PUMA drops its fastest, lightest running shoe yet – the Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3

The shoe, which will debut at the Boston Marathon, provides runners with a rate of efficiency that could potentially shave minutes off their race day records - evidenced in a Research Study conducted by the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

The study, led by industry specialist Wouter Hoogkamer, concluded that Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 provides 3.15% improved running economy compared to its predecessor, which for a 3-hour marathon runner translates to an unprecedented potential marathon time saving of more than 4 minutes and 30 seconds.

Hoogkamer, who specializes in the biomechanics and energetics of running, said: "The most striking result from this study was the consistency of the running economy improvements. For every single participant, the numbers showed that running was easiest - requiring the least amount of metabolic energy - in the Fast-R 3. This is remarkable. From years of research we know that our lab-measured improvements in running energetics translate to faster race times."

Engineered with elite runners and tested on real athletes, Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 weighs 95 grams less than its predecessor. The decoupled midsole has received a fierce upgrade, with a new NITROFOAM™ ELITE compound providing next level cushion and responsiveness. The restructured PWRPLATE offers unrivalled propulsion and elite efficiency.

A limited drop will go live at PUMA.com, PUMA V&A Waterfront and PUMA Sandton from 4 May 2025.

FAST-R3 Specifications:

• Price: R7999
• Weight: 170g
• Stack Height: 40mm/32mm
• Drop: 8mm

Issued on GQ South Africa by Anele Geqiwe | https://www.gq.co.za/style/sneakers/puma-drops-its-fastest-lightest-running-shoe-yet-the-fast-r-nitro-elite-3-2a07d42d-62d6-45c0-baeb-e52f442f7c59