Puma has just launched its fastest and most innovative shoe yet - the all new Fast-R 2 NITRO Elite. The company calls the shoe its “most explosive and innovative race-day running shoe yet”, which if you look at the design might just be the case.

The shoe is the follow-up to the Fast-R NITRO Elite, and is aimed at high-paced runners with a bit of cash to spare – the shoe is set to cost just a bit below R7k when it's landing on 22 February 2024 in South Africa.

Compare to its predecessor, the Fast-R 2 allows 22% more energy storage and up to 46% more raw energy return, which the company notes results in a lighter, more economical ride. How much will you be able to shave off your PB with these on? According to Puma this translates to an average saving of 2 minutes 28 seconds for a 3:30:00 marathoner and 1 minute 23 seconds for a 2:30:00 marathoner.

The Fast-R 2 is built around its NITRO ELITE midsole technology and PWRPLATE carbon plate, with a maximum competitive stack height of 40mm and a drop of 8mm. The two-part midsole and exposed signature PWRPLATE remain key features, with the carbon plate elongating through the NITROFOAM ELITE and out past the toe. Puma notes this unique concept allows for increased surface contact; a lever that guides pressure forward and propels the foot as it leaves the ground.

There’s also the next generation, “psychedelic” ULTRAWEAVE upper, noted as 20% lighter than the material used in the original Fast-R. This is  lined with a bespoke PWRTAPE, whilst the PUMAGRIP outsole ensures maximum multi-surface traction, a statement we don’t doubt after reviewing quite a few Puma models in the past.

In total, this package weights 240g, with Puma stating this supershoe has a lifespan of 400km, just a bit below 10 marathons.

Romain Girard, head of innovation at Puma said, “We received significant feedback from consumers and athletes on the original Fast-R, helping us streamline our focus for Fast-R 2. The result: the most innovative elite race-day running shoe PUMA has ever made. We are already witnessing this shoe break records, with a number of our elite runners smashing their PRs, with many more to come!”

The Puma Fast-R 2 NITRO Elite Psychedelic Rush will be available from 22 February 2024 from PUMA.com, PUMA Retail stores, and Totalsports.

Fast-R 2 NITRO Elite Ekiden Rush

However, if you do not want to wait, and want to take your chances internationally, there’s a chance on 8 December. To celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the most prestigious event in Japan’s running calendar, Puma will drop a limited edition Fast-R 2 NITRO Elite Ekiden Rush.

Paying homage to the historic long-distance race, the Ekiden Rush colourway has unique design features including a 100^th anniversary logo on the lateral, and the iconic purple sash – used during the race as a relay baton – on the medial.

1 000 pairs of Fast-R 2 NITRO Elite Ekiden Rush will drop on 8 December 2023 at PUMA.com, in PUMA stores and select global retailers.