Puma is officially pushing back against claims that its carbon-plated running shoes are causing injuries, following a high-profile lawsuit filed by world champion sprinter Abby Steiner.
Just six days after Steiner sued the German sportswear giant—along with the Mercedes F1 Team—alleging that her Puma footwear led to career-ending foot problems, the company released a firm statement denying any wrongdoing.
“Puma is aware that a case has been filed. Unfortunately, we cannot comment on active litigation,” a Puma spokesperson said. “However, we strongly deny any allegation that our performance products cause injuries.”
Steiner’s lawsuit, filed April 24 in Massachusetts Superior Court, claims that the trainers and spikes she wore—specifically the Puma Devitate Nitro Elite 2 and 3, and the evoSPEED Tokyo—were “defective” and “unsafe.” She argues that the combination of carbon fiber plates and nitrofoam technology increased her risk of injury rather than enhancing performance.
It’s a serious accusation against a technology that has become nearly universal in elite distance and sprint footwear. Carbon-plated shoes have been credited with helping athletes smash world records across multiple disciplines, but critics have long questioned whether the rigid plates place unusual stress on the feet and lower legs.
Steiner, a four-time NCAA champion who signed with Puma in 2022, was once one of the most exciting young talents in American track and field. But over the next three years, her professional career unraveled due to a series of foot injuries that required at least three surgeries. Her lawsuit states that she is now unable to run competitively at the professional or Olympic level.
The 26-year-old last competed at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, where she finished sixth in the 200 meters. In August 2025, she announced she was “taking a step back from” running to pursue a master’s degree and focus on getting healthy.
In its defense, Puma pointed to the success of its athletes on the world stage. The company cited world records broken by Puma-sponsored stars, including Devynne Charlton in the women’s 60-meter hurdles, Mondo Duplantis in men’s pole vault, and Yaroslava Mahuchikh in women’s high jump.
“We consistently collaborate with our athletes to provide products that meet their needs,” the Puma spokesperson said. “Our shoes are worn by athletes performing at the top of their game in distance running and track and field, breaking records.”
Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix, which Steiner’s suit claims is involved in the development and distribution of certain Puma shoes, declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.
For runners and athletes who rely on carbon-plated footwear for speed and performance, this case raises important questions about the balance between innovation and safety. As the legal battle unfolds, one thing is certain: the conversation around high-tech running shoes is far from over.