of the Fresh Foam X compound , making it softer than before . Meanwhile the stack heights remain the same , with a 32mm heel height and 22mm forefoot , giving you a heel-to-toe drop of 10mm , which further emphasises the role of
Get Them Here
Available at www . newbalance . co . za at a recommended retail price of R2799 , or you can ask for them at leading running retail stores that stock New Balance . ( The pair I was sent to test were dark blue with orange and yellow pull-outs , but New Balance has another five colour options to choose from , so check them all out before buying !) that wedge of FuelCell rubber as your forefoot comes down to meet the road .
Another Upper Revamp
A common complaint with the 880 v11 was that the forefoot was too roomy for runners with narrower feet – they said their feet were ‘ swimming ’ around in the toebox – whereas this actually suited me perfectly , because I have wider feet , but I can fully understand why others were not as keen on the v11 . Good news , if that includes you , as the v12 is slightly narrower , and the upper features a bit more padding in the tongue and collar areas that further contribute to a snugger fit overall .
The new shoe still has a double-mesh jacquard knitted upper with overlays limited to the rubberised and reflective N on either side of the midfoot , which provides structure and fit ( and is not just branding
for show ). This upper is thicker and a bit less formhugging than the HypoKnit upper of the 1080 , so I noticed the difference after running in both shoes , and to be brutally honest , I prefer the 1080 , but then you will pay a bit more for that extra comfort , so it ’ s up to each runner to choose .
The v12 is a wee bit heavier than the v11 , probably due to the addition of the denser FuelCell layer and the extra padding in the upper , but it ’ s not all that noticeable once you hit the road , as the great ride provided by the shoe is what you will focus on . That ’ s why most of the wear-test reviews I read before doing my own wear-test included a conclusion that the v12 is the best iteration yet of the 880 . I have to agree .
PUMA Fast-Trac NITRO
Category : Trail , Neutral , Lightweight | Gender : Men ’ s and Women ’ s | Reviewed by Richard Laskey
I
don ’ t mind admitting that I am obsessed with the PUMA brand , so when I received a delivery of this new trail shoe , I was beyond stoked . You may recall the Puma Voyage NITRO from late last year , which was PUMA ’ s first trail shoe to feature its nitrogen-infused NITRO midsole rubber compound … Well , now PUMA has launched a new outdoor footwear and apparel collection called SEASONS , featuring innovative stay-dry features for all seasons ( hence the name ), and the range includes an updated Voyage NITRO 2 as well as the lighter Fast-Trac NITRO trail shoe . And if you ’ re looking for a lightweight off-road racer or trainer , I suggest you listen up !
Get Them Here
Available in three colourways at a recommended retail price of R2300 from puma . com or at leading PUMA stockists .
to-toe drop . PUMA explains that the NITRO layer provides fit , responsiveness and cushioning , while the PROFOAMLITE layer provides durability as well as lightest-in-class performance . The midsole is then rounded off by a full-length PUMAGRIP ATR outsole , a material we were first introduced to in the Voyage NITRO . This outsole has strong , durable lugs that help you to maintain grip and balance over rocky , muddy , sandy , slippery or wet surfaces .
The upper features a breathable rip-stop mesh , and while the overall design is somewhat low-key by normal PUMA standards , I rather like this understated dark grey with orange colourway . I found the collar and tongue decently padded , providing adequate comfort for my feet , and with the tongue gusseted ( attached ) to the footbed , I found that it doesn ’ t slide around , especially on those steep descents with gnarly twists . I also found that the lacing system provided a snug fit , and the upper proved quite well ventilated , while also providing good drainage and protection from trail debris ( although to be honest , I didn ’ t go through much water when testing them .)
I found the shoe to be surprisingly responsive for a trail shoe , and it doesn ’ t surprise me that PUMA says the shoe will cope well with the high demands of cross-country racing , where grip , balance , lightness and protection are important . I reckon you could even run on tar in this shoe , but let ’ s be honest , it is first and foremost a trail shoe . Wherever you use this shoe , under the hood this baby roars like a caged beast !
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