Fast-R Nitro Elite 3

For most runners, yes, so order your usual road running size. The fit is on the narrow, race-day side with a snug midfoot and a close forefoot, which is ideal for locked-in racing. If you have wide feet or you know your feet swell late in a marathon, size up a half. Runners with genuinely wide feet should try a pair on first, as this is not a forgiving fit.

Yes. This is a carbon racing shoe built specifically for the marathon and half. At around 170g it is light for a full-stack super-shoe, and the plate plus split-forefoot geometry deliver strong energy return when you hold goal pace. The foam stays protective deep into the race. It suits neutral runners who like a firm, propulsive ride rather than a soft, rolling one, and who are racing rather than jogging.

Not really. This is a specialist race-day shoe with a firm, aggressive ride, a tall carbon platform and a narrow fit, all of which demand efficient form and reward faster paces. Beginners or heavier heel-strikers will get more from a cushioned daily trainer and a separate tempo shoe. If you are new to carbon shoes, a softer option like the Nike Vaporfly 4 is a gentler introduction before you step up to something this focused.

Both are top-tier marathon racers at a similar premium price, and both reward a committed, fast runner. The Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 has PUMA's split-forefoot geometry for a sharper, more aggressive transition, while the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 leans on its EnergyRods for a slightly smoother roll. Choose the PUMA if you want a firmer, snappier platform and the adidas if you prefer a marginally more forgiving ride.

Like all carbon super-shoes, this is a race-day tool with a limited competitive lifespan, so it is not built to soak up daily training miles. Reserve it for races and a handful of key fast sessions to protect the foam and plate. Treated that way it will see you through a full season of marathons and halves. Use it as an everyday trainer and both the cushioning response and the outsole will wear out far sooner.

At £260 it sits right at the top of the super-shoe market alongside the Alphafly and the Adios Pro. If you race often and run best off a firm, propulsive platform, the light weight and strong energy return justify the cost for a dedicated race shoe. If you only race once or twice a year, or you want one shoe to do everything, it is hard to justify. Watch for a discount and it becomes far easier to recommend.