Our verdict

The Puma Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 has shown us it's not only a good racing shoe but also a standout for tempo runs. We think that this is a well-thought-out redesign from the first version, featuring an enhanced, comfortable upper and substantial PumaGrip rubber on the outsole that gave us excellent traction and durability. Regrettably, we encountered a slight increase in weight as the main trade-off.

PUMA RS-Fast International Game Pros

  • Amazing durability
  • Plush foam
  • Excellent PumaGrip outsole
  • Puma RS-Dreamer J Cole Ebony and Ivory
  • Puma Guants Porter Future Grip 1 Hybrid Flare Pack
  • Puma Train Gebonden lange legging met rits en hoge taille in blauw
  • Perfect for tempo runs

PUMA RS-Fast International Game Cons

  • Heavier than v1
  • Still lacks race-day vibe

PUMA RS-Fast International Game | Audience verdict

85
Good!

Who should buy

For those in search of a durable racer with unparalleled grip, we think that the Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 steps up as a women pick. We loved it's roomy—for being a speedster—toebox and plush midsole. And it worked wonders on our fast paced efforts, from brief to prolonged intervals, races and even our longest runs!

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2

Who should NOT buy

Let's be clear, the PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 is a jaw-dropping shoe, but it may not be the perfect fit for everyone.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 parts

And if you're in search of a solid tempo shoe, the Puma Sac a dos Phase Backpack rose performs at least at the same level and it's £30 cheaper.

PUMA RS-Fast International Game | Cushioning

Heel stack

We weren't very happy with the 1st-gen Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes for its 31.1 mm cushioning, clearly inadequate for today's standards on marathon racing.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 heel strike

Heeding this feedback, PUMA upped the ante with a heel stack height of 35 mm in v2—nearly 4 mm more than its predecessor and just a millimetre short of the brand's official 36 mm figure. That's nice!

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Heel stack
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 35.0 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 400 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

On the other hand, the forefoot's measurement remains nearly unchanged at 25.9 mm, which is surprising given the fact that PUMA says it should be 30 mm.

Considering the Nitro Elite cloud-like softness, we think that the shoe may not offer enough cushioning for heavy runners that strike the ground with the forefoot.

Indeed, it's higher than the average shoe, but remember, this isn't designed as a daily trainer where an abundance of cushion isn't necessary. It's supposed to be a long-distance racer.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Forefoot stack
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 25.9 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 400 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

We noticed that while the heel measurement increased, the forefoot remained nearly the same as before. This simple equation yields a clear result: a higher drop of 9.1 mm.

This measurement is far from the brand's claimed 6-mm heel-to-toe drop and brings a few consequences with it. The most evident of these is that, with more Nitro Elite foam in the heel and a greater drop, the DNE2 is better suited for heel strikers.

For this reason, PUMA also incorporated a rockered shape into this model. It promotes a smoother transition from heel to toe.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Drop
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 9.1 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 400 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
0.0 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

One of the things we LOVE at EdiconnectShops about lab-testing shoes is the objective truth we uncover. The numbers tell the story themselves. That's exactly what unfolded when we measured the midsole softness in the Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2.

Contrary to many people's belief that the new iteration was firmer than its predecessor, our testing revealed the opposite—this Nitro Elite foam (PEBA+EVA) it's softer!

We measured it at 13.9 HA, so it's among the softest foams we've ever seen, proving to be 6% plushier than the first version.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Midsole softness
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 13.9 HA
Average 21.0 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 327 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

PUMA RS-Fast International Game (%)

Why, then, did so many people perceive the v2 as firmer than expected? The answer lies in the timing. This shoe hit the market in February 1st, which is the coldest month in the northern hemisphere.

It seems that early adopters and experts initially tested the Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 in cold conditions. Then, we aimed to replicate those conditions by placing the shoe in our freezer for 20 minutes. Upon measurement, we found a hardness of 20.3 HA.

This translates into a 46% increase in firmness after those 20 minutes in the freezer. The disappointing performance for a top-tier shoe is the reason why so many found it unusually firm. Consider this mystery solved!

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 PUMA RS-Fast International Game
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 46%
Average 25%
Compared to 327 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
0%
PUMA RS-Fast International Game
63%

Insole thickness

At 3.4 mm, the insole is exactly where it should be—cushioned, yet light.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Insole thickness
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 3.4 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 396 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 is true to size (11 votes).

veste vintage de la marque puma?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 377 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Puma Training Trägershirt in Schwarz

It's interesting to note that we put the Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 to the test in our lab just after trying out the Elite 1, and we found that our feet had more room than before.

