Now in its fourth iteration, the Velocity Nitro from Puma is the brand’s all-purpose daily trainer in the Nitro line, and it’s built for versatility, efficiency, and–most of all–comfort. It delivers on all fronts, with some specific refinements over the previous version that will be getting runners everywhere excited to get it into their quiver.
Shoe specs
Category: Neutral cushioningMen’s: 250 g (8.8 oz.)Women’s: 190 g (6.7 oz.)Offset/drop: 10 mmStack height: 36 mm/26 mm$175
We were very pleasantly surprised by the new Velocity Nitro, now in its fourth iteration. The shoe has always been a great choice for recreational runners looking for a comfortable, reliable daily trainer, but it now has a full Nitrofoam (nitrogen-infused EVA) midsole, which feels even lighter and more comfortable than ever, the moment you slip your foot into it–almost like running in a slipper (granted, a very high-tech and supportive slipper!)
This shoe has been consistently good from version to version, and is an excellent choice for the casual or recreational runner who wants a good-quality shoe with soft cushioning that can be used for a variety of purposes: easy runs, long runs, recovery runs, and even faster efforts, such as tempo runs or fartlek training. It’s also excellent value for the price, and has a lot to recommend it.
The upper
The shoe’s engineered mesh upper has been made lighter and more breathable, and it feels great on the foot, especially in warm weather. It has a nicely padded, perforated tongue, and the rolled heel collar has been modified slightly; notably, the brand has shaved almost 15 grams (half an ounce) off the weight, thanks largely to the new upper, though it remains quite durable. The lacing system and laces are relatively unchanged, and work well; the brand has wisely not fixed what wasn’t broken!
The shoe retains the TPU spoiler at the back, which is designed to make it more streamlined and efficient (just like on a sports car).
Like most Puma models, the shoe fits very snugly and supportively through the midfoot; runners with a high instep (or wider feet) may find it slightly tight in this area and more generous in the forefoot. For us, the fit has sometimes been a little idiosyncratic–but once you start running, all you will notice is how light, airy and plush the shoe feels.
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The midsole
For recreational runners, heel strikers and those who like their cushioning on the plush side, the midsole is where the shoe really shines, especially now that it’s the brand’s nitrogen-infused Nitro foam throughout. With 36 mm of cushioning in the heel, the shoe just makes every step feel enjoyable, airy and pleasing–and it’s remarkably resilient and responsive, especially for a high-drop, “cushy” shoe.
Photo: Puma
The outsole
The PUMAGRIP outsole is excellent–durable, grippy and steadfast in all conditions, and covers most of the bottom of the shoe, no compromises. The design looks slightly different than the 3’s, but it performs almost identically.
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