- Weight: 255g (in UK size 9)
- Stack height: 40mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
- Type: Road (neutral)
The shoe
At RW, we’ve been seriously impressed by Puma’s recent models. The We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article has become a firm race-day favourite for several members of staff. And there’s a sense that Puma – always been a giant of the sprint world – is now reengaging with distance running in an exciting way. So, with that as the backdrop, I was keen to give its latest supershoe – which I’ll call the Fast-R 2, for ease – a spin.
Are two midsoles better than one?
The first thing you notice about the Fast-R 2 is that the midsole comes in two sections. Both of these are made from Nitrofoam Elite, Puma’s brand new blend of superfoam. On the move, the result is a shoe that feels seriously springy and propulsive. However, the gap between the two midsoles can create a slightly unstable feeling underfoot, particularly at slower paces.
Built for speed
In fairness to the Type-R, it’s not designed for easy running, so it’s a little unfair to criticise it based on how it feels at slower paces. When you do push the pace in this shoe, it comes alive. The heel-toe transition feels seamless and snappy, you get a great sense of springiness and propulsion, and the foam and plate definitely make hard efforts feel easier on the legs. Tick, tick, tick.
Does the Puma Fast-R 2 fit true to size?
The Fast-R 2 fits true to size. I’m a size 9 in most shoes and I’m a size 9 in these. There’s a welcome roominess to the forefoot and a nice locked-in feel to the lacing system. However, while I experienced no hotspots or blisters underfoot, I would recommend wearing slightly longer (or ‘crew’) socks while wearing the Fast-R as some reviewers have found the fit around the heel can rub the Achilles.
What’s the Puma Fast-R 2 like to run in?
As noted previously, this is definitely not a shoe for you easy runs. At slower paces, the Fast-R 2 feels awkward and unnatural. Up the pace a little, however, and things improve considerably: the midsole gap becomes unnoticeable and the super responsive foam creates the sense of a shoe that will power many to PBs over a range of distances.
The extended carbon plate, which even pokes out the end of the shoe, puts a bit more emphasis on your ankles and calves – bear that in mind if you’re someone who has a history of injury Best winter running gear half-marathon or less. But there’s no denying that for shorter, sharper efforts, the Fast-R 2 delivers in spades.
How much does the Puma Fast-R 2 cost?
The Fast-R 2 retails at £230, so it’s very much at the premium end of things – though slightly less than the likes of the Hoka Cielo X1: First look and impressions (£284.99) and From Runners World for On (£280.00).
The stack height is 40mm at the heel (the legal limit) and 32mm at the forefoot, creating an 8mm drop. It weights 255g in a UK size 9, which is significantly more than the Fast-R 1 and, in my opinion, a bit of an issue in a shoe at this price point. Why? Because many of its competitors – most notably the Vaporfly – are more than 50g lighter. And that’s a lot if you’re counting on it being a PB-busting performance shoe.
RW verdict
The Fast-R 2 is a responsive racer that fits well and packs in some innovative technology, such as the excellent Nitrofoam Elite. It’s seriously responsive and will undoubtedly propel plenty of runners to PBs from 5K to the marathon (though, for many, the half-marathon may be the ceiling for this shoe). The increase in weight, however, is an issue for a shoe at this price point. There are also some gimmicks – the decoupled midsole and the inexplicable ‘shark’s fin’ at the back – that seemingly add very little. Ultimately, if you’re a runner with a powerful stride, strong calfs and ankles, and deep pockets, the Fast-R 2 is a fine bet. But my residing impression is that there are more appealing supershoe options at this price-point.
Available from 22 February 2024 at puma.com
