Nils’s Puma Fast-R Nitro 3 In Depth Review: 3 PR's but can it go Full Marathon? 7 Comparisons

Tester Profile- Nils Scharff

I’m 35 years younger, initially from Kassel, and have been working round Heilbronn and its surrounding vineyards for 7 years now. I’ve been concerned in all types of sports activities my entire life, typically 5-7 instances per week. Along with working, climbing and bouldering have been my sports activities of alternative for a number of years now. My “working profession” started with an organization run, which I did not wish to begin utterly unprepared. From that time on, I simply by no means stopped working. I now clock up a superb 4000 km a 12 months – because of RoadTrailRun, all the time in numerous footwear. What’s necessary to me throughout all these kilometres, whether or not on trails or roads, is above all switching off and exercising in nature. You will hardly ever discover me on a treadmill or carrying headphones. I’ve now run twelve marathons and lately set a PB of two:40:05 in Berlin. In competitions, I usually run all distances from 5 km (16:15 min) and 10 km (33:09 min) to half marathons (1:15:29 h) and marathons.

Specs

Weight

Official: 170g / 6 oz (males’s US 9)

Pattern: 186g / 6.56 oz (males’s US 10.5)

Stack Peak 40mm Heel / 32mm Forefoot, 8mm drop

First impression, higher materials and match

The very first thing you discover concerning the Puma Quick-R Nitro Elite 3 is its extraordinarily low weight – and the way little “shoe” you truly maintain in your hand. The higher materials consists of a wafer-thin, clear monomesh that’s virtually harking back to paper. It’s single-layered, breathable and lowered to absolutely the minimal. The tongue can be manufactured from the identical materials, which implies there is no such thing as a padding to cushion the stress of the laces.

There may be solely mild padding within the heel space, and the toe space is discreetly bolstered, forming a type of toe field. The development of the heel seam is attention-grabbing: it runs asymmetrically, i.e. not centrally over the Achilles tendon, however barely offset. This reduces potential friction and supplies extra consolation throughout longer runs. Beneath the padding, a stiff heel cap is included roughly midway up the fabric, offering extra substance than one would count on from such a light-weight shoe.

Total, the higher materials has been radically lowered – it nearly fulfils its process of maintaining the foot securely on the platform. This ensures a direct, virtually uncooked working really feel that’s primarily designed for pace.

Color scheme and design

The color scheme of the discharge model instantly gained me over: a contemporary mint tone within the forefoot space that transitions right into a daring pink – very putting, very quick. The choice color variant in blue and mint, alternatively, appears somewhat extra subdued and isn’t fairly to my style. However that’s, after all, subjective.

Visually, the shoe stands out because of its futuristic midsole – extra on that later. It offers the Quick-R 3 a particular, virtually experimental design that clearly units it aside from different competitors footwear.

Lacing system and lockdown

Puma contains two pairs of laces with the shoe. Flat, barely stretchy laces are threaded into the shoe on the manufacturing unit. I wore these throughout my first exercise – and rapidly realised that the lockdown suffers in consequence. Because of the elasticity, the foot doesn’t sit as firmly within the shoe as I would really like for a contest shoe.

The second pair of laces – the favored ribbed, non-stretch laces – provide considerably higher help. After altering them, the lockdown was noticeably improved, and the shoe instantly felt “race-ready”. Why Puma does not use this model immediately stays a thriller to me – however the small effort of rethreading is unquestionably price it.

By way of match, the Quick-R 3 matches me true to measurement like another Puma shoe in US 10.5 EUR. As all the time, the messed-up conversion between US and EU sizes have to be taken into consideration – go by your US measurement! The silhouette of the shoe is extraordinarily slender, so there is not any query of pure toe unfold right here. However for shorter competitors distances, I desire this tighter match.

Midsole

The midsole is the guts of the Puma Quick-R Nitro Elite 3 – and possibly the world that has essentially the most to say about it. Puma emphasises that the only’s development was designed fully utilizing pc algorithms for the primary time, with the purpose of reaching most working effectivity.

