Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 Review: A Maxed-Out Super Shoe That Rewards Every Pace

Introduction

The original Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite was already a promising race shoe, but its successor, the Fast-R Nitro Elite 2, takes the formula considerably further. After putting roughly 100 km into the shoe across easy runs, intervals, and race-pace efforts, one thing is clear: this is easily the best Puma running shoe released so far.

It is a super shoe with a maxed-out midsole, and it feels quite exceptional. It retains the aggressive character of the first version, but now the entire midsole is Nitro Elite foam rather than including an EVA section in the heel. Measured stack height comes in around 43 mm in the heel and 36 mm in the forefoot, and a UK size 11 / US size 12 pair weighs about 273 g, so a few grams heavier than the previous version. There is a trade-off to that weight, which becomes clear as we go deeper.

Evaluation at a Glance

Across 100 km of testing, the shoe scored remarkably well in every area: the upper earned full marks for fit and breathability, the midsole scored full marks for its performance across paces, the outsole just missed perfect due to debris pickup in the forefoot, and value was marked down slightly only because of a small price increase. The total comes to 11.8 out of 12, which puts it among the best super shoes tested in years, up there with the Adidas Prime X Strung in overall appeal.

Upper: Glove-Like Fit and Outstanding Breathability

The upper genuinely resembles a modern Puma football boot: super thin, very breathable, fitting and containing, complemented by a mesh tongue. It is flexible and extremely light, with that same slip-on feel as some top racing shoes where you use the pull tabs to get the shoe on. Once your foot is in, the laces play a slightly smaller role in lockdown, and the lace length is spot on, so the stock laces can stay.

The heel is unconventional: there is no rigid heel counter at all, just a soft plastic outer that completely compresses, paired with considerable padding that locks the foot in place. The fit and lockdown are stellar, and tongue padding sits in exactly the right places to keep lace tension off the top of the foot. After 100 km there has been no rubbing, no irritation, and no discomfort. The ultra-weave material is also easy to clean and dries quickly.

The toe box is slightly roomier this time around because the rubber outsole no longer stretches up and around the front, which addresses a tightness issue from the first version. Runners with very high-volume feet may find the fit narrow, but for the right foot shape it feels like a glove: aggressive yet very comfortable. Score: 3 out of 3.

Midsole: Soft at Recovery Pace, Exhilarating When Pushed

This midsole is forgiving at any pace. At slow recovery paces the heel is very soft, but turn up the speed and you really do fly along. The shoe encourages a mid-to-forefoot landing, and the extended carbon plate at the front gives you more surface area to push off from, almost like wearing snow shoes for the extra leverage.

The full Nitro Elite foam feels exceptionally soft and delivers that controlled impact protection that makes the heel useful both downhill and uphill. The forefoot ride is one of the most exhilarating experiences in a running shoe: especially good at 5K or 10K effort, but with enough cushioning in the heel to handle recovery jogs between reps and smooth, controlled running at marathon effort. Half marathon and even marathon duty feel entirely realistic.

The extended plate is particularly noticeable on hill climbs, giving a more aggressive toe-off and some genuine push. One caution: if you are not a neutral runner, the soft heel may simply be too much, and very heavy heel strikers might find it lacks resilience. Durability has been excellent: at 100 km the shoe arguably feels better than it did out of the box, with only minor midsole discoloration. Score: 3 out of 3.

Outsole: Grippy, Durable, and Ready for Bad Weather

Puma grip always delivers, and 100 km in, the outsole is still really sticky and tacky in the best sense. Traction and durability are both strong across pavement, roads, concrete, and even light trails, with very little wear beyond a barely noticeable bit of abrasion in the heel. It also handles smoother surfaces better than many super shoes, and it was worn in dreadful rain, saturated at one point, and still felt safe underfoot.

The only small complaint is the forefoot ridges and lugs, which pick up debris and need a firm bristle brush to clean out. As with all super shoes, avoid gravel and loose debris because of the exposed carbon plate. Score: 2.9 out of 3.

Value: Worth the Price Increase

The Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 launches at £230 in the UK, about a £10 increase over the original. That bump is the only thing holding the value score back, because the shoe itself is a standout. It holds up extremely well under heavy use, with no durability concerns around the split midsole design, and it is one of those shoes you keep grabbing for even when you should probably save it.

Compared with its rivals, the case is compelling: more fun to run in and a better fit than the Vaporfly 3, easier lockdown than the Adios Pro 3, a better fit over the foot than the Endorphin Pro 3, more mass appeal than the Metaspeed Sky Plus, more conventional on foot than the Endorphin Elite, and more fun than the Cloudboom Echo 3. And it costs less than a Vaporfly. Score: 2.9 out of 3.

Buying Advice

If you are a neutral runner shopping for a super shoe that works for both racing and training, this should be near the top of your list. It is genuinely versatile: quick enough for 5K and 10K, cushioned enough for a half marathon or marathon, and forgiving enough for recovery miles in between.

Heel strikers and runners who need stability support should be more cautious, since the very soft heel may not suit them. And if you are looking to do one thing to make the shoe last, simply avoid loose gravel; otherwise there is no need to baby it between races.

Conclusion

At 11.8 out of 12, the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 is as close to a perfect super shoe as testing has found. It combines the excitement of the early ZoomX-era racing shoes with the durability and versatility those shoes often lacked, and it looks fantastic even as it gets grimy. If it matches your foot shape and running style, it is an easy recommendation for 2024’s racing season.