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Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2: Complete Review & Comparison Guide
In-depth review of the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2. See how it compares to similar carbon super shoes, specs, pros, cons, and where to buy.

Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2: Complete Review & Comparison Guide
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Check your local running store or online retailers for availability.
Overview
The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 is Puma's cushioned carbon super shoe—designed for runners who want more foam under foot while racing. With NITRO Elite foam, a carbon fiber plate, and higher stack than the Fast-R 3, the Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 delivers speed with additional cushioning.
This is Puma's cushioned racing option: super shoe speed with more protection.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Racing |
| Cushion Level | High |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6mm |
| Weight (Men's/Women's) | 6.7oz / 5.7oz |
| Stack Height | 42mm heel / 36mm forefoot |
| Pronation Support | Neutral |
| Width Options | Standard |
| MSRP | MSRP: $250 |
| Surface | Road |
What It's Known For
The Fast-R Nitro Elite 2's higher stack and more cushioning make it suitable for longer races where foot protection matters. Still remarkably light at 6.7oz, it competes with the best marathon super shoes.
Runners appreciate the Fast-R Nitro Elite 2's balance of speed and cushioned protection over marathon distances.
Why Runners Love It
Pros
-
Very Fast: Carbon plate and NITRO Elite deliver speed.
-
Light: At 6.7oz, remarkably light for cushioned racer.
-
Competitive With Top Shoes: Matches performance of leading super shoes.
What Some Runners Don't Like
Cons
-
Expensive: Premium pricing at MSRP: $250.
-
Limited Durability: Racing shoe construction.
Who Should Consider This Shoe
The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 is ideal for:
- Marathon racers (30-80 miles per week) wanting cushioned speed
- 5K to marathon racing with more protection
- Runners who prefer cushion in their super shoes
- Those competing in Puma racing ecosystem
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
Consider other options if you:
- Want the lightest possible racing shoe
- Need training durability
- Prefer lower stack height
- Are budget-conscious
How It Compares: Cross-Brand Comparison
| Shoe | Cushion | Drop | Weight (M) | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 | High | 6mm | 6.7oz | MSRP: $250 | Cushioned speed |
| Nike Alphafly 3 | Maximum | 4mm | 7.1oz | MSRP: $285 | Max cushion racing |
| Saucony Endorphin Elite | High | 8mm | 6.5oz | MSRP: $275 | Lightweight super |
| ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ | High | 8mm | 6.8oz | MSRP: $250 | Cadence-focused |
| Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 | High | 6.5mm | 7.6oz | MSRP: $250 | ENERGYRODS propulsion |
Puma Lineup: Same-Brand Comparison
| Shoe | Cushion | Drop | Weight (M) | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 | High | 6mm | 6.7oz | MSRP: $250 | Cushioned racing |
| Puma Fast-R 3 | Moderate | 8mm | 6.0oz | MSRP: $250 | Lightweight racing |
| Puma Deviate Nitro 3 | Moderate | 8mm | 9.2oz | MSRP: $190 | Plated training |
| Puma Velocity Nitro 3 | Moderate | 8mm | 9.0oz | MSRP: $140 | Daily training |
| Puma ForeverRun Nitro | Maximum | 8mm | 11.4oz | MSRP: $160 | Max cushion training |
Final Verdict
The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 delivers cushioned super shoe performance for marathon racing. It's the choice for runners who want speed with additional underfoot protection.
For cushioned carbon racing, the Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 is an excellent choice.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Check your local running store or online retailers for availability.