Tested and trusted by Canadian marathoner Rory Linkletter, Puma’s latest carbon-plated super shoe, the Fast-R NITRO Elite 3, is packed with cutting-edge technology aimed at helping runners chase their fastest times. It’s the most advanced race-day shoe Puma has ever made, and both lab studies and results suggest it could shave minutes off your marathon.
Debuting at the 2025 Boston Marathon, the Fast-R 3 was on the feet of Canada’s top male and female finishers, Linkletter and Kylee Raftis, helping them crush their previous personal bests by minutes. Linkletter called it “the most radical ride he’s ever experienced.” After running 2:07:02, the fastest time ever by a Canadian at Boston, he says he’s got the Strava receipts to prove it’s the quickest shoe he’s ever worn.
The Internet was buzzing with disbelief, with a few fans wondering just how much of an edge the Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 really gave Linkletter. “I’m really curious how much the new shoes helped Linkletter sustain pace and avoid his usual drop-off late in the race,” one commenter wrote on LetsRun.com. “I was skeptical about Puma’s new shoe, but they might be legit.”
So, what’s the secret? A biomechanics study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that the Fast-R 3 improves running economy by 3.1 per cent compared to its predecessor. For someone chasing a sub-three-hour marathon, that could mean cutting as much as four minutes and 30 seconds off your time.
“The most striking result from this study was the consistency of the improvements,” said Dr. Wouter Hoogkamer, assistant professor of biomechanics at UMass Amherst. “Every participant required less metabolic energy when wearing the Fast-R 3. And from years of research, we know those lab gains translate to faster race times.”
FAST-R 3 Specs:
Category: RacingPrice: C$375 Weight: 170g Stack: 40mm/32mm Drop: 8mm Lifespan: 300km
With lightness and responsiveness at the forefront, Puma developed the Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 to serve the simple purpose of making athletes run faster. Weighing just 170 grams (95 grams lighter than the previous model), the Fast-R 3 is built with one purpose: speed. Puma shaved off the bulk by reimagining the midsole design. The result is a decoupled midsole, allowing the front and rear of the foot to move independently, encouraging a more natural stride while enhancing the shoe’s responsiveness.
The re-engineered PWRPLATE (carbon plate), sandwiched between layers of NITROFOAM™ ELITE (midsole foam), delivers maximum propulsion while preserving the shoe’s signature forefoot extension lip. Thanks to its grippy, multi-surface outsole, this shoe promises reliable performance to chase personal bests in any conditions.
Want a pair?
A limited global drop of the Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 lands Friday, April 25, on PUMA.com, in addition to Puma’s flagship stores and select retailers across North America.
