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PUMA Debuts ‘fast-xp’ Collection In Cape Town – Speed Driven Innovation

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PUMA Debuts ‘fast-xp’ Collection In Cape Town – Speed Driven Innovation

For the first time on African soil runners can experience The Future of Fast when PUMA exhibits its most daring innovation yet: the FAST-XP Collection of five concept shoes on Friday 22 May and Saturday 23 May at The Burrow, the Loop Street clubhouse of iconic run crew The Nine Four.

The exhibit, which is open to the public, features a radical lineup of hybrid innovation shoes designed to redefine speed and performance. Built through NITRO Lab – the brand’s elite innovation engine – the collection translates the cutting-edge technology of PUMA’s existing innovation into futuristic, never-before-seen running models. In the same way racing car manufacturers use concept cars to test boundary-pushing ideas before they hit the road, PUMA has created the collection to showcase the next generation of speed-driven innovation.

Each shoe draws inspiration from PUMA’s most advanced track technologies, re-engineered for both track and field, and road running.

Full details of each ‘concept car’ in the FAST-XP collection are listed below.

  • FAST-XP SPT

Inspired by the Berserker – the spike worn by 400m hurdle world record holder Karsten Warholm – the FAST-XP SPT is purpose-built for a 200m and 400m sprinter. With a split, asymmetrical 3D PWRPLATE for banking efficiency on curves, NITROFOAM™ Elite pod for explosive energy return, and a posterior heel wedge to support longer sprint events, it’s engineered to amplify every stride, from the blocks to the finish line.

  • FAST-XP LVT

Taking cues from 13-time world record holder Mondo Duplantis’ pole vault spike, the FAST-XP LVT reimagines vertical propulsion for the road. With a dual-density midsole, full-length carbon PWRPLATE spine, and hollow heel geometry, it blends cushioning, stiffness, and reduced weight for elite-level responsiveness mile after mile.

  • FAST-XP PLS

Born from the Berserker’s propulsive DNA, the FAST-XP PLS transforms sprint innovation into a high-performance road shoe. Featuring cascade-shaped NITROFOAM™ geometry paired with NITROFOAM™ Elite and PWRPLATE stability, it

delivers plush cushioning, high energy return, and efficient propulsion for long-distance speed.

  • FAST-XP SPG

Evolving from the FAST RB NITRO™ Elite, the SPG mirrors the explosive rebound of a springboard. Its dual-plate construction, forefoot rocker apex, and strategic NITROFOAM™ Elite pods maximize energy storage and release for fast runners chasing their edge.

  • FAST-XP BLD

Inspired by the dynamics of carbon blades, the FAST-XP BLD is engineered for aggressive propulsion. A stiffer heel with midfoot rocker works in harmony with flexible forefoot elements and a PWRPLATE-enhanced NITROFOAM™ system, enabling rapid transitions and powerful push-offs.

Anyone looking to experience the FAST-XP Collection can do so on Friday 22 May from 7pm – 10pm at The Burrow, 34 Loop Street, Cape Town.

The Nine Four will be hosting a weekend of running and culture, with the unveiling of the FAST-XP Collection just one of the highlights. Events include the premiere of The Good Run; an original film exploring one simple question: what does a good run really mean?

The crew will also host the Nine Four Mother City Shake Out on Saturday 23 May, the definitive pre-race morning for runners who know that the last miles before a marathon should feel like a celebration. From 8am to noon, The Burrow becomes the heartbeat of marathon weekend, including a post-run DJ set on the legendary Nine Four balcony to bring it all home.

On Sunday 25 May, The Nine Four and Ses’fikile close out in style at Botanik Social House where DJs soundtrack the night as runners, crews, and creative souls from Cape Town and beyond gather to mark the end of marathon weekend.