Segmented design and carbon plate

The segmented midsole is putting, a design function already acquainted from earlier Quick-R fashions and the Nike Alphafly 1. Whereas Nike has since moved away from this, Puma is intentionally taking the alternative strategy. The carbon fibre plate is seen within the midfoot space and sits comparatively low within the forefoot – a so-called “spoon design” through which the plate is formed like a spoon and extends beneath the toes.

In comparison with earlier Quick-R fashions, the plate is barely extra versatile, however stays stiff sufficient general to make sure the mandatory vitality switch. The low positioning of the plate means that there’s extra foam between the foot and the carbon – an strategy additionally discovered within the Nike Vaporfly. In distinction, fashions such because the ASICS Metaspeed Sky or the Alphafly depend on the next plate.

Protruding carbon plate and rocker geometry

A particular function of the Quick-R 3 is the carbon plate that protrudes ahead past the toes. It considerably influences the rolling movement and never solely offers the shoe an uncommon look, but additionally presumably contributes to its excessive effectivity. This design extends the lever throughout push-off and noticeably helps ahead motion.

As well as, the shoe has an aggressive rocker geometry – each within the forefoot and within the heel.

The transition will not be extraordinarily early, but additionally not late, feeling like it’s at about 70% of the shoe’s size. Within the heel space, the midsole is strongly bevelled, which nearly offers the sensation of not having a heel when strolling. This supplies a dynamic working really feel, however can even result in instability, particularly at slower speeds or on uneven surfaces.

The midsole itself is constituted of the well-known NITRO™ Elite foam, an A-TPU variant that can be used within the present ASICS competitors fashions. In comparison with PEBA, this foam is even lighter, much more reactive and provides wonderful vitality return.

Outsole

There may be comparatively little to say concerning the outsole of the Puma Quick-R Nitro Elite 3 – it’s purposeful however unspectacular. As standard, Puma has opted for the tried-and-tested PUMAGRIP materials, which is utilized in all the model’s present working shoe fashions. It is likely one of the most grippy rubber compounds available on the market and impresses with each its traction and sturdiness.

Outsole Construction

The outsole is split into three areas:

Heel space: Two small rubber patches shield the froth beneath and supply some grip when touchdown. Forefoot space: A big rubber insert helps traction when pushing off and stabilises the rolling movement. Midfoot: Right here, the outsole is basically recessed to avoid wasting weight and never compromise the flexibleness of the carbon plate.

The tread is flat and minimalist – there aren’t any studs or deep grooves. Because of this the shoe will not be appropriate for trails or uneven terrain, however is clearly designed for highway and competitors circumstances.

Preliminary experiences and sturdiness

I’ve run in two pairs of those footwear thus far – one pair for about 40 km and the opposite for round 20 km. I admit that I’m intentionally taking good care of the footwear, as I take advantage of them completely for competitions. I can not but make any knowledgeable statements about their long-term sturdiness, however thus far there aren’t any noticeable indicators of wear and tear.

With a mannequin like this – designed for max efficiency and minimal weight – I count on a lifespan of round 200 to 250 km (Puma itself specifies 300 km). That is typical for carbon competitors footwear. And: the outsole will in all probability not be the limiting issue.

Working Sensation

How does the Puma Quick-R Nitro Elite 3 truly carry out – and is it actually as environment friendly because the research and advertising promise?

Settling in and first runs impressions

To be trustworthy, my first impression was that it felt uncommon. The carbon plate extending to the entrance noticeably impacts the rolling movement. I run in a different way on this shoe than in different fashions, and that takes some getting used to. You need to be keen to embrace the idea and provides the shoe a good probability.

I wore the Quick-R 3 for the primary time shortly earlier than my spring marathon – together with a remaining large marathon exercise. In direct comparability with my earlier marathon footwear (e.g. the Nike Alphafly), I could not detect any vital variations in effectivity (at marathon tempo). The efficiency information was at the same stage.

