Puma Fast R Nitro Elite 3 vs the Best Super Shoes: Alphafly 3, Endorphin Elite 2 and Fast R Nitro Elite 2

Introduction

Some racing shoes generate a lot of conversation, and the Puma Fast R Nitro Elite 3 is currently one of them. Many runners have suggested it could be one of the greatest racing shoes ever made, so it makes sense to line it up against the two models it gets compared with most often: the Nike Alphafly 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2. We also look at the previous Fast R Nitro Elite 2, which is now heavily discounted and worth a second look.

Why the Fast R Nitro Elite 3 Stands Out

Weight is a big part of the story. The Fast R Nitro Elite 3 is lighter by a good ounce than both the Endorphin Elite 2 and the Alphafly 3, which is a meaningful gap in a race shoe, especially when the Puma is also the slightly cheaper option of those rivals.

The foam is the other headline. It is not just soft; it has a very stark, noticeable return to it, springing back into position faster than some of the competition. That snap is a large part of the shoe’s charm, and the extended carbon plate, which effectively makes the foot artificially longer, seems to be working too.

Fast R Nitro Elite 3 vs Nike Alphafly 3

The weight difference is quite noticeable in a UK 11, and there is also a £20 difference between the two shoes. The foam feels similar between the two, but the Puma is a little less aggressive. If you like the air units up front in the Alphafly 3, the Puma offers a slightly softer ride.

The Alphafly 3 has quite a bit more heel width, which matters if you tend toward a heel strike. These are marathon-intended shoes, and even the best of them start leaning on the heel later into a long run. The substantial bevel in the Fast R 3 feels a little odd at first, and there is not much of a heel to land in if that is how you run.

For tempo runs after longer efforts, the Alphafly 3 is arguably the better trainer and long-distance option because of its wider landing platform and extra heel foam. It is also very durable, with one of the most durable outsoles in the category, though you will still see some midsole creasing over time. At 5K and 10K pace, though, the Fast R 3 wins decisively; the weight difference is very noticeable at speed, and the outsole performance is similar between the two, even if the Puma’s rubber shows slightly faster wear.

Fast R Nitro Elite 3 vs Saucony Endorphin Elite 2

The Endorphin Elite 2 is a vastly different beast. Its IncrediRun foam is exceptionally soft, almost marshmallow-like, and recorded the lowest durometer score of any midsole tested at around 11. It is incredibly forgiving on longer runs, saving your feet and muscles, reducing fatigue and aches.

The Puma’s upper is by far the superior of the two: lighter, better fitting for medium to narrow feet, and it comes with two sets of laces. The serrated pair works fantastically well and makes good lockdown almost impossible to get wrong. Saucony has done well with the outsole, though: it performs really well in wet weather with no slipping, and traction is very good even on debris-covered surfaces. Durability has also held up better than expected.

At 5K and 10K pace, the Fast R 3 is easier to run fast in. The Endorphin Elite 2 is arguably aimed at the marathon distance, where its out-and-out softness is the appeal.

Is the Fast R Nitro Elite 2 Still Worth Buying?

The previous Fast R Nitro Elite 2 was overlooked by many, which is a shame because Puma has been producing strong shoes for years. It was aggressive, exciting to run in, and durable: after around 100 miles there was almost no wear and it still felt great. The wide forefoot landing platform is still there, but the very narrow heel means it is not tuned to slower paces. For slightly faster long runs, few shoes produce the same kind of feel.

In a UK 11, the Fast R 2 is over 2 oz heavier than the new version, and the narrow heel of the old shoe is noticeable compared to the roughly half a centimetre of extra width added at the heel in the Fast R 3.

With deep discounts widely available, pairs can be picked up for around £130 to £140 in the UK, with loads of colorways to choose from, though sizing can be a little sporadic. If you are getting into Puma running shoes or preparing for a half or full marathon, it could be an excellent training tool, almost a trainer version of the new shoe with a similar feel and a bit more weight. One caution applies to the newer shoe as well: avoid loose stones and gravel, as the rubber is not the thickest application and the plate can be damaged.

Buying Advice

If you want maximum stability across the marathon distance and a more forgiving landing, the Alphafly 3 is the safer pick. If you want exceptional softness and fatigue reduction on long runs, the Endorphin Elite 2 is hard to beat. If you want raw speed at 5K and 10K pace in the lightest package of the group, the Fast R Nitro Elite 3 is the shoe to hunt down, keeping in mind that only a couple of releases have sold out exceptionally quickly so far. And if budget matters most, the discounted Fast R Nitro Elite 2 delivers much of the same character for less.

Conclusion

The Fast R Nitro Elite 3 lives up to the hype for pace-focused racing, but each of its rivals earns its place: the Alphafly 3 for stability and durability over long distances, the Endorphin Elite 2 for unmatched softness, and the Fast R Nitro Elite 2 as a discounted gateway into one of the most exciting racing platforms around.