Rediscovering the Joy of Running: Puma's Radical Sneaker Reignites My Passion

Feeling a bit burned out with my running routine lately, stuck in a rut of testing running shoes and triathlon watches, everything just looking the same. Nike, Adidas, New Balance, it's all just more of the same, templated designs.

That's when I stumbled upon an untested pair of trainers in my room, the FAST-R NITRO Elite 3 from Puma. I had forgotten all about it. I was intrigued, let's face it, excited to try something fresh.

Now, Puma isn't content with churning out the same old designs as everyone else. The FAST-R NITRO Elite series is known for pushing boundaries, and the third iteration is no exception. It's a wild ride of a running shoe, to say the least. The midsole is shaped like a dream, protruding in all the right places, and there's even an exposed carbon plate for good measure.

But the real star here is the foam. Soft, cushioned, springy - a delight to run in. The upper fits snugly, hugging my foot just right, perfect for those high-intensity workouts. This is a shoe that doesn't hesitate to stand out, even in a crowd of generic runners.

A masterpiece, but not without its quirks

The FAST-R NITRO Elite 3 isn't your everyday running shoe. It's a pricey investment, and considered a treat for those special race days or when you need a boost of motivation. At about £260, it's not a small purchase, but the performance and innovation it delivers make it hard to resist.

But if you're looking for a shoe to do your daily training, save your pennies. This baby is built for those moments when you want to push yourself to the limit, or are struggling to find the drive to run. It's a kick in the pants, quite literally.

Puma's FAST-R NITRO Elite 3 isn't for everyone, but if you're looking to shake up your running routine, this could be just the ticket. It's available now at Puma's US, UK, and AU stores for a recommended price of $300/ £260/ AU$ 350.

Did you know?

The FAST-R NITRO Elite 3 boasts an ultra-lightweight design, weighing just 175 grams, making it one of the lightest in its class.
The midsole is made from Puma’s NITROFOAM Elite, a new cushioning foam with superior energy return, enhancing comfort and responsiveness.
The extended PWRPLATE carbon composite plate in the shoe provides a propulsive toe-off and increased stability during the gait cycle.
The outsole uses a minimal layer of PumaGrip rubber for good traction, while a large cutout prevents stones from getting stuck and adds to its durability and comfort.
Research from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, shows the FAST-R NITRO Elite 3 improves running economy by 3.15% compared to its predecessor, potentially saving marathon runners over 4 minutes and 30 seconds in a marathon time.

This shoe stands out with its unique features like an ultralight design, advanced midsole technology, extended carbon plate, maximized legal stack height, sleek upper, and minimal outsole that delivers good traction. Puma has focused on reducing weight, maximizing legal cushioning, improving comfort, and delivering proven performance gains, setting it apart from typical iterations offered by other brands.

This shoe, the FAST-R NITRO Elite 3 from Puma, is not your regular everyday running shoe. Its unique features, including an ultralight design, advanced midsole technology, extended carbon plate, and improved running economy, make it attractive for those seeking a fresh approach to sports. If you're tired of the same old, templated designs and are eager to shake up your running routine, this might be the perfect choice for you.