Running shoes are full of new and different designs. But the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 is even better. It has two foam blocks in its sole. The carbon fiber plate is like a bridge between them. At the back of the shoe, there’s a fin-like protrusion, and at the front, the outsole extends. The result? It’s an intriguing and fast shoe, but it’s not for beginners.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 is an advanced running shoe that combines great cushioning with exceptional dynamics. Created for ultra-fast training and street starts – from short distances to half marathon and marathon. The construction supports record-breaking performance and maintaining a high running pace but also requires proper technique. These shoes can help but their design is also demanding – these are shoes for advanced runners.
Pros
- very high dynamics,
- very aggressive profiling,
- high cushioning,
- sock-type upper that adjusts to the foot,
- breathable upper.
Cons
- little stability in the rear part,
- not for less advanced runners,
- high weight (one of the heaviest carbon starters).
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 alternatives
The Puma Fast-R is a direct rival to models like the adidas Adios Pro and Nike Alphafly, which have set the standard among carbon-fiber running shoes for years. Today, however, almost every leading brand has equally fast and lightweight models, combining carbon fiber plates with modern foam technologies. None, however, are as remarkable in terms of design as Pumas.
If you want to know more about the top shoes made for breaking records, check out my list of the best racing models!
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 | 39/33 | 6 | 138 | 138 | 500 |
| adidas Adios Pro 4 | 39/33 | 6 | 200 | 175 | 250 |
| Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris | 39/34 | 5 | 205 | 205 | 250 |
| Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 | 35/27 | 8 | 230 | 230 | 250 |
| Diadora Gara Carbon 2 | 40/35 | 5 | 220 | 220 | 290 |
| Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 | 39/32 | 7 | 228 | 228 | 275 |
| Hoka Rocket X 2 | 36/31 | 5 | 236 | 236 | 250 |
| New Balance Fuelcell Supercomp Elite v4 | 40/36 | 4 | 237 | 188 | 280 |
| Nike Alphafly 3 | 40/32 | 8 | 218 | 218 | 310 |
| Nike Vaporfly 3 | 40/32 | 8 | 190 | 150 | 270 |
| On Cloudboom Echo 3 | 37/28 | 9 | 215 | 188 | 300 |
Puma Faas-R Nitro Elite 2| 40/32 | 8 | 250 | 250 | 270 |
|
| Salomon S/Lab Phantasm | 37,5/28,5 | 9 | 219 | 219 | 250 |
| Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 | 39/31 | 8 | 204 | 176 | 250 |
Unusual sole – two foam blocks and a carbon bridge
The midsole consists of two separate NITRO Elite foam blocks, a solution rarely found in running shoes. The front and rear parts of the sole are not directly connected to each other, forming two independent segments. The role of the bridge between them is played by a carbon plate, which stabilizes the structure and, above all, affects the dynamics of running. Its positioning is typical for racing shoes – it is closer to the ground under the forefoot, which increases the amount of foam and improves responsiveness. In the rear part, it is positioned higher, closer to the foot, which affects stability when landing.
And why carbon in running shoes at all? Its purpose is to store energy on deflection upon landing and then release it during the run-up, thus propelling the stride more efficiently and saving the runner’s strength.
In Puma Fast-R, the open space between the front and rear parts of the shoe has a key task – it allows the carbon plate to work more freely and the two midsole segments to act more independently. Thanks to this, even the softest foam does not limit the elasticity of the carbon fiber. This is a very subtle change and it may be a percentage of performance, but we are talking about a shoe for the elite, for whom every second is important. An additional advantage of this design is the reduction in weight – less foam means a lighter shoe. Although, as we will see in a moment, low weight is not an advantage of this shoe.
And how does it work in practice? Effectively. Fast-R is extremely dynamic and almost provokes you to run fast. You can feel the contoured front of the shoe, which encourages you to run on the front part of the foot, while minimizing the use of the heel. However, when we try to run in them at a slower pace, it becomes unstable and unpredictable. This clearly shows that these are not shoes for easy runs. These are shoes for advanced runners who land on the forefoot naturally and can fully exploit this potential.
In the front part, the outsole and the lower part of the midsole with a carbon fiber plate extend a few millimeters further than the upper part of the sole and the upper. Why? Probably so that when you kick off, you have the momentum to go all the way and those two extra millimeters. Remember that these are shoes for fighting for every second in a competition.
Tread where you really need it
The outsole of the Puma Fast-R is placed where the midsole allows. The front of the shoe has a large amount of PUMAGRIP rubber, and the texture of the outsole is quite deep for a carbon fiber racing shoe at 0.9 mm. This is no coincidence. Fast-R was designed for forefoot running, so traction in this area is crucial.
There is very little grip on the back of the outsole, as the rubber is mainly concentrated on the edges of the midsole, leaving the center almost empty. This is a deliberate design choice, as the heel does not play a key role in racing shoes. The Fast-R is not for slower heel strikers; it is for those who run dynamically on the midfoot.
Sock type upper – perfect fit, but not for everyone
The upper of the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 is made of ultra-thin, lightweight and breathable material that softly wraps around the foot, ensuring comfort while running. For better stabilization, it has been reinforced with stiffer PWRTAPE straps – a system of straps that act as the upper’s skeleton. An extremely breathable mesh is stretched over them, improving ventilation and minimizing the weight of the shoe.
The front part of the shoe is moderately spacious – at its widest point, the upper measures 102.1 mm, which is below average for both running shoes and carbon racing shoes. Nevertheless, there is enough space to ensure comfort and at the same time a good fit, which is crucial when running fast. Final verdict? That’s a very personal question – the best way to find out is to try it for yourself.
The upper also has a sock construction, without a classic tongue, which makes it fit the foot perfectly. It is ideal for runners who like their shoes to fit like a second skin. However, if you have a wide or highly arched foot, this model may not be for you. Putting them on your feet can be a challenge, and comfort while running is debatable. In this case, it is worth considering your choice or trying them on before buying.
The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 also has a minimalist and foot-hugging design in the heel. On the outside, its shape is maintained by a flexible, vertical strap resembling a fish fin. This is a slightly stiffened element that provides structure without restricting foot movement. Inside, there are two cushions on the sides of the upper, which stabilize the heel and prevent the foot from slipping while running. These work very well in this role – the heel stays in place and the whole makes for a solid hold.
Weight, not the lightest
The Puma Fast-R is not as light as you might think. According to the manufacturer, it weighs 250 grams, which makes it one of the heaviest carbon fiber running shoes. It’s scary to think how much heavier it would be if it had a full and more extended midsole.
In my size 12 US, the shoe weighs 293 grams. Among all running shoes, it is in the top 27% of the lightest models. This is a good result, but compared to other carbon racing shoes that I have reviewed on the blog, it is not outstanding. In this category, the Puma Fast-R is in the top 12% of the heaviest shoes. If you are looking for lightness, then… sorry… this is not the right place!
Summary
The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 is a dynamic racing shoe that stands out with its original and innovative midsole design. It makes for a great upper fit, ideal for advanced runners. Its carbon plate makes for excellent responsiveness, although it is not an “easy” shoe on the leg. For some, it may also be too narrow and too heavy, as it is one of the heaviest carbon racing shoes.