One weak level turned obvious to me within the heel space: the shoe feels comparatively unstable there – particularly when drained. I are inclined to overpronate barely my proper foot, particularly in direction of the top of lengthy runs. That is why I search for a sure fundamental stability within the rearfoot in relation to competitors footwear – and for me personally, the Quick-R 3 does not provide sufficient of that to cowl the total marathon distance.

Competitors expertise and paces

This summer time, I ran the Quick-R in three competitions: two 10 km races and one 5 km race. I set new private bests in all three races.

In fact, coaching performs an enormous position – however I do not wish to deny that the footwear performed their half.

Particularly at quicker paces (10 km tempo and quicker), I can clearly really feel that I am working quicker with the identical effort. The working really feel stays uncommon – nevertheless it works. The efficiency information confirms this impression: with a comparable coronary heart fee, I run quicker with the Quick-R 3 than with different footwear.

Working Effectivity Knowledge

What is especially putting is that with the Quick-R 3 is that I’ve much less measured vertical oscillation – i.e. much less up and down motion. Because of this my vitality is transformed extra effectively into ahead motion.

I believe that the prolonged carbon plate helps to shift the footprint additional ahead, permitting me to use my energy extra exactly.

I am unable to say with absolute certainty whether or not this may be defined biomechanically, however my subjective feeling and the info communicate for themselves: the shoe works, even when it does not essentially really feel “good” within the conventional sense.

Abstract and Suggestions

The Puma Quick-R Nitro Elite 3 works – and impressively nicely at that. My assessments have proven that the shoe is definitely extra environment friendly than many different fashions, at the least for me personally over shorter distances and at quicker paces.

In competitions over 5 km and 10 km, I used to be capable of obtain new private bests with the Quick-R 3. This speaks for the efficiency of the shoe – and even when that is definitely partly resulting from coaching, I do not wish to deny the shoe its share of the credit score. The effectivity is noticeable: with the identical coronary heart fee and subjectively the identical effort, I’m quicker than with different fashions.

For longer distances – particularly at marathon tempo – I did not discover these efficiency benefits to the identical extent. The shoe was strong, however not superior. On the identical time, there was a sure instability within the heel space, which is problematic for me as a runner with slight overpronation, particularly when drained.

The Quick-R 3 is at the moment my competitors shoe of alternative for distances as much as 15 km – and possibly nearly for the half marathon as nicely. It’s mild, aggressive and environment friendly – but additionally particular. Those that are keen to embrace the unfamiliar working really feel can be rewarded with a real efficiency shoe.

With a price ticket of round £250, the Quick-R 3 is within the higher echelon of competitors footwear. For bold runners trying to obtain their greatest instances and in search of a aggressive setup, it may well nonetheless be a worthwhile funding.

Rating: 9.23/10

Journey: 10 (50%) Match: 9 (30%) Worth: 7.5 (15%) Fashion: 8 (5%)

7 Comparisons

Puma Quick-R Nitro Elite 2 (RTR Evaluation)

The earlier mannequin is hardly price evaluating. Though it has comparable elements and even the prolonged carbon fibre plate, the Quick-R 2 isn’t any match for the brand new mannequin merely due to its a lot larger weight than the R 3. Each are true to measurement EUR 44.5.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 (RTR Evaluation)

The DNE 3 is Puma’s different tremendous shoe. Not solely is it extra inexpensive, nevertheless it additionally has a way more basic design. It’s extra secure, much less aggressive and options the identical nice supplies because the Nitro Elite foam and PUMAGRIP. It provides wonderful worth for cash – not solely because of its excessive sturdiness – and is appropriate for a variety of paces and efficiency ranges. It’s the higher shoe for most individuals. Nevertheless, the Quick-R is the quicker and extra environment friendly shoe for all these skilled athletes who can exploit its potential. Each are true to measurement EUR 44.5.

