After recently announcing the speedy lightweight Speed 600 2, Puma is now focusing on runners who need a bit more cushioning. The the all-new HYBRID Ozone fuses streetstyle with technology, containing HYBRID foam for cushioning, comfort and responsiveness, ProFoam for a lightweight transition and a dynamic lacing system for a secure fit, according to the company. The shoe is actually not much heavier than the Speed 600 2, coming in at 306 grams with a heel drop of 10mm.

The Puma HYBRID monniker refers to the fact that the midsole, at least on the heal part, contains two of Puma’s propriatery technologies - NRGY beads for instant cushioning and IGNITE foam for responsiveness. It’s this combination that Puma relies on in a number of their performance shoes, and which they claim offers energy return on impact, much like Adidas’ Boost tech.

Puma further provides a rubber wrap at the heel that provides torsional rigidity while exposed ProFoam (high rebound EVA for instant cushioning) should create a smooth transition towards the forefoot. We like the tab at the back that helps you slip on the shoe, while the rest of the shoe comes across as decently styled, especially the knitted uppers.

If there is one thing we are concerned about, it would be the rubber outsole, which at least on the press images looks smooth without much traction.

The Puma HYBRID Ozone, also known as the HYBRID NX Ozone retails for R1 699 (men’s) and R1 599 (women’s) respectively, and should be in South African shops on the 2^nd of March.