Overview
- Puma, which issued a statement Thursday, said it strongly denies that its performance products cause injuries.
- Steiner filed the case Friday, April 24, in Middlesex County Superior Court, naming Puma and Mercedes‑Benz Grand Prix Ltd. and seeking more than $1.25 million and a jury trial.
- Her complaint cites the Deviate Nitro Elite 2 and 3 and evoSPEED Tokyo Nitro models, alleging a stiff carbon‑fiber plate in the sole and springy Nitrofoam changed running mechanics and led to bone stress injuries.
- The 26‑year‑old says repeated foot injuries from 2023 to 2025 led to at least three surgeries and left her unable to compete after placing sixth in the 200 meters at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials.
- Mercedes declined to comment, and the lawsuit—filed in Puma’s U.S. base of Massachusetts—lands as brands race to sell carbon‑plated shoes, a trend that could face new scrutiny over testing and athlete safety.