Puma running shoes have entered my rotation in the last few years and I realize I’ve been missing out on what this brand is doing. The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 is flashy and living up to their motto of Forever Faster! Let’s see how it stacks up to other carbon plated shoes on the market.
Not everyone will dig the design of this shoe, but I was in from the moment it came out of the box.
The exposed plate does mean you could lose some of that energy we get from sandwiching it between two cushions, but I don’t care. It’s light and sleek and I feel fast just holding it. Then I tossed it on for a half marathon to really put it to the test and see how it would function and fit.
As you know I’m always honest in my running shoe reviews with what I like, dislike and what might work for you that wasn’t a fit for me!
There isn’t a single ideal running shoe that suits every runner, so I’d like to share my discoveries. However, I strongly recommend visiting a running store and trying them on yourself! Take a run around the shop and gauge your thoughts.
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 Overview
If you’re a faster runner looking for a light, fast, bouncy race day shoe this may be your new go to because the faster you run, the more this shoe responds. Absolutely enough stability to use for a marathon run, but I’d save it for folks under that 3:30 hour range.
Puma proclaims that all their technology updates to this version will result in “average saving of 2 minutes 28 seconds for a 3:30:00 marathoner and 1 minute 23 seconds for a 2:30:00 marathoner.“
I didn’t run in the first model, so I can’t compare the two, but I can say this immediately feels like a racing shoe when I pull it on. Like many of the top carbon plated running shoes, it’s tight and getting it on feels like a workout.
But then…mmm, mmm good cushion.
I genuinely am in love with the bounce of a great carbon plated running shoe. It’s not just cushion, it’s truly feeling like the shoe is helping to propel you forward.
Puma shoes run a bit narrow like a Nike, but once it’s on you don’t notice that or feel any pressure under the arch. I really love the thin see through upper, which feels light and super breathable. The Ultraweave is actually 20% lighter, so yet another way they’ve found to cut weight.
Because of course they added cushion! We’re right up to that 40mm max stack height for a legal racing shoe.
Let’s talk more about their PWRPLATE. As noted it’s exposed in the middle, but then actually extends beyond the toe! According to their design team, “This unique concept allows for increased surface contact; a lever that guides pressure forward and propels the foot as it leaves the ground.”
During the half marathon, I could feel the energy return of the shoe and I wasn’t even racing full out.
But my stride had pop and rolled easily from heel to toe, plus my legs felt great the next day which is something that people don’t always talk about with carbon plate. If it’s saving energy, then it can indeed reduce soreness from big efforts.
The shoe is a tad heavier than some of it’s competitors, which leads you to question which race it will work best for. I think the feeling is similar to the Alphafly 2, a little different than the 3… but about an ounce heavier.
That small amount won’t effect a lot of people, but Puma is really targeting the top end racer here and they may want lighter for the full 26.2.
Puma Fast-R 2 Nitro Elite Specifications
- Heel toe drop: 8 mm
- Stack: 40 mm
- Weight: 8.5 oz Men’s, 7.4 oz women’s
- Style: Max cushion, plated shoe
- Usage: Race day
- Available at puma.com for $260
The back heel fin is for a little bit of a counter, but really…it’s a design feature because these are cool looking shoes and there’s a lot of power in just KNOWING that you look fast.
Pumagrip outsole traction is a big winner here! Many carbon plated shoes make me nervous on wet roads, but this has a great outsole that handled well over the slick roads in Orlando at 90% humidity and never once did I feel like they lost grip.
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 Fit
As noted at the beginning, this shoe runs narrow from heel to toe. It does not have a wide toebox or a high mid-foot to accommodate a high arch.
During the race, I had zero issues with the fit of this shoe. It felt great underfoot and nothing rubbed.
Unfortunately walking around was a whole different story. Myself and others found that the back was creating massive hot spots that would lead to blisters just walking too or from the start (our hotel was about .5 miles away).
No idea what the change in strike was that made that an issue, but just plan to change in to these shoes when you’re ready to start. A great idea for an carbon plate shoe anyways to save the lifespan, which is only about 250 miles.
Tongue is attached so you won’t have any issues with it moving around, but I could do without the weird black top lace that just adds potential for something to rub on my ankle. Then again, it’s very handy to help pull the shoe on and now I’m going to assume that’s exactly why it’s there.
Tired of reading, here’s a video review as well!
What is Puma Nitrofoam?
Like all brands, Puma has come up with their own proprietary foam.
NITRO foam is used throughout Puma’s lineup of road running shoes. Infused with a mixture of nitrogen gas, this specialized foam undergoes a process that heightens its springiness and bounce.
The nitrogen infusion, a distinctive trait of Puma’s road shoes, contributes to the expansion of the midsoles, amplifying comfort and ensuring optimal responsiveness and propulsion with every stride. Notably, this achievement is attained without compromising the lightweight nature of Puma’s running shoes, a feat that underscores the brand’s commitment to delivering high-performance footwear.
Who Will Like the Fast-R Nitro Elite 2?
If you’re totally new to carbon plated racing shoes this is going to knock your socks off. If you aren’t, I still think you’ll be impressed with the bounce and stability in the shoe.
- You like shoes that have a more snug or narrow fit
- Running a sub 8 min pace for racing (faster will see more energy return)
- Race day shoe for 5K to marathon depending on your preference of style
- Enough stability to also keep you feeling good during longer mileage
- Great carbon shoe for not perfect road conditions
All right there you have it! Our review of the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2! Good golly why must the names be so long?!
Looking for other running shoes??
- Best Treadmill Running Shoes
- Best Marathon Training Shoes
- Should You Forefoot Strike?
- Best HOKA Running Shoes
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