PUMA racing shoes, or how to become more efficient and run faster

The inclusion of carbon fiber plates in the world of running shoes has been a true revolution in all aspects of the athletic universe. If you look closely, there is no road race on asphalt in which the great favorites for the final victoria do not wear models with this type of material. The competitive advantage is remarkable, and this fact shows that having the right shoes is essential to achieve maximum performance, and thus be closer to that goal of improving your personal best.

In this sense, thanks to design, technology and innovation, PUMA has positioned itself as one of the leading brands in terms of performance and competition shoes. Its three clear examples are: the PUMA Fast Nitro, PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 2, PUMA Deviate Nitro 2 Designs designed as fast and racing shoes, and aimed at a very specific target audience:

Runners looking for a perfect combination of speed, comfort and performance. With advanced materials, cutting-edge technology and a more aerodynamic design to make the difference and take seconds off the clock.

Thus, in this RUNNEA Magazine article you will find all the strong points of each of these three models, and all the relevant information you need to choose the PUMA running shoe that best suits your running profile, and also your most ambitious goals in the races you compete in.

Top 3 fastest PUMA running shoes for competition

We're not getting into the realm of spike shoes for racing and running on the track and field tartan just yet, but whether you're participating in short-distance races, half marathons or even long-distance competitions, PUMA's racing shoes aim to give you that extra boost you need to push your limits.

1. Puma Deviate Nitro 2
2. Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2
3. Puma FAST-R Nitro Elite

Puma Deviate Nitro 2

The PUMA Deviate Nitro 2 has the label of being the German company 's most recognized and award-winning high-performance training shoe to date. Their main selling point is that they are able to offer maximum cushioning and maximum performance.

Propulsion for daily training

With respect to the original version of the PUMA Deviate Nitro there are very significant improvements, because these Deviate Nitro 2 reconfigure their midsole with a layer of Nitro and another layer of full-length Nitro Elite, and in the middle the PWRPLATE plate. This revamped platform is more efficient and adapts better to natural movements. In addition, the new PUMAGRIP ATR compound on the rear of the outsole contributes to the shoe's durability.

So, the revamped PUMA Deviate Nitro 2 is ready and willing to give you the cushioning and propulsion you need for all kinds of distances.

• Surface: Road
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 6 mm
• Pace: High

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2

The Deviate Nitro Elite 2 is another PUMA racing shoe that stands out for presenting a great balance between cushioning, responsiveness, propulsion and lightness. This last feature is really relevant, because this new update is 60 grams lighter than its original version.

Maximum responsiveness and propulsion for race day.

This second version of the Deviate Nitro Elite introduce a thinner and more durable carbon fiber plate, but also a thinner foam. The aim is to improve the runner's efficiency with every stride.

On the other hand, and with the definite idea of reaching a larger number of runners, this model also presents a new last with more width, and a lower profile of 6mm. to increase running efficiency. In addition, the redesigned upper offers a more secure fit. While its outsole adapts to different surfaces, allowing you to run with confidence at the highest paces.

With these PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite v2 we can talk about it being the most democratic carbon plate racing shoe - it fits a wide variety of runners - on the market. This makes it one of the most demanded models of the brand.

• Surface: Road
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Training, Racing
• Cushion: Neutral
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: High

Puma FAST-R Nitro Elite

With the launch of these PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite, the German company has managed to make that qualitative leap to make the difference in every race in which you compete, and seek to make your best mark. Cutting-edge technologies like Nitro Elite foam and PWRPLATE combine to create a lightweight shoe that makes running fast feel easier.

Elite-grade efficiency and propulsion for long distance running, including marathons

The best-kept "secret" of this Nitro Elite Fast is that it allows you to use less energy in each stride, while maintaining a high running pace. This comes from the construction of a forefoot that is more responsive and a heel area that is more cushioned to offer more stability.

It can be said that this PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite is the perfect option to face long-distance races with total guarantees of success, because it is able to offer enough speed in shorter distances, but also the degree of cushioning necessary to run a marathon, and get to improve your marks.

• Surface: Road
• Technology: Carbon plate
• Use: Racing
• Cushion: High
• Running gait: Neutral
• Drop: 8 mm
• Pace: High

Foam Nitro Elite vs Foam Nitro

Just a quick aside before we close this article on the 3 best PUMA racing shoes. One of the commonalities that these trio of running models present is that in their midsole configuration, in addition to PWRPLATE, the latest generation Nitro Elite foam is present. Its benefits over the standard Foam Nitro are more than evident:

• Energy return: 82.8% with a 5 improvement of 82.7 over Nitro foam.
• Compression: 13 mm, which translates into a better spring.
• Weight: 0.11 kg/m3 density, which translates into 31% lighter.

Even this Nitro Elite foam is up to 46% lighter than standard EVA foam, and offers a higher energy return between 74 and 80%.

PUMA running shoes comparison: Velocity Nitro 2 vs Deviate Nitro 2

With all these details, it's now up to you to discover how PUMA is elevating the performance of runners around the world. Which of these three models do you choose?