The second shoe I tried from Puma is the Puma Velocity Nitro. I originally thought the Deviate Nitro would be my more favorite of the two, but I was mistaken. The Puma Velocity Nitro is a great all-purpose trainer that I find myself grabbing far more than the Velocity Nitro. While they were created for two different purposes, I do enjoy the ride and comfort of the Velocity Nitro better.
Puma Velocity Nitro Quick Facts:
Weight: 9.1 oz
Drop: 10 mm
Price: $120
Puma Velocity Nitro Intro:
The Velocity Nitro is designed as a versatile and daily trainer. According to Puma, it’s a shoe you can take out for easy runs or fast runs, and it can go whatever distance you want. (maybe not 100 miles but a “regular training distance.”
At $120, it’s one of the cheaper neutral multipurpose trainers these days. In short, I’ve found their claims to take it on whatever run you want to be true, and I’ve run 14 miles in the Velocity Nitro. I would be comfortable running longer; I just haven’t.
Puma Velocity Nitro Fit:
My biggest gripe with the Deviate Nitro is the upper and heel counter. Thankfully, the Velocity Nitro doesn’t have that same fit, so it feels A LOT more comfortable. The construction of the Velocity Nitro is an engineered mesh with a couple of layers. The outer layer is breathable and gives the Velocity Nitro structure. Underneath is a more cushioned layer that provides comfort against the foot.
It’s a fairly normal padded tongue that doesn’t get in the way or flop around (really, what else can you ask for in a running shoe?). My only request in running shoe tongue is they aren’t annoying or cut me. This does nothing, and I don’t notice it. So win.
I will say the heel collar is not perfect in the Puma Velocity Nitro. It does fit a little higher than most brands but not enough to be annoying or rub (like the Deviate Nitro). I hope Puma can fix their heel collars in the second version.
As far as fit goes, I usually wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. Since the Puma Velocity Nitro is only available in regular width, I ordered an 11 to be safe. It fits perfectly, and as a general rule, I would say it fits true to size.
In all, the Puma Velocity Nitro upper is great, and it’s a good fitting shoe. Minus the slightly higher heel collar, I don’t have any complaints.
Puma Velocity Nitro Ride:
I wasn’t really sure what to expect with the ride. The Puma Velocity Nitro does have a higher stack height, so you do feel “higher off the ground.” I don’t even really feel unstable, but I do feel higher. Even with a higher stack height, you don’t feel like your foot is sinking into a shoe.
According to Puma, the Velocity Nitro uses advanced NITRO FOAM technology. It makes the Velocity Nitro both responsive and lightweight.
Outsole and Traction: Puma uses what they call the “PUMAGRIP” outsole. It makes the Puma Velocity Nitro extremely grip great. While I’m not running in the pouring rain, it’s easy to lose traction on the desert dunes. I’ve found the Puma Velocity Nitro to be one of the better shoes when you need traction. Plus, I’ve already put over 100 miles in the Puma Velocity Nitro, and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down. I expect it to live a long life.
I’ve found everything Puma claimed about the Velocity Nitro to be true. I’ve run a variety of runs from easy to longer to desert trails and recovery (minus the track, they’ve done a little of everything). I’ve found them the best for just a daily run shoe. If I were going on vacation and wanted a lightweight shoe that can “do it all,” the Puma Velocity Nitro would be a top contender.
Puma Velocity Nitro Conclusion:
The Velocity Nitro reminds me a lot of what running shoes “used to be” around 2016. Simple, straight to the point, and gets the job done. No huge frills because you don’t need a lot of frills in a daily trainer. I’m definitely feeling that and will continue to run in it. No many shoes are even $120 anymore, so it’s nice to see a good-fitting and comfortable trainer at that price point. Plus, the traction is one of the best for a neutral running shoe!
My only minor complaint is the higher heel collar, but it’s more nitpicky than anything. It’s not enough to make my heels bleed like the Deviate Nitro.
If you are looking to try Puma but don’t know where to start, this would probably be my first recommendation.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs Puma Velocity Nitro, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Brooks Ricochet 3, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7,
Speed Work: Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, Asics MetaRacer, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Puma Velocity Nitro? Or any Puma running shoe?
What is your favorite running shoe?