It’s illegal! Puma is breaking some rules with the release of the Fast RB NITRO Elite running shoe, and they seem to be more than fine with it. In fact, it’s even in the name, with RB in Fast RB NITRO Elite shorthand for "rule-breaking".

This futuristic looking shoe is packed with innovation, including 58 mm of NITROFOAM Elite – Puma’s most advanced foam technology. And here’s the problem, since this is a solid 18 mm above World Athletics regulations regarding running shoes. Puma says this chunk of midsole, “offers a cheat code of cushion and responsiveness that releases a confidence in runners they’re yet to experience.”

Then there’s also not one, not two, but three carbon plates (PWRPLATEs), strategically placed “for powerful propulsion, driving you forward in that pursuit of a personal best,” according to Puma. This is also against World Athletics’ rules that state shoes must not contain more than one rigid structure (e.g. plate, blade etc.). 

On the legal side, you have a laceless ULTRAWEAVE mesh upper, reinforced with PUMA PWRTAPE, and the excellent PUMAGRIP providing traction on the outsole. The Fast RB NITRO Elite weigh quite a hefty 355 g, which is, of course, thanks to the massive amount of foam and carbon plates. According to Puma, these can last up to 500 km, or very close to 12 marathons.

So, illegal the Fast RB NITRO Elite might be, but it does adhere to Puma’s mantra of “Forever Faster”. In fact, Romain Girard, Head of Innovation Design at Puma stated as much, noting, “Our elite race day running shoes are often confided to work within the rules, but with Fast RB NITRO Elite, we asked the question: what if we pushed running technology as far as we can? This is not just a running shoe; it's a statement. Proof of our intent to not only be the fastest brand in the world, but the most innovative.”

Puma’s Fast RB NITRO Elite is available in two colourways, including the futuristic Psychedelic Rush and the Black-Sun Stream colourway with fireglow sole.

Now that you want to get a pair for your Saturday morning Parkrun, the task comes to finding a pair. The good news is the Fast RB NITRO Elite launches globally today. The bad news is only 1 000 pairs are available worldwide - at $350 a pop (and it’s already sold out on the US site). However, limited pairs will be making their way to South Africa in early 2025, with pricing to be confirmed.