Puma Fast-Trac Nitro Review — Trail Shoes with an Injection of Speed

Puma’s new outdoor footwear and apparel collection called ‘Seasons’ is delivering something a little different to the trail-running and offroad apparel world, bringing with it a hefty dose of the German brand’s iconic speed and slickness to a market destined for a shake-up.

While Puma has pretty much stuck to running as its core focus when it comes to everyday sportswear, the brand has ventured off the beaten track to bring its multi-terrain trail shoe, the Fast-Trac Nitro, onto the radar of trail-running enthusiasts, and it’s an entry that those looking for something with a little more edge should take note of.

First and foremost, the Fast-Trac Nitro doesn’t necessarily look like your run-of-the-mill trail shoe, and delivers a spark of flair and colour in its orange and grey launch colourway.

On top of the sleek style, the shoes are incredibly light, weighing in at just over 200 grams. The shoe features a full-length Nitro top layer and padded tongue that is embedded in the ProFoamLite midsole, making it feel like a one-piece upper that is very soft and light. It’s clear that Puma hasn’t ventured away from what makes their running shoes and football boots so revered, and it’s great to see this lightweight tech (and approach) make its way into their offroad shoes.

Of course, what matters when hitting the trails is decent traction to keep you safe and on the move. The Fast-Trac features Pumagrip ATR, which is a more durable version of the brand’s award-winning rubber that features on some of their other running soles. This additional durability makes them ideal for a bit of bite, even if you’re trotting through a bit of mud, gravel, or planting on a rock.

On top of that, the shoes are made for quick gearing-up and being on the move, with the Fast-Trac featuring a snug and secure fit, but with some width in the midfoot. The shoes also include fabric pull-tabs on the heel area to help you slip them on with ease.

The Puma Fast-Trac Nitro should make roadrunners feel right at home with its DNA firmly embedded in the running shoe world, but has enough ruggedness and versatility to give those who expect some toughness on the trails something new to try too.

The Puma Fast-Trac Nitro is available in both men’s and women’s sizes, for R2,600 each.