A Closer-Look at Puma’s R8,000 Running Shoe & How You Get a Pair

PUMA has unveiled the much anticipated Fast-R Nitro Elite 3, its fastest ever running shoe, with some tech tweaks engineered to make you hit a new personal best.

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 – as 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 specialises 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 breathable upper is comprised of Puma’s premium, lightweight Ultraweave that ensures comfort and support throughout race day, whilst the company’s Pumagrip outsole offers multi-surface traction to ensure you make it from start to finish with a new PB front of mind.

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

Details:

• Price: R7,999
• Weight: 170g
• Stack Height: 40mm/32mm
• Drop: 8mm