Puma Unveils 'Super Shoe' Featuring Double Carbon Plates, But It's Not Race-Legal

Puma has introduced a new running shoe, the FAST-RB NITRO Elite 2, designed to push the boundaries of marathon performance, but its innovative construction makes it ineligible for official competition. The shoe features two fused carbon plates, intended to act as a 'springboard' for enhanced energy return and propulsion. This design, however, contravenes World Athletics rules, which permit only a single carbon plate per shoe.

The FAST-RB NITRO Elite 2 incorporates Puma's 'Nitrofoam Elite' cushioning, engineered to absorb, store, and release energy efficiently with each stride. According to Matthias Hartmann, Head of Material Engineering Innovation Footwear at Puma, this technology benefits all types of runners, regardless of their striking style. The shoe's upper is made from an ultra-lightweight fabric called 'Ultraweave,' designed to reduce weight and restriction, while the outsole uses 'Pumagrip' for improved traction. Romain Girard, VP of Innovation at Puma, stated that the development of the shoe involved two years of research, lab testing, and athlete collaboration, aiming to deliver the highest energy return recorded by the company in a lightweight package.

The shoe is priced at £310, weighs 250g for a UK size 8, and has an estimated lifespan of 200 miles (320km). It is available in PUMA Black-Lime Squeeze and was set for release on October 28.

This release is likely to reignite discussions surrounding the impact of 'super shoes' on athletic performance. The controversy surrounding these advanced running shoes began in 2019 after Eliud Kipchoge's unofficial sub-two-hour marathon, achieved while wearing Nike's Alphafly shoes. These shoes were described by sports scientist Dr. Ross Tucker as providing a significant speed increase, potentially shaving minutes off marathon times. Following this, World Athletics implemented new regulations, limiting midsole thickness to 40mm and permitting only one carbon plate. Manufacturers have since developed race-legal versions that adhere to these guidelines, such as Adidas's ADIZERO Adios Pro Evo 3, worn by Sabastian Sawe for a recent sub-two-hour marathon in race conditions.

Experts have raised concerns that the rapid advancement in shoe technology could lead to a form of 'technological doping.' Shaun Creighton, an Olympian and sports lawyer, commented that modern marathon super shoes are indeed performance-enhancing devices and suggested that achieving a sub-two-hour marathon would not have been possible without them. He emphasized the ongoing challenge for regulators to balance technological innovation with the preservation of human performance as the primary focus in athletic competition.