I have owned 4 Puma Hybrids with the Hybrid Astro being the cheapest. The first impression was not very good. I didn't like the hard plastic lacing system and the laces themselves are quite tight, creating uncomfortable pressure zones on the arch of the foot. I was ready to give up these shoes but decided to try the elastic laces on them. It changed the rules of the game. Flat elastic laces and an improved insole made this shoe perfect. Feels great underfoot and the landing is there. I have just bought my third pair of this model and am really sad that Puma (as Puma) is not tracking and updating models. YMMV but for me this shoe was amazing.