Puma FAST-R Nitro Elite 3 - Lab-tested speed for marathon racing

The Puma FAST-R Nitro Elite 3 represents the fastest racing shoe Puma has ever created—backed by data showing 3.15% improved running economy, translating to 4 minutes 30 seconds saved for a 3-hour marathoner. At 95g lighter than its predecessor, this elite marathon racer combines revolutionary NITROFOAM ELITE with an extended carbon PWRPLATE and aggressive de-coupled heel design for powerful propulsion and smooth transitions.

Revolutionary NITROFOAM ELITE with Extended Carbon Plate

The brand-new NITROFOAM ELITE foam creates exceptional energy return whilst maintaining the lightweight properties elite racing demands. The carbon PWRPLATE extends through the forefoot and beyond the toe—a unique design choice that amplifies propulsion during toe-off. This extended plate geometry works with the foam to generate forward momentum, helping maintain race pace when fatigue accumulates through marathon distance.

Aggressive De-Coupled Heel Design

The standout feature: a heel separated from the rest of the midsole by everything except the plate itself. This innovative construction enables smooth, powerful roll-through from landing to toe-off, creating efficient transitions that reduce energy waste. The de-coupled heel allows independent movement, adapting to your footstrike whilst the plate guides you seamlessly into propulsion phase. It's marathon shoe design reimagined—keeping only what's essential for fast times.

Elite Racing Construction

The lightweight ULTRAWEAVE upper secures your foot without restriction whilst maintaining breathability crucial for sustained marathon efforts. PUMAGRIP rubber on the outsole balances durable multi-surface traction with minimal weight addition. The neutral platform with extra-cushioned stack height suits runners whose natural gait doesn't require correction, allowing smooth motion to flow whilst protecting legs through 26.2 miles.

Key features:

- NITROFOAM ELITE foam technology

- Extended carbon PWRPLATE (past toe)

- 95g lighter than predecessor

- 3.15% improved running economy (lab-tested)

- De-coupled heel design

- ULTRAWEAVE lightweight upper

- PUMAGRIP multi-surface outsole

- Neutral platform

- Extra-cushioned stack height

Best for:

- Marathon racing

- Elite and sub-elite performance

- Competitive time goals

- Boston qualification attempts

- Race day only

- Neutral runners

- Experienced marathoners

- Championship events

Is the FAST-R Nitro Elite 3 right for you?

Lab data demonstrates 3.15% improved running economy in controlled testing. Designed for competitive marathoners chasing breakthrough times, sub-3:00 goals, or podium placements who possess the aerobic capacity to maximise elite racing technology. The 95g lighter construction and de-coupled heel benefit athletes accepting aggressive geometry with reduced ground feedback. Save this exclusively for goal marathons and select race-pace sessions—its radical design optimises pure speed rather than training robustness.