Independent research conducted by biomechanics expert Wouter Hoogkamer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that the FAST R-3 improves an athlete’s running economy by an average of 3.15%.
To demonstrate this, PUMA brought its innovative Nitro Lab to the Middle East for the first time. Previously held in four global locations, the lab is operated by PUMA’s Research and Sports Science team and was originally established in 2021 at the brand’s Boston headquarters.
At the Dubai activation, each athlete tested the FAST R-3 against another elite shoe of their choice. Following a two-hour fasting period, runners underwent a one-hour session that included three sets of five-minute runs in each shoe, with equal rest intervals. Within 15 minutes of completion, athletes received their results — a rare, data-driven insight into the difference in running economy between both shoes.
“What we are doing today is measuring running economy — our gold standard for assessing performance shoes, because it shows how efficiently a shoe can help you run,” said Laura Healey, Senior Manager of Research and Insights at PUMA Running in Boston.
“The athletes run at the same speed, with the only variable being the shoe. By tracking oxygen consumption and CO₂ output, we can calculate efficiency and directly determine whether a shoe can make you faster in a race.”
The Dubai results further validated the FAST R-3’s promise of enhanced running economy.
Italy-based runner Lisa Migliorini was one of the several global athletes to attend the Dubai Nitro Lab.
“I was invited to Dubai to test the top elite running shoes, and I found that when using the PUMA Fast R-3, my efficiency significantly improved by more than 4%. As a result, my marathon time could potentially be reduced by 6:03 minutes while my half marathon time could be cut by 2:35 minutes,” she said.
“I have been running in them for months now — I trained for the London Marathon with them, and now I am training for Chicago,” Migliorini added.
“They are so light that it feels like the shoe is pushing you forward. Running becomes easier. After seeing PUMA’s results, I believe I can improve my marathon personal best by nearly three minutes.”
Abellatif Adwan, the first man from Jordan to complete six World Marathon Majors, echoed her sentiments.
“It has been an interesting experience here at the Nitro Lab, testing the top elite running shoes,” he stated.
“I learnt that when I use the FAST R-3, my running economy sees a big improvement. Going by the results, I could potentially save 2:48 minutes on a full marathon and 2:15 minutes in a half marathon.
“Today was the first time I tested this shoe, and I really like it. It feels very well developed compared to other elite shoes I have tried. The weight is much lighter, and at faster paces you don’t feel any drag — it feels like an extension of your body.”
Johan Kuhlo, Managing Director PUMA Middle East, added: “As a passionate amateur runner myself I am proud that we at PUMA are again pushing the limit of what is possible with an elite running shoe: The PUMA Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 is shaving off minutes of the personal bests of all athletes that have tested it. Bringing the Nitro Lab to Dubai reflects the growing importance of this market in running. The Middle East’s fast-growing running community deserves to experience the science and innovation behind the Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3. This activation let athletes test the shoe, see the data, and connect science to performance.”
With elite athletes validating its performance both in the lab and on the road, the PUMA Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 sets a new benchmark in racing footwear, helping runners chase faster personal bests.
The FAST R-3 shoes are available now at PUMA UAE retail stores, PUMA Online (KSA & UAE) and selected Go Sport retail stores.
