Price: From R2299
Type: Road
Weight: 257g (M), 209g (W)
The right shoe for: Fast times on the road or track

Of Puma’s Speed line, the Speed Racer may be the speediest with its super lightweight, high rebound EVA midsole and propulsion plate built into the outsole. The engineered knit upper is comfortable and form-fitting, thanks to the customisable lacing which ensures a secure locked – in fit for both wide – and narrow-footed runners. Testers liked how light the Speed Racer was and its slim fit.

Combined in its name is its intent – to be quick on your feet – and its purpose, to be that ultralight racing shoe you change into for your fastest performance. The Speed Racer is ideal for speedwork and 5K races. The shoe handles well in terms of traction, and has just enough cushioning for running on pavement. However, runners may want to save the Speed Racer for quick short efforts; the kind where you’re explosive at the beginning yet still have plenty of juice for a finishing kick.

High Rebound Midsole

We highlighted Puma’s new EVA foam, ProFoam, in the midsole when we reviewed the Speed 600 Fusefit. The foam is light and provides high rebound on runs, which is what you want in a racing shoe. The Speed 600 also has Puma’s Ignite foam, which lies above the ProFoam. Puma says that adding the second foam to the midsole delivers more high energy return, but it also adds some weight. Sans Ignite, the Speed Racer is considerably lighter than the Speed 600; RW Shoe Lab measurements showed the Speed Racer to be very firm, especially in the forefoot. Wear-testers liked how they felt speedier in the Speed Racer, yet some desired more cushioning and were wary of wearing the shoe on a long run.

Propulsive Outsole

The Speed Racer’s outsole helps you achieve fast times with its combination of low weight and propulsive features. The outsole is injected with lightweight blown rubber for added cushioning, and the ProPlate (a plastic piece implanted into the arch) serves to push you forward on your runs. Testers said the shoe was suitable for faster runs and had adequate durability and traction in the outsole.

Customisable Lacing

The one-piece knitted Fusefit upper fits over the foot like a bootie, creating a sock-like and comfortable feel. “It’s like a soccer shoe for runners,” said one tester. A customisable lacing system gives you the choice to loop the laces either at the top of the shoe or on the sides. Testers with narrow feet appreciated the lacing options for a snugger, more secure fit.

All the Stats You Need!

Men’s

Weight: Light | 257g
Heel-To-Toe-Drop: Very High | 13.4 mm
Heel Height: Low | 28.0 mm
Heel Cushioning: Firm
Forefoot Height: Very Low | 14.6 mm
Forefoot Cushioning: Very Firm
Flexibility: Very Flexible
Stability Features: Few
Energy Return: More

Women’s

Weight: Light | 209g
Heel-To-Toe-Drop: Very High | 11.6 mm
Heel Height: Low | 26.4 mm
Heel Cushioning: Soft
Forefoot Height: Very High | 14.8 mm
Forefoot Cushioning: Very Firm
Flexibility: Very Flexible
Stability Features: Few
Energy Return: More

We put each shoe through real-world usage and a battery of mechanical tests in our lab to provide you with objective – and exclusive – data. In addition to measuring a shoe’s weight, we measure sole thickness (everything that sits between your foot and the road), how well the foam cushions your stride, and the flexibility of the forefoot. All this is taken into account in our reviews of each shoe.

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