For more information please visit: www.puma.com

PUMA Deviate NITRO™ 4: Roving Cow Approved

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PUMA Deviate NITRO™ 4: Roving Cow Approved

Road-tested in Bedfordview, cow-approved

By Richard Laskey – Modern Athlete’s Roving Cow

The PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 is built to be a proper all-rounder, not a full-on carbon- plated race weapon, but a fast, versatile daily trainer that can handle everything from easy kilometres to tempo runs. It’s lighter and more responsive than your typical training shoe, but still comfortable enough for those longer sessions around Bedfordview.

To get a proper feel for it, Modern Athlete’s Roving Cow took it out on the local roads, from early morning solo runs to relaxed social outings with the usual running crews where the pace is honest but the coffee stops are compulsory.

General Feel (Out the Box & On the Road)

First impression out the box: the Deviate NITRO 4 feels light without feeling flimsy. It’s not one of those shoes that disappears in your hand, but it definitely feels ready to move. Step into it and you immediately get that soft Nitro cushioning underfoot with a bit of bounce waiting for you.

On the road, it feels smooth and easy to run in. This is the kind of shoe where you head out for a relaxed 5km and end up stretching it to 8 or 10 without really thinking about it. It’s comfortable enough for easy runs but has enough response when you decide to pick up the pace.

It doesn’t feel overly aggressive, which makes it much easier to live with day to day compared to a full race shoe.

Upper (Comfort That Just Works)

The upper is breathable and light without being paper-thin. On warm Gauteng mornings, ventilation is solid and your feet don’t feel like they’re cooking halfway through the run.

The fit is secure without feeling tight, and it holds your foot nicely through the midfoot. It’s a comfortable, everyday fit that should work for most runners. There’s enough structure to keep things stable without feeling stiff or restrictive.

The laces stay put once tied, which is always a win. No mid-run lace drama while your running mates disappear up the road.

Midsole (Bounce Without the Drama)

The midsole uses PUMA’s NITRO foam paired with a PWRPLATE for a bit of extra snap. Instead of the aggressive carbon plate found in race shoes, this setup feels more forgiving and much easier to run in over longer distances.

You get a nice bit of cushioning on landing, and when you push the pace, the shoe responds without feeling harsh. It’s not overly soft and not overly firm, it sits nicely in that middle ground that works for most types of runs.

Whether you’re cruising along or pushing a steady tempo, the ride stays smooth and predictable.

Sole (Road Feel & Protection)

Underfoot, the Deviate NITRO 4 gives you a good balance between cushioning and road feel. There’s enough protection to keep your legs happy on longer runs, but you still feel connected to the road.

Transitions feel natural from heel to toe, and the shoe rolls along nicely once you find your rhythm.

Outer Sole (Grip You Can Trust)

PUMAGRIP continues to impress. Bedfordview roads can be a mixed bag, smooth tar, rough patches, dusty corners, and the grip handles it all without any issues.

Even on slightly wet sections, the shoe feels planted and reliable, which gives you confidence when you’re moving at pace or cornering.

Inner Comfort (No Fuss Running)

Inside the shoe, everything is simple and comfortable. No rubbing, no hotspots, and no slipping around. It’s the kind of shoe you can just put on and run without thinking too much about it.

That’s exactly what you want from a daily trainer.

On the Road Reality Check

This is a versatile shoe that fits nicely into a regular running routine. It can handle easy runs, steady sessions, and even the occasional faster effort without complaining.

It’s not as aggressive or demanding as a carbon race shoe, which makes it far more practical for everyday running. You don’t need perfect form or fresh legs to enjoy it, it just works.

For most runners, this is the kind of shoe that will end up doing a lot of mileage.

Conclusion (Would the Cow Run Again?)

Definitely. The Deviate NITRO 4 is a solid, dependable running shoe that can handle a bit of everything. It’s comfortable enough for daily training but lively enough to keep things interesting when you pick up the pace.

It feels right at home on Bedfordview roads, whether you’re out for a steady run, chasing a Strava segment, or just cruising with the crew.

The Roving Cow’s verdict:

A proper all-rounder. Comfortable, responsive, and easy to run in, the kind of shoe that quietly becomes your go-to without making a big noise about it.