The PUMA FAST-RB NITRO Elite 2 Laced trades racing eligibility for two carbon plates and a soft-core midsole, in a limited run. It goes on sale Oct 28, 2026 at JPY 66,000 (incl. tax), with only 100 pairs for Japan. It weighs 250 g (UK 8), and PUMA's life estimate is 150 km.
The Shoe Nerd's top pick
Treat this as an experiment on the upper limit of speed. Two carbon plates are fused into one board, and the midsole wraps a soft core in a firmer foam. In its own tests, PUMA says it is the most efficient shoe in its road line-up. But it does not meet the competition rules, so it cannot be used in official races. So for race day I would pick the JPY 29,700 Deviate NITRO Elite 4 (race legal), and use this one for training or as a keepsake if I can get it.
Key points
- On sale 10/28, JPY 66,000 (incl. tax), only 100 pairs for Japan. Sold at 2 PUMA stores, the app and 2 partner sites
- 250 g (UK 8), two carbon plates. Does not meet competition rules: not for official races
- Life estimate: 150 km. JPY 66,000 ÷ 150 = JPY 440 per km (the Elite 4: about JPY 74)
A JPY 66,000 shoe you cannot race in. It sounds pointless, but PUMA made it knowingly.
Below I lay out the release date, price, stores and how to read the numbers, using only official figures.
【Out 2026/10/28】PUMA FAST-RB NITRO Elite 2 Laced Review | JPY 66,000, not race legal, 100 pairs
【Out 2026/10/28】When is the FAST-RB NITRO Elite 2 released? Price and numbers
Short answer: it goes on sale Oct 28, 2026 (Wednesday), at JPY 66,000 (incl. tax), limited to 100 pairs in Japan.
| Item | FAST-RB NITRO ELITE 2 LACED |
|---|---|
| Release date | Oct 28, 2026 (Wed) |
| Official price | JPY 66,000 (incl. tax) |
| Quantity | Japan: 100 pairs only |
| Weight | 250 g (UK 8, one shoe) |
| Plate | Yes (PWRPLATE: two fused carbon plates in a visible spring structure) |
| Midsole | NITROFOAM ELITE (a soft core wrapped in firmer foam, two layers) |
| Life estimate | 150 km (as listed on PUMA's European site) |
The model number is 314984. The extreme numbers come from dropping the limits of the competition rules. PUMA writes that it does not conform to the competition rules, so it is not allowed in official races.
Is it legal for races? What a non-legal shoe is for
No. You cannot wear it in an official race. Even in city marathons, avoid it in events where the organizer applies World Athletics rules.
So what is it for? In its own tests PUMA says it is the most efficient shoe in its road line-up. I read it as a shoe made to test the upper limit of speed. Use it to check your stride in training before an event, or keep it as a keepsake.
How it differs from the Deviate NITRO Elite 4
What they share: both have carbon plates and PUMA's NITROFOAM midsoles. What differs is whether you can race in them, and the price.
| FAST-RB Elite 2 | Deviate Elite 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (tax included) | JPY 66,000 | JPY 29,700 |
| Official races | Not usable | Allowed |
| Weight | 250g (UK 8) | about 170 g (men's 27 cm) |
| Life estimate | 150km | about 400 km |
| Quantity | Japan: 100 pairs | Regular sale |
The price gap is JPY 36,300 (66,000 − 29,700), about 2.2 times (66,000 ÷ 29,700). Per kilometer of the life estimate, the FAST-RB is JPY 440 (66,000 ÷ 150) and the Elite 4 about JPY 74 (29,700 ÷ 400): about 5.9 times apart.
For me at 500 km a month, 150 km means buying a new pair more than three times a month. It is not an everyday shoe. The Deviate NITRO Elite 4 review covers the race-day side.
What the Numbers Say About Running Style and Pace
This is a read from the official numbers and the build. A midsole that wraps a soft core in a firmer foam, plus a spring structure of two carbon plates. It aims to store and return energy, and I read that the plates work best for runners moving at a pace that carries their weight forward.
PUMA gives no pace guide. With a 150 km life estimate, it fits a handful of key days, such as tempo runs or short distances, rather than daily long mileage. The soft downside is that you cannot wear it in for many training runs.
What I like: built without the race-rule limits
Two plates, with the spring structure on show. Two fused carbon plates are visible from the outside of the shoe. The build hides nothing, so you see at a glance what makes it fast.
A light upper. ULTRAWEAVE is an upper PUMA says is lighter than in the previous generation. PUMA's European site lists it as 81% textile and 19% synthetic.
An outsole that holds on many surfaces. The PUMAGRIP outsole is a durable rubber that PUMA says grips on many kinds of surfaces.
Things to watch
- Not for official races. Keep a different shoe for race day.
- Only 100 pairs for Japan. Few will reach stores and they are likely to go quickly.
- The life estimate is 150 km. The cost per kilometer is high, so choose the days you use it.
Who the FAST-RB NITRO Elite 2 suits
- Suits: runners who want a limited shoe for keepsake or special training days, and who want to feel what two carbon plates do on their own feet.
If you want one pair for official races, there are other ways to choose (the carbon shoe numbers article).
FAST-RB NITRO Elite 2 price and where to buy
| Model | Official price | Rakuten price range |
|---|---|---|
| PUMA FAST-RB NITRO Elite 2 Laced | JPY 66,000 | — |
| PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 4 | JPY 29,700 | JPY 24,000–30,800 |
In Japan it is sold at PUMA Store Harajuku Cat Street, PUMA Store Osaka, the PUMA official app, SteP MALL ONLINE SHOP and KOIKE SPORTS ONLINE STORE. With only 100 pairs, check the stores on release day. Look for product number 314984.
About the writer and sources
I run about 500km a month, have a sub-2:30 marathon, and also race trail runs and triathlons. I am a shoe nerd.
I re-read the numbers on Oct 28, 2026, from the PUMA Japan press release (Oct 23, 2026), PUMA Media Hub and PUMA's European product page. Last updated: Oct 28, 2026.
FAQ
What is the sizing of the FAST-RB NITRO Elite 2?
PUMA's European product page lists regular width and a neutral type. Sizes run EU 39 to 46.5. With my 25.0 cm foot, I would start from the same 25.0 cm as my usual shoes and check the toe room in a store.
How does the FAST-RB NITRO Elite 2 differ from the Deviate NITRO Elite 4?
The biggest difference is whether it is legal for official races. The prices are JPY 66,000 and JPY 29,700, a gap of about 2.2x.
When is the FAST-RB NITRO Elite 2 released?
Oct 28, 2026 (Wednesday), in Japan. Japan gets only 100 pairs.
Can I race in the FAST-RB NITRO Elite 2?
No. PUMA states it does not meet the competition rules, so it is not allowed in official races.
Where can I buy the FAST-RB NITRO Elite 2?
PUMA Store Harajuku Cat Street, PUMA Store Osaka, the PUMA official app, SteP MALL ONLINE SHOP and KOIKE SPORTS ONLINE STORE.
Gear in this article
Ads and images: Rakuten Ichiba
Sources
Read next
- To compare within the same brand, read this too.Deviate Pure Nitro Review
- For another pick from the same line, read this.Deviate Nitro Elite 4 Review
- To widen the choice within the brand, read this.PUMA Deviate Nitro Differences
