Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite Verdict
The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite stands out as a distinctive super shoe, ideal for races spanning up to the half-marathon distance, as well as for intervals and short threshold runs. Its sole design promotes rapid heel-to-toe transitions, although its firm EVA heel can make transitions feel less fluid at slower paces. While the Fast-R Nitro Elite doesn’t offer the same versatility and durability as the Deviate Nitro Elite 2, it excels in delivering a sensation of speed during shorter bursts.
Who should buy the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite ?
If you’re looking for a 5K/10K/half marathon racer, the Fast-R Nitro Elite is a good option due to its stable ride and midsole geometry which encourages a fast turnover. It has great foot lockdown and an energetic ride.
Who should not buy the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite ?
If you’re looking for a long-distance racer which feels highly cushioned, comfortable and efficient, look elsewhere because the Fast-R does not excel at slower paces or smooth transitions.
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite Introduction
As a running brand, Puma has made remarkable strides in the past two years. The brand now boasts a strong lineup of training shoes with no significant weaknesses. While the Deviate Nitro 2 stood out as my preferred carbon-plated trainer from last year, Puma’s performance in the realm of marathon racing shoes has been good but not exceptional.
In my review of the Deviate Elite 2 (including the original version), I found both iterations to be highly durable, reasonably stable, and impressively versatile super shoes. However, they lacked the kind of propulsion I was seeking – a more aggressive edge and snappier toe-offs.
The Fast-R Nitro is Puma’s second super shoe and it’s priced above the Deviate Elite. It has a really radical design with a decoupled heel and an exposed carbon plate.
It’s important to note that the Fast-R Nitro Elite isn’t entirely new. While it was initially released in extremely limited quantities early last year, supply constraints due to Puma’s manufacturing challenges made it one of the most challenging super shoes to acquire.
I finally managed to secure a pair at the Singapore Marathon Expo in December. This specific version is a limited edition, featuring the Singapore Marathon logo on its insole. Notably, this version differs from the earlier model provided to reviewers last year.
In terms of specifications, this production version weighs 7.9 oz (224 g), whereas the preproduction version was 7 oz (198 g) for a men’s US size 9. Additionally, the outsole of this version also varies, with flatter outsole rubber on both the rearfoot and forefoot compared to the preproduction version. The price of the Fast-R Nitro Elite is $250, which is $30 more than the Deviate Elite 2, and it boasts an 8 mm drop.
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite First Impressions
During my initial run, a 9 km workout encompassing warm-up and 7 x 1 km repeats, I was immediately struck by a sensation unlike any other shoe I had previously tried. The intriguing blend of a firm heel and a super-soft forefoot delivered a distinct and novel experience.
It felt as though a small, rounded stone had found its way beneath my heels. This sensation emanated from the decoupled EVA heel. While it took a bit of time to acclimate to, by the conclusion of the workout, the feeling had become less pronounced.
The upper exhibited a noticeable narrowness, particularly around the midfoot, yet it didn’t cause discomfort. I found the heel lockdown to be highly effective, and I was pleasantly surprised by the performance-oriented feel of the semi-bootie construction.
What truly impressed me was the speed at which transitions occurred. Although the contrasts in midsole densities rendered the transitions slightly less fluid, the shoe exuded an aggressive quality, making it effortless to accelerate my pace. In fact, the average pace of the workout turned out to be faster than my initial expectations.
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite Upper
The Fast-R’s upper design is just as captivating as its sole. Crafted from mono-mesh (in contrast to the Deviate Elite 2’s engineered mesh), this engineered mesh variant is thinner and more breathable, though it feels firmer and doesn’t mold to the foot as seamlessly.
Featuring a semi-bootie construction, the collar, tongue, and inner gusset comprise stretchy, knitted material. Despite my usual reservations about bootie constructions due to potential issues with lockdown, the Fast-R doesn’t exhibit any shortcomings in this area. The knitted gusset ensures the tongue remains securely in place during runs.
A rigid TPU heel fin serves as an external heel counter for added support. Personally, I’m not fond of this heel fin as it becomes a hindrance while removing the shoes. However, the heel lockdown is commendable, although I find it beneficial to use a runner’s knot.
Regarding fit, the Fast-R aligns with true sizing and boasts a narrow heel, midfoot, and toe-box. For those with flat feet, you may notice the narrow midfoot embracing your arch, though not to the point of discomfort. It’s evident that the shoe isn’t intended for those with wider feet.
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite Sole Unit
The ride of the Fast-R Elite is among the most intriguing experiences I’ve encountered in a while. I must commend Puma for the design, as it might appear gimmicky at first glance, but after putting it to the test, I must admit it’s an incredibly distinctive design that works effectively at certain speeds.
The Fast-R Elite boasts a dual-density midsole, featuring moderately firm EVA foam in the rearfoot and soft, nitrogen-infused PEBA foam called NITRO Elite in the forefoot. Linking the rearfoot to the forefoot is a sturdy carbon PWRPLATE, with no foam present in the midfoot section.
