//
Photo shows one example colourway
Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
Tracked dailyCarbon Plated
Where to buy
Today's tracked prices
- 01365RiderLIVE£179.49£260.00−31%
- 02Direct RunningLIVE£218.41£260.00−16%
Prices and sizes can change, so always check the latest availability at the retailer. Some links earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tracked daily
Price history
Expert review
Our verdict
At 170g, the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is one of the lighter full-stack carbon racing shoes we track, and most reviewers rank it among the fastest they've raced in. The price of that speed is stability, durability and a ride that only makes sense when you're working hard. That makes it a very good running shoe for a fairly small group: efficient mid and forefoot strikers racing 5K to the half, and quick marathoners whose form doesn't fall apart late on. The Run Testers raced it at the London Marathon and felt it was lighter and more efficient than the Alphafly 3, though never a shoe they stopped noticing. Running Shoes Guru was less taken, marking it down for wobbliness and early wear at this price. At £260 RRP it sits at the top of the market, and Puma's own Deviate Nitro Elite 4 is £45 less if you want a carbon racer from the same range without the Fast-R's quirks.
Key features
- Full-length carbon plateKeeps the shoe stiff from heel to toe, so it rolls you forward quickly at race pace, though it gives little back at a jog
- Separate heel and forefoot sectionsLet the heel compress on its own as you land, which reviewers describe as a springboard feel when you're running fast
- Aggressive rocker and toe springTip you onto your forefoot early in each stride, which suits mid and forefoot strikers far better than heel strikers
- 170g race weightMeans less to lift on every stride, which adds up over a half or a full marathon
- Ultra-thin woven upperWraps your foot closely and works well without socks, at the cost of structure and toughness
Who it suits
Who should buy it
- Efficient forefoot and midfoot strikers who want as much speed as possible on race day
- Runners racing 5K to half marathon who can hold good form the whole way
- Fast marathoners with stable mechanics chasing a PB
Good to know
Extra information
Fit & sizing
Reviews disagree more on fit than on anything else. Most testers stayed in their usual size and got a snug, low-volume race fit. One UK review found it a touch long and went half a size down, while a US tester went half a size up. Lab measurements put the upper slightly narrower than average, yet another reviewer thought the inside was roomy enough for wider feet. Nobody reported heel slip, although the heel counter is very soft. The tongue is thin and not gusseted. It stays in place, but set it flat before you lace up. Try a pair on before race day if you possibly can, because an upper this thin can't be rescued by lacing.
Performance breakdown
Ride & feel
It gets better the faster you go. At 5K to half marathon effort, reviewers describe a springy, rolling ride that tips you onto your toes. Slow down and it turns awkward, and one tester found the rocker intrusive enough that they never forgot what was on their feet. One reviewer also felt the separate heel section squashed in a way that wasted a little energy at steady marathon pace, where it had felt fine at 10K pace.
Cushioning
The foam is soft and very bouncy, with plenty of it under the heel. With a full-length plate there's no flex at all. That works for racing but can be hard on your feet over a long effort: one reviewer's big toe got sore from the long plate and toe spring on longer sessions, and another cut a long run short because of discomfort. Several testers doubted it gives anyone short of elite level enough support for a full marathon.
Stability
Stability is the weak point. Lab testing ranked it among the least stable super shoes, with a narrow heel and hardly any heel counter. Reviewers felt the midfoot roll inward, and on corners the thin upper lets your foot shift across the platform. Forefoot strikers get on with it. If you land hard on your heel or need support from your shoe, look elsewhere.
Upper & comfort
The woven upper is barely there. That keeps the weight down and makes it comfortable without socks, and it stretches slightly while still holding the midfoot securely. There's little structure, though, and it isn't tough: one reviewer found the rubber peeling away at the toe cap, and others saw the outsole dent and wear early.
Honest reviews by runners
Reviews
No reviews yet, be the first to review this shoe.
Sign in to write a review.
Common questions
FAQ
The numbers
Specifications
| Category | Race |
| Surface | Road |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Heel Stack | 40mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 32mm |
| Weight | 170g |
| Carbon Plated | Yes |
| Stability | No |
Keep looking