Four Running Shoes Worth Talking About: Fast-R Nitro Elite, Novablast 3, Index-01 and SC Elite v3

Introduction

Four shoes, one honest verdict each. This is not a list claiming every shoe here is brilliant or terrible. It is a simple question: would we pick each one up to test in depth, or pass? Some shoes earn their place in a rotation on character, some on demand, and some simply do not do enough to justify their price.

Here is how the four candidates stack up.

Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite

The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite looks set for a release relatively soon, having already popped up on several retail sites in the UK, with hopes for a wider release across other countries. Visually, it is hard to ignore: a slush-puppy cocktail of an upper, complete with a strange, almost medieval protrusion in the heel that is said to provide structure. It also features an 8mm drop and, of course, the obligatory carbon plate.

There has been some confusion over the foam. The original assumption was a two-foam formula of Nitro Elite foam paired with standard Nitro foam, but the main website now suggests it is just the Nitro Elite foam throughout. Either way, this is such a characterful shoe that it is almost impossible not to want to test it, and it appears to be available for pre-order already. In that fruit-salad colourway especially, it is a definite pick-up.

Asics Novablast 3

The Novablast 3 is the third iteration of a very in-demand shoe. Version one and two earned a devoted following, and the third looks like it is officially out in the UK and widely stocked across retailers. The 8mm drop carries over from the previous version, and there is a huge range of colourways, from black and amber to safety yellow and black, plus a fetching midnight and new leaf option.

The big story is a foam switch-up: the FlyteFoam Blast now carries a Plus designation, making it closer to the Nimbus 24, which felt firmer and more responsive rather than simply squashing away. That could make the shoe more capable of higher-paced work, almost like a higher-stack Nimbus 24 without gel. The profile looks excellent, and given how many runners have been asking about this one, it is an easy yes.

Salomon Index-01

The Salomon Index-01 is an odd shoe to categorise. It appears to be getting a more general release across many retail sites beyond Salomon’s own, but the £165 price tag is going to put a lot of people off, especially since this is not a race shoe. The cushioning looks massive, though the heel measures around 29mm, and the TPU-like midsole material is not particularly new or groundbreaking.

Where it does differ is sustainability: all of the materials in the shoe can be separated and recycled individually, which deserves genuine credit. The problem is positioning. Against shoes like the Invincible Run, Tempo Next% or Speed 3, it does not seem to add much they do not already offer, with a more limited use case and a weightier feel. Unless you are seriously invested in recyclable construction, this is a pass for now, even though the thinking behind it deserves a nod.

New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3

The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 continues a strong Elite series: the v1 had a superb outsole, and the v2 was a super-cushioned cruiser. This one, in a TCS New York City Marathon edition, is a real looker, with an electric red and cobalt colourway that absolutely deserves testing. The release is slated for mid-October in the US and may arrive later in the UK.

Specs are interesting: a very low sample-size weight of 228 grams, an upper design reminiscent of the original FuelCell Rebel from 2019, and midsole cutouts that appear to enhance foam compression and rebound while reducing weight underfoot for marathon efforts. Priced at $250 (around £215), it sits right in the premium super-shoe bracket, though New Balance pricing sometimes runs slightly higher. The 4mm drop might deter runners who prefer a higher drop in race shoes, but this red and blue beauty still earns a firm pick-up.

Buying Advice

If you want a characterful carbon-plated racer with unusual design flourishes, the Fast-R Nitro Elite is the most intriguing of the four. If you want a proven daily trainer with a livelier foam update, the Novablast 3 is the safest bet on this list. The Index-01 only makes sense if recyclable construction is a genuine priority for you, since its price is hard to justify on performance alone. For marathon racers, the SC Elite v3 offers super-shoe tech at a weight and price that put it directly against the usual premium contenders, with the caveat of its low 4mm drop.

Conclusion

Three clear picks and one reluctant pass. The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite wins on sheer character, the Asics Novablast 3 on popularity and a promising foam update, and the New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v3 on looks and marathon-ready specs. The Salomon Index-01 remains a noble sustainability experiment that is tough to recommend at its price. Whichever direction you lean, each of these shoes has a clear identity, so choosing comes down to what you actually need from your next pair.