First look at the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite

After releasing their first carbon-plated shoe, the Deviate Nitro Elite, Puma is back with a faster and more responsive racing shoe, the Fast-R Nitro Elite. The shoe is engineered with maximum-energy-transfer foam for record-breaking propulsion. Although it looks rather unorthodox for a carbon-plated running shoe, the Fast-R puts you in the driver’s seat to set records for your upcoming half-marathon or marathon.

Drop: 7.5 mm
Stack height: 37 mm
Weight: 7.2 oz. (215 grams) for a US M9 / 6.5 oz. (185 grams) for a US W8
Available: Summer 2022
Price: CAD 320

Lightweight fitted upper

The upper on the Fast-R is revolutionary, especially in the race-day shoe category, being one of the lightest on the market. The mono-mesh upper is Puma’s most lightweight and breathable upper to date, wrapping your foot securely, providing a reinforced fit with soft felt underlays and a similar mono-tongue to the Nike Alphafly. When you have the shoe on your foot, it immediately feels secure over the midsole. The Fast-R has an upper you can trust for comfort and confidence on the roads.

Nitro Elite foam midsole for that propulsive pop

The Fast-R is made of two different foams at the forefoot and heel: a bio-based pebax (Nitro Elite) in the forefoot and a traditional EVA foam heel to absorb energy and create a more stable platform on landing. The Nitro Elite foam propels the foot forward on toe-off. The full-length carbon plate (PWRplate) is sandwiched between the two foams (it’s under the foam in the forefoot and on top of the foam in the rearfoot) to give you that propulsive pop you want to experience in a super-shoe.

A best-in-class outsole

The outsole features an ample layer of PumaGrip in the forefoot and heel, and has significantly better traction than some of its carbon competition on the roads. The grip is fantastic, and feels almost like a basketball shoe on the court. It is remarkable what Puma has done to make this shoe as light as possible to compete among the best racing shoes on the market.