Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3

The Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is Puma’s carbon plated racer, made for fast running over long distances. It is light, bouncy and built to roll you forward, which is why it is a strong pick for the marathon.

What makes it a good race shoe:

• Light: about 173 g in a men’s size 9
• Race foam: NITROFOAM ELITE in the midsole, with a carbon plate
• High stack: about 39 mm in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot
• Forefoot rocker: an aggressive forefoot shape that rolls you through toe off
• Cushioning for the distance: it holds up well over long races, especially in the forefoot
• Thin, airy upper: very breathable and minimal

Good to know: this shoe works best if you land on your forefoot or midfoot. It is narrow in the midfoot and less stable than a daily trainer, so heel strikers can find it harder to control when tired. Try it in a few long workouts before race day, and keep it for the days that count.