The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 is a high-performance racing shoe designed for athletes seeking an innovative experience on the track. Its unique features include a decoupled heel and an extended carbon-fiber plate, making it suitable for those who prefer a non-traditional ride. However, lab measurements indicate a weight of 300 grams, which is relatively heavy for a modern supershoe.

This shoe may present stability challenges, as evidenced by a rigidity score of 4/5, indicating it's not ideal for everyone. The firm foam with a durometer measurement of 32 HA translates to a responsive yet stable platform for runners looking to enhance their race-day performance. Overall, the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 is best for experienced runners who appreciate avant-garde footwear design despite some notable drawbacks.


Pros

  • Enhanced energy return
  • Ultra-breathable upper
  • Exceptional grip
  • Max race-day legal stack
  • Highly responsive
  • Great for marathons

Cons

  • Excessively heavy
  • Not for heel strikers at all
  • Pricier than most supershoes

Key Features

    Regular Fit: Designed to accommodate a variety of foot shapes comfortably. ULTRAWEAVE Upper: Lightweight material that enhances breathability and support. Stack Height: 40mm in the heel and 32mm in the forefoot for optimal cushioning. Weight: 240g (in size UK8), making it one of the lighter options available. Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm drop facilitates a smooth transition during runs.

Specifications

    Origin: Made in USA and Imported Sole Material: Rubber for durability and traction. Outer Material: Mesh for breathability. Closure Type: Lace-Up for a customizable fit.

Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 Nike Alphafly 3 Under Armour Velociti Elite 2 Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
Price $260 $285 $250 $225
Pace Competition Competition Competition Competition
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 9.3 oz / 264g 7.1 oz / 201g 9.1 oz / 257g 7.8 oz / 220g
Lightweight
Drop lab Drop brand 7.8 mm 8.5 mm 6.0 mm 9.5 mm
Strike pattern Mid/forefoot Heel Mid/forefoot Heel
Size True to size Slightly small True to size True to size
Midsole softness Soft Soft Balanced Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Small Small Small
Toebox durability Bad Bad Decent Good
Heel padding durability Good Good Decent Good
Outsole durability Decent Bad Bad Good
Breathability Breathable Breathable Breathable Breathable
Width / fit Narrow Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Narrow Medium Medium Medium
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Flexible Flexible Flexible
Plate Carbon plate Carbon plate Carbon plate Carbon plate
Rocker
Heel lab Heel brand 39.7 mm 38.1 mm 37.9 mm 38.1 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 31.9 mm 29.6 mm 31.9 mm 28.6 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season Summer Summer Summer Summer
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 15% Top 34% Bottom 17% Top 39%
Popularity Bottom 1% Top 6% Bottom 23% Top 10%