Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
Puma has announced its third-generation Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 super shoe range just in time for the major marathon season.
Puma claims this is its “fastest ever running shoe.” And while it retains an eye-opening appearance somewhat similar to that of its predecessors, there have been major improvements to the design, including a 95g drop in weight compared to the previous generation.
The key stat claim, which Puma says is backed by a study, is the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 can provide a 3.15% boost to running efficiency, when compared to other top-tier super shoes.
“You’re talking about minutes off a marathon time, and I train years to shave a minute off of my marathon time,” says Wouter Hoogkamer, assistant professor of kinesiology at UMass Amherst who led the study.
Puma sponsored athletes will wear the shoes during both the Boston and London marathons.
The Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 vital statistics include a 40mm heel drop and 170g weight, impressive considering how substantial these shoes appear.
They are of course carbon plated shoes, using PWRPlate tech, while the grip is the company’s highly regarded signature Pumagrip.
Puma says it the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 use a new formulation of the Elite-series Nitro foam. And part of the weight drop appears to be down to a minimal, breathable mesh upper. The shape of the midsole is also less aggressive than in previous generations, with a foam bridge joining the forefoot and rear sections this time.
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 Price And Availability
Like every super shoe, the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 does not come cheap at $300 for a pair. That’s a $40 jump over the previous generation.
This series has been around since 2022, when the original Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite was released for $250.
The Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 will be available to buy from April 25, or from Puma’s “Boston Marathon experience” at 745 Boylston Street in Boston from Friday April 18.
For the average runner looking for a world-class super shoe, though, the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 may be tricky to get hold of for a while.