What happens when you ignore all the rules and make the most radical, performance-enhancing super shoe possible? You get the Puma Fast-RB (‘rule breaking’) Nitro Elite – an unashamed, attention-grabbing shoe designed specifically for those who want to run rapidly and rebelliously.
First launched in August 2024, with only 1,000 pairs available worldwide, the Puma Fast-RB Nitro Elite almost made the Adidas Pro Evo 1 look like child’s play. The difference, however, was that this speedster wasn’t race legal. In fact, the 58mm (!) midsole was a whopping 18mm above World Athletics’ regulations – and with no less than three carbon plates, it was made to be bold and unapologetically fast. To enhance its unconventional make-up, this shoe also featured a unique, laceless mesh upper that was reinforced with Puma’s PWRTAPE for a secure fit. There was no need to tie up anything here.
But did Puma end it all there in 2024? No – because now, in 2025, this illegal running shoe is back in a revised form for round two. Enter, the Puma Puma Fast-RB Nitro Elite LD – a limited edition sister shoe of the original that now features laces.
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‘Our elite race day running shoes are often confided to work within the rules,’ said Romain Girard, Puma’s Vice President of Innovation, when launching the lace-free Fast-RB Nitro Elite last year. ‘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.’
The Fast-RB Nitro Elite LD retains many of the head-turning features of the original, lace-forgoing shoe. The layered midsole (with a stack height of 58mm in the heel and 46mm in the forefoot) still consists of layers of the brand’s Nitro Elite foam, promising maximum cushioning and energy return. In addition, not one but three carbon plates are still locked between these foam layers, with the raised, textured heel seemingly defying gravity. What’s more, the outsole continues to boast the brand’s PUMAGRIP technology for multi-surface traction.
Up top, however, runners can now get locked in like never before, with the all-new lace system – integrated into the ULTRAWEAVE upper – ensuring a sleek and snug fit.
If you want to try this rule-breaking shoe for yourself, the Puma Fast-RB Nitro Elite LD will be available to purchase online and at select Puma stores from 25 January 2025, for €350. Be quick, though – once again, only 1,000 pairs will be available worldwide!
