For these searching for the newest innovation in racing footwear and a shoe that may assist maximize each your peak and your operating effectivity, Puma has dropped a game-changer. The Quick-RB Nitro Elite, referred to as the Rule Breaker, lives as much as its identify with a singular design that pushes the boundaries. With a midsole stack peak of 58 mm—18 mm above World Athletics’ pointers—it’s technically non-compliant for official races, making it actually a rule breaker. Puma has crafted this shoe to maximise velocity and effectivity on race day, no matter laws. Right here’s an in-depth have a look at what makes this shoe so distinctive and the way it performs.
Specs
Class: Impartial racing (plated)
Drop: 12 mm
Stack Peak: 58 mm (heel)/46 mm (forefoot)
Weight: 355 g (12.5 oz.)
Availability: Restricted (just one,000 pairs worldwide)
Value: CAD $549
Higher
Every side of the Quick-RB Nitro Elite makes the shoe what it’s, however the energy mesh laceless higher is one factor that stands out. You is perhaps asking your self, how does this sock preserve me safe? The laceless design is bolstered with Puma’s PWRTAPE in key areas for added construction and assist. The shoe slips on like a sock, offering a cosy match that feels locked in on each stride. My solely concern is that it does run barely slim, making it preferrred for these with slim ft and tight for these with a broader foot. Whereas the laceless design might really feel novel to some, it really works in sync with the shoe’s streamlined construct, maintaining your foot safe with out the necessity for conventional lacing changes.
Midsole
The midsole is an engineering marvel, virtually jaw-dropping at first look. Puma’s proprietary Nitro Elite foam delivers ultra-soft and extremely responsive cushioning, whereas the three embedded plates present unparalleled propulsion. A quick full-length carbon plate runs by means of the whole shoe, enhancing power return, whereas two further TPU plates within the forefoot maximize energy throughout toe-off. Throughout testing, the bounce with every step was outstanding—that is presumably probably the most responsive shoe I’ve ever worn. The excessive stack peak and dense foam supply distinctive shock absorption, giving a buoyant, virtually “anti-gravity boots” really feel.
Puma releases probably the most radical operating shoe you’ve ever seen
Whereas the added peak and plump midsole design enhances shock absorption, I discovered it negatively affected the soundness of the shoe on tight turns and uneven terrain. There have been a number of tripping scares, however managed to remain on my ft. At 355 grams, The Quick RB is likely one of the heavier racing footwear available on the market. It will be greatest suited to longer distances like half-marathons or marathons, the place sustained velocity and power effectivity outweigh the necessity for lightness.
Outsole
The PUMAGRIP outsole is designed to deal with quite a lot of surfaces. Whereas it performs superbly on flat, paved roads, its grip can really feel compromised on uneven terrain or throughout fast, sharp turns. Moreover, the outsole’s design features a midsole cutout that will entice small stones, making it much less appropriate for gravel or rocky paths. This shoe is strictly supposed to be used on paved surfaces, the place it actually shines in efficiency.
Verdict
The Puma Quick-RB Nitro Elite is a placing, one-of-a-kind shoe that pushes the boundaries in each manner possible. With its towering stack peak, triple-plate configuration and league-of-its-own responsiveness, it’s a premium alternative for critical racers trying to problem private data. Though its weight and design make it much less preferrred for non-road terrain, it excels over lengthy distances, the place its velocity and power return stand out as unmatched out there.
It’ll additionally flip heads on the beginning line, with a limited-edition design and a standing as one of many few “unlawful” racers, obtainable to fewer than 1,000 runners worldwide.
