Science-driven model could knock minutes off your marathon best

Debuting at Monday’s Boston Marathon (April 21), PUMA is set to release their new super shoe, the Fast-R NITRO Elite 3. Combining state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge design features, it has been extensively tested with remarkable results.

In an industry study at the University of Massachusetts, findings revealed consistent results where runners showed an average improvement in running economy of 3.15 per cent over the brand’s current super shoe, the Fast-R NITRO Elite 2. For a three-hour marathon runner, this could mean a potential improvement of over four-and-a-half minutes!

Testing in the lab is all well and good, but the results happen out on the road and I’ve been fortunate enough to try a pair of the shoes in recent weeks.

The Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 is much lighter than its predecessor. Coming in at just 170g, the shoe simply disappeared around my foot. The stack height is the legal limit at 40mm with an 8mm drop into the forefoot, with 32mm of cushioning. This drop feels great and helped propel my feet forward through my stride.

The decoupled midsole remains, but it’s the new foam and restructured PWRPLATE that give the shoe the big leaps forward in performance. NITROFOAM ELITE improves the cushioning and responsiveness and feels incredibly springy. Once up to race pace, the carbon PWRPLATE gives a toe-off that feels incredible, but what makes the real difference is the combined effect of the whole shoe that feels smooth and energised.

An ultra-lightweight, breathable upper provides a close, secure fit and the industry-leading PUMAGRIP rounds off the package to give superb multi-surface traction in any conditions.

Vice President of Innovation at PUMA Group, Romain Girard, said: “We redefined the creation process to be completely digital. Optimising this approach has resulted in science and data that prove PUMA is not just competing in the running category, we’re leading it. This is a truly generational shoe that sets a new standard for the entire category.”

On my recent interval sessions and tempo runs, the shoe has felt amazing and I  hope I can do the shoe justice when I run the Boston Marathon. At times it’s felt as though the shoe wanted to go faster than my legs!

Puma’s elite athletes will be lining up in spring races in the shoes and one athlete who will be hoping for a stellar performance, Canadian Olympian Rory Linkletter, who’ll be lining up in Boston said: “Make no mistake, the Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 is the most radical ride I’ve ever experienced, and I have the Strava receipts to prove it. It’s certainly the fastest shoe I’ve ever laced up.”

In Boston and London, 200 runners forming part of the PUMA Project 3 team will be wearing the shoes, hoping to break their personal bests and the chance to win $3000!

The shoe will be available in limited quantities from PUMA on 25th April.

FAST-R Specifications:

Price £260.00

Weight: 170g

Stack: 40mm / 32mm Drop: 8mm

We’ll have more details on the research carried out by the University of Massachusetts soon, but for now, this could be your next shoe to obtain a personal best.