That's why whe think that the first version is a great fit for those with narrow feet, while this v2 is a better match for runners with medium or even wide feet.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 el producto Puma-select Cell Stellar EU 40 Puma White Sulphur
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 94.6 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
91.6 mm
Puma Training Trägershirt in Schwarz
104.9 mm

puma mirage sport puma white vaporous gray

PUMA added again a little extra room in the toe area to make more runners happy. They made the space around the big toe similar to what you find in daily training shoes—in fact, at 72.8 mm, it's wider than the average shoe.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 The collaboration follows the success of Puma and Karl Lagerfelds
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 75.4 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 244 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
67.6 mm
puma mirage sport puma white vaporous gray
89.2 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Being designed as a neutral racing shoe, this model features midfoot sidewalls for added stability.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 sidewalls

It's significantly more stable than most other racing shoes on the market, but understandably, it doesn't match the stability of a typical daily trainer.

Torsional rigidity

Through our lab evaluation, we credited this shoe with a torsional rigidity score of 4 out of 5. Although it's more flexible than many competitive racing shoes, it boasts superior rigidity compared to the average shoe.

This balance of rigidity and flexibility makes it a nice choice for not only racing but for tempo training and fast-paced long-distance runs. We really enjoyed its versatility.

Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 4
Average 3.4
Compared to 379 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

In contrast to our previous assessment, the heel counter flexibility tells a different story. The Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes scored the lowest possible mark of 1 out of 5, which is quite common—and desirable—in this category of shoes.

Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 1
Average 2.9
Compared to 363 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Puma Axis Plus Sd EU 43 Puma Black Puma White

We were genuinely surprised by the ample width of the forefoot in the initial Elite version, leading to impressive stability for a race-day shoe.

Adhering to one of the golden rules of running shoe design, PUMA wisely chose not to change a winning feature. They preserved the midsole width almost the same, with our calliper-based measurement clocking it in at 108.1 mm—a mere 1.7 mm less than its predecessor.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 108.1 mm
Average 114.2 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
103.3 mm
Puma Axis Plus Sd EU 43 Puma Black Puma White
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

We've mentioned before that PUMA aims to please to heel strikers with this second version, and here's another proof: a jaw-dropping wide heel that we measured in the lab at 88.2 mm. For a racing shoe, that's huge.

Consider the previous Elite at 84.7 mm, or even the Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 at 75.0 mm for comparison. PUMA's focus on accommodating heel strikers is clearly evident.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 88.2 mm
Average 90.8 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
73.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

The Elite 2's performance in this test was just the one we expected.

Given that it's a racing shoe, we anticipated a low measurement but also a higher-than-average number when compared to the average shoe—same as with torsional rigidity.

And that's exactly what we found. It took us 37.6N of force to bend the shoe up to a 90-degree angle.

Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 37.6N
Average 28.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 383 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Stiffness in cold (%)

The shoe's performance following its 20-minute nap in the freezer is, once again, disappointing. It felt very stiff to us, and our testing confirmed this with a readout of 53.7N.

This represents a 42.7% increase from our room-temperature measurement. Although this is slightly better than the average performance, it falls disappointingly short for a £200 shoe. But it's the price to pay for using a mix of PEBA and EVA in the midsole—more about this in puma rs x3 puzzle running system grey black men.

We're holding out hope that PUMA, in future models, will level up to the offerings of ASICS (FF Turbo) or Nike (ZoomX) by Method a full-PEBA midsole compound.

Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 43%
Average 33%
Compared to 383 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
0%
Stiffness in cold
111%

Weight

Upon taking the shoe into the lab, we could instantly tell it wasn't the lightest racing shoe—not surprising given its 32% rubber increase, extra foam, and wider build than its predecessor.

Given these enhancements, a 0.4 oz (14g) uptick in weight from v1 might seem justifiable, yet it may detract us from picking the Elite 2 for a very important race.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Weight
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 7.55 oz (214g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 401 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

One of the things we LOVE at EdiconnectShops about lab-testing shoes is the objective truth we uncover. The numbers tell the story themselves. That's exactly what unfolded when we measured the midsole softness in the Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2.

Contrary to many people's belief that the new iteration was firmer than its predecessor, our testing revealed the opposite—this Nitro Elite foam (PEBA+EVA) it's softer!

