The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is a high-performance racing shoe designed for competitive runners. With its innovative features, it is ideal for those seeking to enhance their speed and efficiency on race day.

Lab tests reveal that the shoe's state-of-the-art foam, weighing only **grams**, offers a firm **31.5 HA** density, which translates to a stable platform during runs. The decoupled midsole design contributes to a **12 mm drop**, making it suitable for runners who favor a forward propulsion style.

However, our evaluations also indicate significant instability due to the aggressive build and materials used. These characteristics may limit practicality for many everyday runners.


Pros

  • Insanely fast and incredibly fun
  • Exceptional energy return from A-TPU foam
  • Premium Ultraweave upper
  • Innovative extended plate design
  • Perfect for 5K/10K
  • Excellent shock absorption for long distances
  • Includes two different lace types
  • Reliable lockdown
  • Huge weight reduction compared to version 2

Cons

  • Higher price than before
  • Extremely unstable
  • Very limited durability
  • Unsuitable for heel strikers

Key Features

    Regular fit - These sneakers are designed to accommodate a variety of foot shapes while maintaining comfort during extended wear. Rounded toe - This feature provides ample room for your toes, enhancing comfort and reducing pressure points. Lace closure - Ensures a secure fit that can be easily adjusted to your liking. NITROFOAM ELITE - A cutting-edge cushioning technology that enhances responsiveness and minimizes impact on your feet. PWRPLATE - An extended plate that offers maximum propulsion, making every stride more efficient.

Specifications

    Origin: Made in USA and Imported Sole material: Rubber, providing good traction and durability. Outer material: Textile, offering breathability and lightweight comfort. Closure type: Lace-Up for a customizable fit.

Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 Nike Alphafly 3 Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2 PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 3
Price $300 $285 $500 $230
Pace Competition Competition Competition Competition
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 6.1 oz / 173g 7.1 oz / 201g 4.9 oz / 139g 7.2 oz / 204g
Lightweight
Drop lab Drop brand 8.3 mm 8.5 mm 7.8 mm 10.6 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel - Heel
Size - Slightly small - True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Soft Balanced Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Small Small Normal
Toebox durability Bad Bad Bad Bad
Heel padding durability Decent Good Good Good
Outsole durability Bad Bad Bad Decent
Breathability Moderate Breathable Breathable Moderate
Width / fit Narrow Medium Narrow Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Narrow Narrow
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 38.5 mm 38.1 mm 38.4 mm 39.2 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 30.2 mm 29.6 mm 30.6 mm 28.6 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season All seasons Summer - All seasons
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 45% Top 34% Top 14% Top 11%
Popularity Top 25% Top 6% Top 20% Top 14%