Puma Launches Fast-R Shoe, Targets Sub-Three-Hour Marathoners

Puma has unveiled its latest innovation in running footwear, the Fast-R 3 shoe, aiming to make waves in the marathon circuit. This release marks an important moment for Puma, which has been relatively quiet in the marathon scene until now. According to Erin Longin, Puma’s Vice President of Running and Training, the advancements in this new model are groundbreaking. “We were all like, ‘holy s***, we have something unbelievable,” she remarked, reflecting on the excitement within the company.

The Fast-R 3 was publicly launched in April, coinciding with the prestigious Boston and London marathons. This Sunday, the shoe is set to be put to the test again at the New York Marathon, where 100 sub-elite athletes are participating. These runners are part of what Puma calls ‘Project3’, a program designed to support athletes aiming for sub-three-hour marathon times, providing them with Fast-R 3 shoes for training and competition.

Longin noted that Puma did not compel athletes to wear the Fast-R 3 during the earlier marathons. Participants were only asked to wear the shoes if they found them beneficial. The strategy appears to have worked, as Puma reported that 69 (over one-third) of the runners improved their personal bests, with 38 athletes shaving off at least three minutes from their previous records. Puma incentivized these athletes with a total of $3,000 (approximately £2,250) in prize money for significant improvements, contributing to a six-figure payout overall.

The effectiveness of the Fast-R 3 has been underscored by a study from the University of Massachusetts, which tested the new model against its predecessor, the Fast-R 2, as well as Nike’s Alphafly 3 and Adidas’ Adios Pro Evo. The study revealed that athletes demonstrated an average improvement in running economy of over three percent when using the Fast-R 3. Running economy, akin to a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, is a critical metric in assessing athletic performance, representing the oxygen consumption required to maintain a specific pace.

Longin highlighted that the performance results of the Fast-R 3 rival those of earlier innovations in running shoes, likening it to Nike’s original Vaporfly, which revolutionized the market in 2016. “The first time we tested it in-house, we thought maybe the machine that we use to measure running economy was broken,” said Laura Healey, Senior Research and Sports Science Manager at Puma.

The research team, led by Wouter Hoogkamer from the University of Massachusetts, found that the Fast-R 3 consistently improved performance across a diverse range of athletes. “For everybody we tested, they all do better,” Hoogkamer noted. This uniformity in improvement is rare among running shoes and suggests that the Fast-R 3 has a significant positive impact on performance.

To understand these improvements, researchers must look beyond traditional biomechanics. Hoogkamer emphasized the importance of analysing factors such as joint movement and muscle fibre activity, stating, “We probably will find the rest of those energy savings there.”

A vital element contributing to the Fast-R 3’s performance is its innovative foam design. A study from Offenburg University indicates that the typical enhancement in shoe iterations is around one percent; however, Puma’s Fast-R 3 surpasses this benchmark with improvements roughly three times greater than its predecessor. The Fast-R 2 weighed 249g (8.8oz), considerably heavier than competitors like Adidas’ Adios Pro Evo 1. In contrast, the Fast-R 3 is one-third lighter than its predecessor, thanks to advancements in Puma’s Nitro foam, which has become both lighter and more responsive.

Longin explained that the goal was to maximize propulsion while minimizing weight. The success of this approach reflects the improvements in foam technology, which can lead to significant gains in performance. Healey pointed out that the advancements in materials and design have allowed Puma’s engineers to explore innovative solutions that enhance the shoe’s effectiveness.

The design process for the Fast-R 3 involved extensive digital modelling and simulations, allowing Puma to refine its features efficiently. The company could achieve a remarkable level of precision in understanding how different combinations of foams and structural elements would influence performance. “We could really get down so minuscule,” Healey added, highlighting the detailed analysis conducted to optimize the shoe’s design.

This approach has not only expedited the development process but also enabled Puma to launch the Fast-R 3 earlier than anticipated. Longin stated that the modelling was so accurate that the prototype required minimal adjustments before hitting the market for the Boston and London marathons.

Puma has made significant strides in the competitive sportswear market, particularly in track and field, where its athletes secured 20 medals at the Paris Olympics last summer. The company, which ranked third in the shoe sponsor table at the World Championships in September, continues to innovate in both track and road running.

The Fast-R 3 will play a crucial role as Puma seeks to solidify its presence in the marathon sector. In 2016, Puma had no representation at the U.S. Olympic marathon trials. Fast forward to 2024, and Fiona O’Keeffe recently set a women’s marathon Olympic trials record of 2:22:10 while wearing Puma’s new shoes, marking a significant turnaround for the brand.

Longin stresses that this transformation is the result of years of strategic planning and development. “You say, ‘Why now?’, but it really isn’t just now,” she explained. The groundwork to reinvigorate Puma’s presence in road running has been laid since 2018 and 2019, leading to the current breakthroughs.

As Puma continues to push the boundaries of running shoe technology, the Fast-R 3 is poised to make an impact on the streets of New York this weekend, marking a new chapter in the evolution of competitive footwear.