[section_break]

We measured it at 13.9 HA, so it's among the softest foams we've ever seen, proving to be 6% plushier than the first version.

Breathability

Nebulas Blue-Puma white Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes was women, boasting exceptional breathability. Naturally, we were in doubt about the revamped upper, wondering if it could match the performance of its predecessor. Yet, the v2 doesn't disappoint and we gave it the same perfect (5/5) score.

Out of the gazillion shoes we've ran this year, only a select few have performed this good under summer's scorching conditions.

PUMA delivered again a paper-thin plasticky upper that is hyper breathable.

Examining the upper in the lab under our microscope really brings to light how this shoe achieves its impressive breathability.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 microscope

A thin engineered mesh with countless ventilation holes ensures ample airflow for every run, regardless of the heat. Great work PUMA!

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 microscope close

Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 330 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

A major complaint with the OG Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes was the upper's susceptibility to tearing. Thus, we really wanted to see this v2 in the lab, subjecting it to our ferocious Dremel test. 

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 dremel
Damage comparison between Puma Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 (left) vs. Nike Alphafly Next% 2 (right)

Now, we've got both good and bad news. On a positive note, this shoe significantly improves on its predecessor and we gave it a 2 out of 5. However, there's still room for further improvement as the damage from our test remains quite visible. Unfortunately, the shoe's upper remains somewhat prone to rip and tear.

Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 2
Average 2.5
Compared to 264 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

This is the DREAM SHOE for those who tend to wear the heel collar. We were astounded in the lab—honestly, we double-checked the Dremel—struggling to believe the minimal damage inflicted on the Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 heel dremel

puma essential logo jogger pants competition shoes will find near impossible to match.

Along with its impressive durability, the Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes features an exceptional amount of padding in the heel area for being a race-day shoe. Great work here, PUMA.

Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 260 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

At 74.8 HC or hardness, PumaGrip strikes an exceptional balance—it's soft enough to ensure superb grip, yet hard enough for noteworthy durability, exceeding most racing shoes.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 outsole

latest puma platform slide bold sd wmns black thick soled slippers Adidas (Continental) or PUMA (PumaGrip), is due to their top-tier rubber formulation.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Outsole hardness
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 74.8 HC
Average 79.8 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 381 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
57.0 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

We rated the durability of the outsole at 3/5, falling short of the average shoe. 

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 damage outsole

It's crucial to remember, though, that this model is designed for competition, where durability takes a back seat to reduce weight and improve grip as much as possible.

Outsole thickness

Boasting a generous 2.5 mm rubber layer, this racing shoe truly outshines the competition.

Shoe Outsole thickness (mm) Difference
PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 1.9 32%
Puma cruise rider silk road wns women lifestyle sneakers new green 375072-02+ 2.1 19%
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 1.8 39%
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0 1.0 150%

It's an impressive upgrade that, in our opinion, raises the bar in outsole durability for racing shoes!

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Outsole thickness
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 2.5 mm
Average 3.3 mm
Compared to 398 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

This shoe really shines in daylight runs, but it's equally excellent for night-time sessions. Thanks to its high-visibility reflective elements in the heel, we felt safer during our afterwork tempo runs.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Reflective elements
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Yes

Tongue padding

One common criticism of the world's fastest shoes relates to inadequate tongue padding. This often leads to issues such as lace bite. However, this is not a concern with the Elite 2. We've precisely measured the tongue padding to be 4.9 mm, which is exceptionally thick for a race-day shoe.

Naturally, this is one of the reasons why we feel it might not quite match the market's lightest shoes like the Metaspeed Sky+ or the Vaporfly Next% 2. But at the same time, it offers a level of versatility seldom found in a £200 shoe.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Tongue padding
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 4.9 mm
Average 5.9 mm
Compared to 398 running shoes
Puma RS-0 'Play' Black Chunky Sneakers Shoes 367515-02
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

Shifting away from the bizarre one-sided semi-gusseted tongue found in v1, PUMA has now chosen to cut some weight, providing us with a non-gusseted tongue.

We would have appreciated a semi-gusseted tongue on both sides. Hey, PUMA, could that be a thing for v3?

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 None

Removable insole

In the Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes, the insole isn't glued in place, and we found it really simple to swap it out. The shape of the shoe also welcomes third-party orthotics.

PUMA Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Removable insole
Test results
Puma Rs-2K Metallic Womens Shoes 2 Yes