Nike Alphafly 3 (RTR Evaluation)

The Alphafly is THE marathon shoe par excellence. In my assessments, it was simply as environment friendly because the Quick-R 3 at marathon tempo, however supplied considerably larger consolation, a greater match, extra safety and stability. I might due to this fact all the time select the AF for 42 km, whereas for half marathons I take into account each to be equally good choices. For shorter distances, nevertheless, the Quick-R is clearly the quicker shoe. Each are true to measurement EUR 44.5.

Adidas Adizero Adios Professional 4 (RTR Evaluation)

For me, the AP4 is far more of a cushty marathon shoe than an ultra-efficient racer. Its higher materials is far more snug, and the mix of EnergyRods and really delicate LS Professional foam additionally provides nice consolation underfoot. Just like the Alphafly, I due to this fact take into account the AP4 to be a greater long-distance shoe. The Quick-R, alternatively, is quicker and extra environment friendly over shorter distances. Each are true to measurement EUR 44.5.

adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10 (RTR Evaluation)

With Takumi and Adios Professional, adidas has been pursuing the differentiation between short-distance and marathon competitors footwear for years. Since I explicitly suggest the Quick-R for shorter distances, the Takumi is a wonderful comparability. As a result of its decrease stack top, it feels extra direct and provides extra highway really feel. It might due to this fact be the higher alternative for demanding programs with curves or cobblestones. Nevertheless, on good, quick programs, the Quick-R is considerably quicker and extra environment friendly. Regardless of its larger stack top, it’s also lighter, provides extra safety and environment friendly runners can even put on it over marathon distances – which I might not suggest with the Takumi. Quick-R 44.5 EUR; Takumi 44 EUR.

Nike Vaporfly 4 (RTR Evaluation)

Nike has lowered the stack top of this 12 months’s VF, creating the same differentiation in its product portfolio to that achieved by adidas with Takumi and Adios Professional. The Vaporfly is the ten km and half marathon mannequin and is due to this fact a direct competitor to the Quick-R for me. The Vaporfly additionally has a extra basic design than the Quick-R, makes use of much less rocker and has no break up midsole. Because of a really highly effective toe strike, you all the time really feel in management within the VF – you management the shoe, not the opposite method round. Within the Quick-R, this sense can generally be reversed – the unreal, environment friendly rolling movement can really feel unusual. However, it really works and is with out query the quicker and extra environment friendly solution to transfer in competitions. The VF is a superb shoe, however is at an obstacle on this comparability. Each are true to measurement EUR 44.5.

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris (RTR Evaluation)

The Sky Paris is likely one of the lightest tremendous footwear from final 12 months’s shoe era. It impresses with very quick transitions within the rolling movement and a geometry designed for forefoot runners. Whereas the Sky Paris has a quite flat plate that’s positioned larger within the shoe to offer most bounce within the forefoot, the carbon fibre plate of the Quick-R is considerably extra curved, making it extra versatile when it comes to working model. Sadly, each footwear lack the steadiness within the rear that I would really like for lengthy distances. For me, each are excellent footwear that actually come into their very own at excessive speeds and over shorter distances. Each are true to measurement EUR 44.5.

Our different Puma Quick-R 3 assessment by Ryan Eiler: HERE

Hyperlink to Index of all RTR Evaluations: HERE’

Buying at our companions beneath is far appreciated and helps help RoadTrailRun

RUNNING WAREHOUSE US

Quick-R Nitro 3

FREE 2 Day Transport EASY No Sweat

TOP4RUNNING EUROPE

Quick-R Nitro 3

Use RTR code RTRTOP4 for 5% off all merchandise, even sale merchandise

Samples had been offered at no cost for assessment functions. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and should earn fee on merchandise bought through buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are fully the authors’.

Feedback and Questions Welcome Beneath! Please tell us mileage, paces, race distances, and present most well-liked footwear