Puma launches rule-breaking shoes
2.9.2024
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Puma’s new Fast RB Nitro Elite super shoes break two rules of the international athletics association World Athletics. And they do this intentionally. It’s Puma’s way of showing how far sportswear can push the boundaries.
Until now, super shoes have been developed to set records and win championships. With their typical carbon plate and special cushioning, they’ve been fuelling top performances at official events for years. But this isn’t going to happen with Puma’s Fast RB Nitro Elite.
This new running shoe’s deliberately breaking the rules
If top runners were to wear Puma’s new super shoe at an international running event, they’d risk immediate disqualification. This is because the height of the sole exceeds the maximum height of 40 millimetres allowed by a full 18 millimetres. And instead of one permitted carbon plate, the Fast RB Nitro Elite has three.
Source: Puma
The World Athletics Federation introduced these rules in 2020 following a controversy involving super shoe prototypes, particularly those by American company Nike.
This happened after Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge broke the two-hour barrier for running a marathon while sporting Nike’s Vaporfly Next% shoes. However, the Ineos 1:59 Challenge record (article in German) wasn’t officially recognised. Why? Because the marathon wasn’t an open competition and the rules for pacemakers, catering and other technical aids weren’t adhered to.
His running shoes also caused quite a stir. They allegedly gave him a time advantage of three to four per cent. People protested against this and new World Athletics rules came into force.
And Puma’s not happy with these. The letter combination RB in the name of the new shoe stands for «Rule Breaker». Romain Girard, Head of Innovation Design at Puma, says in the media release: «Our elite race day running shoes are often confided to work within the rules, 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 shoe’s new features
So the shoes are pretty gutsy, it seems. In addition to their thick, nitrogen-injected foam midsole three power plates, they also have other special features. The midsole’s made up of two parts that are only connected by a carbon plate. This is meant to give the shoe exceptional bounce to save runners’ energy. The heel doesn’t touch the ground when the shoe’s flat. This feature’s designed to promote an efficient running style.
Source: Puma
The upper’s designed like a sock and has no lacing at all. This gives it a futuristic look. The Fast RB Nitro Elite is available in two colours: bright yellow Psychedelic Rush and black-orange Black Sun Stream.
Source: Puma
Who’s this new, rebellious shoe for?
With a price tag of around 400 francs or euros, this model won’t be every amateur runner’s first choice. Due to its height and special design, it also takes some getting used to. It’s unlikely you’ll feel comfortable in them right away during an after-work run. And if you’re taking part in an official competition with World Athletics regulations, you won’t be allowed to wear them in the first place.
That means potential buyers are individuals who like to experiment and aren’t limited by costs or the fact that the shoe is a limited edition. The fact that only 1,000 pairs of these shoes were produced makes it particularly attractive to collectors.
However, it primarily seems to be a concept shoe with which the manufacturer based in Herzogenaurach, Germany, wants to demonstrate its innovative spirit and its desire to play in the new super shoe league.
During development, the new model already served as inspiration for the Fast R Nitro Elite 2. With its 40-millimetre sole and just one carbon plate, it complies with the official international athletics rules. This competition-approved model is also available from our range.
Header image: Puma
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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