PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 vs ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO

The PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 and ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO are both elite racing shoes built for fast, efficient runners, but they take slightly different approaches to propulsion and long-distance feel. The ASICS is lighter and has a lower drop, and it holds a very slight edge in overall bounce and weight, which in theory translates to marginally better running economy when you're chasing peak efficiency. Its plate sits higher and feels flatter underfoot, creating a direct, aggressive sensation. The PUMA uses a more curved plate and a split midsole, and while both shoes can feel somewhat unstable due to their soft, highly reactive foams, the PUMA's split platform amplifies that sensation further. Over longer distances, though, the PUMA's cushioning tends to hold up better, making it feel a bit more protective deep into a race.