PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite
Buy PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite at today's best price (men's/women's)
5 minute read
Overview
The PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite is a high-performance running shoe designed for speed and efficiency. With its sleek silhouette and advanced technology, this shoe is a standout in PUMA's lineup.
Key Features:
- Carbon Fiber Plate: Optimizes energy return and provides stability during runs.
- NITRO Elite Foam: Delivers a lightweight and responsive cushioning experience.
- Engineered Mesh Upper: Offers a breathable and secure fit, enhancing overall comfort.
The PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize speed and a fast turnover (the rate at which the feet strike and leave the ground) for distances up to a half marathon. Its aggressive sole design and midsole geometry cater to a quick and stable ride, making it suitable for racing and fast training sessions.
According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just above the median price of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite
The PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite has garnered attention for its unique design, particularly suited to races up to the half marathon distance. Its aggressive sole encourages quick transitions, though it may feel less smooth at slower paces. While not as versatile or durable as some of its counterparts, it shines during short, fast bursts. The shoe's stability and midsole geometry are praised, but for long-distance comfort, a softer heel foam and smoother transitions would be beneficial. Overall, the Fast-R Nitro Elite is a commendable option for runners seeking a fast and stable shoe for shorter races.
Comparable Shoes
The Nike Vaporfly is often compared to the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite due to their similar ambitions in the racing shoe category. While both shoes aim for maximum efficiency and speed, the Vaporfly is known for its plush cushioning and long-distance capabilities, contrasting with the Fast-R Nitro Elite's firmer heel and preference for shorter races.
The Deviate Nitro Elite 2 is another PUMA model that runners might consider alongside the Fast-R Nitro Elite. The Deviate Nitro Elite 2 offers greater durability and versatility, making it a better option for those seeking a shoe that can handle both training and longer races.
6 PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite is crafted from a mono-mesh material, providing a balance between breathability and structure. The design includes PWRTAPE technology for added support and durability, ensuring a secure fit. The sock-like tongue and seamless construction contribute to the shoe's comfort, making it suitable for runners who value a snug, aerodynamic fit.
Midsole
At the heart of the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite is the NITRO Elite foam, offering a responsive and lightweight cushioning system. The inclusion of a carbon fiber plate serves a dual purpose: stabilizing the foot and optimizing energy return. This combination results in a propulsive feel, especially beneficial for runners with a fore/midfoot strike.
Outsole
The outsole of the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite features PUMAGRIP technology, which provides reliable traction and grip across various surfaces. This ensures that runners can maintain their pace confidently, whether training or racing on the road.
Size/fit
The PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite offers a true-to-size fit with a medium toe box, accommodating a wide range of foot shapes. The shoe's design ensures a secure lockdown, which is essential for runners seeking a stable and precise fit during high-speed endeavors.
Comfort
Comfort in the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite is achieved through a combination of the breathable upper and the cushioned NITRO Elite foam. The gusseted tongue and Achilles pillows enhance the in-shoe feel, providing a plush environment for the foot during races and fast training sessions.
Cushioning
The split midsole design of the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite, featuring EVA in the heel and Nitro Elite foam in the forefoot, offers targeted cushioning. This setup delivers firm support in the rearfoot and a softer, more responsive feel in the forefoot, catering to runners who desire a cushioned yet propulsive ride.
Who should buy the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite?
The PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite is best suited for runners who are focused on achieving personal bests in distances ranging from 5K to a half marathon. Its design favors those with a neutral pronation and a fore/midfoot strike, providing the necessary support and energy return for fast-paced efforts.
Who should not buy the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite?
Runners seeking a shoe for longer distances, such as a full marathon, or those who prefer a highly cushioned, plush ride throughout may not find the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite to be the best fit. Its firmer EVA heel and less smooth transitions at slower paces might not meet the needs of those looking for long-distance comfort.
PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite: What's it good for?
The PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite excels in short to mid-distance road races, where speed and a quick turnover are crucial. It's also a strong choice for interval training and threshold runs, where its responsive midsole and stable ride can help runners push the pace.
3 PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite FAQs
What distances is the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite best suited for?
The PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite is best suited for distances up to a half marathon, including 5K and 10K races. Its design is optimized for speed and stability, making it ideal for runners aiming for fast times in shorter road races.
Is the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite good for runners with neutral pronation?
Yes, the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite is an excellent choice for runners with neutral pronation. Its midsole and carbon fiber plate provide the necessary support and energy return for a stable and efficient run.
How does the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite perform on wet surfaces?
The PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite is equipped with PUMAGRIP outsole technology, which offers reliable traction and grip, even on wet surfaces. This allows runners to maintain their pace with confidence in various weather conditions.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
| released | ReleasedDec 2021 | Sep 2024 | Jul 2024 | Sep 2024 | Jul 2024 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 198 g W: 184 g | M: 201 g W: 181 g | M: 232 g W: 196 g | M: 210 g W: 164 g | M: 210 g W: 181 g | M: 201 g W: 173 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot30 mm | 33 mm | 38 mm | 32 mm | 27 mm | 24 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe dropM: 8 mm W: 8 mm | 6 mm | 2 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel | HeelM: 38 mm W: 38 mm | 39 mm | 40 mm | 40 mm | 35 mm | 32 mm |
| Brand | BrandPUMA | adidas | Under Armour | PUMA | New Balance | Brooks |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLightweightMaximalist | LightweightMaximalist | ComfortableMaximalist | LightweightMaximalist | ComfortableLightweight | Lightweight |
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Carbon fiber plate | Carbon fiber plate | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Techs | TechsPUMA NITROPUMA NITRO Elite | PUMA NITROPUMA NITRO Elite | New Balance FuelCell | |||
Common characteristicsRoadRacingNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh arch |
- Nov 2023
- Dec 2021