When wearing them, it’s akin to having your foot placed on a steep downward slope. Although the drop is only 8 mm, it feels considerably steeper due to the significant difference in foam density between the heel and forefoot.
This setup is strategically crafted to stabilize your heel upon landing and then facilitate swift transitions from heel to forefoot. In practice, the shoe accomplishes precisely that. While the shift from heel to forefoot isn’t exactly smooth or natural feeling, it proves highly effective in encouraging faster speeds and cadence.
The Fast-R truly shines and excels during short threshold runs and quick bursts of speed. I found it to be most enjoyable and effective under these conditions. During my longest run of 30 kilometers, however, the shoe didn’t perform as well at slower paces above 5 minutes per kilometer. At those speeds, the firm EVA heel becomes more noticeable and, frankly, less comfortable. The sensation of the heel felt somewhat harsh, which impacted my overall enjoyment, particularly in comparison to other super shoes.
Additionally, when running at slower paces above 5 minutes per kilometer, the midfoot gap becomes more apparent, making the Fast-R less versatile than the Deviate Elite 2, which handles slower paces more effectively. The Fast-R’s design seems to be specifically tailored for fast running scenarios. At quicker paces, transitions feel more fluid, seamless, and the shoe truly stands out.
One aspect that I’ve noticed lacking in the Fast-R’s geometry is the high-toe spring. A higher toe design would enhance the shoe’s fluidity during toe-offs, making them more efficient. Currently, the shoe feels relatively flat in comparison to other top-performing super shoes.
The carbon plate in the Fast-R is unique, featuring transparent sides and longitudinal grooves. Similar to the Deviate Elite 2, the PWRPLATE in the Fast-R is more flexible than many other carbon plates, leading to a slightly less rigid sensation. An interesting note is that the plate comes with a breakage warning attached to it, indicating that it’s more susceptible to snapping compared to other carbon plates due to its central foam-less section.
For the outsole, the Fast-R employs PUMAGRIP-LT rubber, which is lighter but potentially less durable than the regular PUMAGRIP. The forefoot is fully covered with rubber, extending to most of the rearfoot. Notably, the rearfoot EVA wedge features three prominent flex grooves that allow the outsole rubber to wrap around the rounded heel unit.
Unfortunately, when it comes to durability, the Fast-R Elite doesn’t quite measure up to the other shoes in the Nitro range. The EVA foam block located in the heel of the Fast-R is less resistant to scuffs and chips compared to Puma’s supercritical Nitro and Nitro Elite foams. As a result, the Fast-R’s foam wears down more quickly. I’ve noticed noticeable wear on the outer lateral heel of my Fast-R pair, particularly between the flex grooves where my natural footstrike occurs.
While the traction provided by the Fast-R is decent, it falls short of the impressive grip found in the Deviate Elite 2 and the Deviate Nitro 2. These latter models feature forefoot lugs that protrude outward, enhancing their grip on various surfaces. In contrast, the Fast-R’s outsole rubber boasts a flatter design, which contributes to its slightly reduced traction performance.
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite Conclusions
It seems that the Fast-R Elite didn’t quite live up to its intended role as Puma’s flagship, long-distance marathon racing shoe. Even Puma-sponsored marathon runners like Molly Seidel and Rory Linkletter continue to opt for the Deviate Nitro Elite 2 over the Fast-R for their competitive races, which is telling.
In my personal assessment, I would also choose the Deviate Nitro Elite 2 for marathon racing. It offers greater efficiency over extended distances and provides a smoother ride with seamless transitions. Additionally, the Deviate Elite 2’s enhanced durability ensures it can withstand rigorous training runs without wearing out quickly.
However, the Fast-R excels in shorter distances. It shines during interval sessions, short threshold runs, and brief races. Its aggressive sole configuration imparts a propulsive feel, complemented by the energetic response of the Nitro Elite forefoot foam. I find it enjoyable and will continue using it for workouts due to its fun factor.
Of course, price is a significant consideration. At a retail price of $250, the Fast-R presents a challenging proposition. I would hesitate to recommend investing your hard-earned money at this full price. The Fast-R doesn’t quite reach the level of a top-tier marathon racing shoe, and its limitations in long-distance comfort curtail its versatility. For the same cost, you could acquire a premium marathon racing shoe that offers more cushioning, smoother transitions, and greater overall efficiency.
While the Fast-R could be suitable for races like 5Ks, 10Ks, or half marathons, its weight of 7.9 oz (224 g) places it on the heavier end of the spectrum. In essence, you would be paying the price of a full marathon racing shoe for a more limited range of applications.
In order to enhance the Fast-R, Puma would benefit from switching the EVA heel to a more forgiving, softer foam (like Nitro foam). Additionally, improving midfoot transitions for enhanced long-distance comfort would be a key area to address.