Puma Velocity Nitro 4: Narrow Is the Road to Perfection

KARL (12 out of 15): On the whole, I think Puma made some great updates to refine the Velocity Nitro line. I’m giving it the highest score on function because it is a big leap forward from its predecessor and these thoughtful changes are what companies need to be looking at when designing the next iteration of a product line. The lighter weight, new Nitrofoam midsole, and the $140 price tag – the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 for me is the new prime archetype for the future of daily trainers. No, it’s not as exciting of a ride as the Asics Novablast 5 or Adidas Evo SL, but there’s no reason why this classification of shoe has to feel muted, heavy, and overbuilt. Puma proves that you can have a great lightweight daily trainer that is very versatile without much compromise.

I think if they opened up the midfoot a bit and made some minor changes to the outsole, either changing the pattern or rubber density to make it feel a little bit more nimble than it’s perceived to be, then the Puma Velocity Nitro could arguably be at the top of the list for traditional daily trainers. Right now, however, there’s stiff competition this year in the $140-150 price bracket, with those offerings boasting a lightweight and a slightly more exciting ride.

Regardless, the big cat continues to purr into the second half of the year. I have about 60 miles on the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 at the time of writing this and I’ll continue to lace them up after the review for some easy runs and, perhaps as my new travel shoe (like I said earlier, this thing can handle some road-to-tral if push comes to shove).