PUMAFast-R Nitro Elite 3
Powered by NITROFOAM™ Elite and a full-length carbon PWRPLATE, the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 delivers explosive propulsion in an ultra-light race-ready build. Stripped down, dialed in, and engineered for speed, it’s PUMA’s most uncompromising road racer yet.
Details
The PUMA Fast-R Nitro™ Elite 3 is engineered with a singular focus: uncompromising speed. Through advanced computational design, PUMA removed excess weight, refined structure, and re-engineered every element to create a significantly lighter, sharper racing machine than its predecessor. The result is a stripped-down, purpose-built super shoe capable of dominating distances from the marathon down to the 5K.
A re-tuned NITROFOAM™ Elite midsole delivers a softer, lighter feel with heightened energy return, creating a fast and highly responsive ride that thrives at race pace. Beneath it, a full-length carbon PWRPLATE amplifies propulsion and forward momentum, helping you roll smoothly through toe-off while conserving energy late into hard efforts.
Up top, a redesigned ULTRAWEAVE mesh upper enhances airflow and lockdown while minimizing overlays for a cleaner, sock-like fit. Breathable, distraction-free, and featherlight, it keeps your focus locked on the finish line. Underfoot, a slimmer PUMAGRIP outsole maintains confident traction on race-day surfaces while trimming weight to the absolute minimum. Purposeful, aggressive, and relentlessly fast, the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is built for runners who race to win.
MIDSOLE
- NITROFOAM Elite is aliphatic TPU superfoam that's highly responsive and extremely lightweight, now tuned slightly softer than before.
- PWRPLATE is a full-length carbon fiber plate designed for maximum energy return and optimized running efficiency. Its extended design beyond your toes increases propulsion and stride length.
OUTSOLE
- PUMAGRIP rubber offers class-leading multi-surface traction and durability.
UPPER
- ULTRAWEAVE engineered mesh provides a lightweight and breathable race fit.
- PWRTAPE overlays have been reduced to provide just the right amount of strategic support.
Researched and compiled by Mark Shannon
Specifications may be manufacturer-reported. Learn how Cadence verifies shoe data.
Specifications
Cadence Database Analysis
How the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 compares with 28 current Super Shoes / Race shoes tracked by Cadence.
Comparisons use listed specifications tracked by Cadence. Manufacturer reference sizes and measurement methods can vary. Learn about our data methodology.
Where It Fits
- Cushioning
- High
- Listed weight
- Slightly light for category
- Stack
- Slightly low for category
- Price
- Higher-priced for category
- Drop
- Notably high for category
- Plate
- Yes
- Group
- Super Shoes / Race
Compared With Super Shoes / Race
| Metric | Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 | Group median | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listed weight | 6oz | 6.75oz | Lighter (34th percentile) |
| Heel stack | 39mm | 40mm | Lower (36th percentile) |
| Forefoot stack | 31mm | 33.5mm | Lower (30th percentile) |
| Drop | 8mm | 6mm | Higher (89th percentile) |
| Price | $300 | $270 | Higher range (84th percentile) |
What Stands Out
- Its 8mm midsole drop is 2.0mm above the current Super Shoes / Race median of 6mm (n=28).
- At 6 oz, its listed weight is 0.8 oz below the median of the 28 current Super Shoes / Race shoes in the Cadence database (6.75 oz).
- At $300, its price sits $30 above the median of the 28 current Super Shoes / Race shoes in the Cadence database ($270).
