Fast-R Nitro Elite 3

Puma’s flagship carbon racer stripped to the essentials: 40/32 mm stack (8 mm drop), a re-tuned Nitro Elite midsole, a full-length carbon “Power Plate”, an ultra-thin Ultraweave upper, and a much trimmer outsole. The headline is weight: it drops into ~170 g / 6 oz territory—roughly a 2–3 oz cut from v2—putting it among the lightest modern super shoes. Expect superb traction from the pared-down PUMAGRIP, but also a thinner rubber layer than v2.

Light, loud, and very forefoot-focused. Multiple reviewers found the shoe comes alive when you’re up on your toes at 10K–HM and faster efforts: the Nitro Elite foam compresses quickly, the carbon plate snaps, and turnover feels effortless at speed. At slower than marathon effort the ride can feel awkward, and if you land farther back the decoupled geometry exposes the heel: stability drops and the shoe feels harsh. In short, the shoe delivers thrilling propulsion for efficient mid/forefoot strikers.

The new Ultraweave upper is race-snug, airy, and more comfortable than v2; heel and midfoot lockdown are strong. The tongue is wafer-thin and can fold while lacing (take a second to smooth it). Most found it true-to-size with a performance fit (some note it runs a bit long; others note it feels narrow). Overall it feels like a track spike for the road—minimal padding, maximum connection.

• Huge weight drop with equally huge top-end speed; plate + foam feel explosive at race pace
• Upper is more comfortable and breathable than v2; lockdown is secure.
• Excellent wet/dry grip despite the thin rubber

• Months after release, it's still very difficult to find the shoe in stock
• Heel instability: mid/heel strikers may find it twitchy, especially on downhills or during late-race fatigue
• Harsh at slower paces; doesn’t smooth over form lapses the way plusher racers do
• Thin outsole raises durability questions vs v2