Puma Velocity 2 Shoe Review

I was itching to try the Puma Velocity 2. I tried a couple of Puma shoes in 2021, including the Puma Velocity Nitro and Puma Deviate Nitro. I didn’t love either. They ripped up the back of my ankles, and I found they were more hype than great for me. But, I seem to be in the minority as many people love Puma, and they have no shortage of elite athletes. It’s not that I wanted to dislike them; I really, really wanted to like them. But they didn’t work for me. So long story short, I was excited to see their changes.

The entire Puma Velocity 2 has been updated. They removed the heel clip, added a heel bevel, redesigned both the outsole and the upper, and changed the Nitro+Foam interaction.

So is the Puma Velocity 2 a “big update”? Yes. And I am here for it.

Puma Velocity 2 Quick Stats:

Weight: 8.8 oz

Stack Height: 10 mm

Price: $120

Puma Velocity 2 Intro:

The Puma Velocity 2 is a lightweight daily trainer designed for higher mileage. This year, the Velocity has a heel bevel and toe spring, which adds some bounciness to the shoe while keeping it cushioned. The upper has been redesigned to add more structure and fit better overall.

Puma Velocity 2 Fit:

The Velocity 2 uses an engineered mesh, which offers support and stretch for a secure and comfortable fit. That isn’t a massive change from the previous version. The mesh is comfortable and breathable, and you don’t have to worry about your feet overheating in warmer climates (which is great, especially in the summertime). Puma, in general, is on the slightly wider side. It’s not wide enough to adjust sizes, but it will fit slightly wider than many brands. Honestly, I can’t say I mind.

New this year, the heel features some additional padding around the heel collar. The TPU Heel Piece now adds stability to the shoe. The Velocity 2 is not a stable shoe but it is more stable than the previous version.

The TPU Heel Piece makes the heel much more comfortable without rubbing or creating blisters. Just by updating the heel, I am suddenly a much bigger fan of the shoe. The heel counter comes just over halfway up the heel and runs the entire length of the heel. I have been cautious with that; I hope it doesn’t cause any irritation, and so far, so good.

The best-running shoe uppers disappear off your feet; for the most part, the Puma Velocity 2 does just that. I haven’t had any issues with rubbing or blisters.

I generally wear running shoes, between a woman’s size 10-11 wide. I found the size 11 for the Puma Velocity 2 to fit well and haven’t had any issues. You might find it wider than you’re comfortable in, if you’re someone with a very narrow foot.

Puma Velocity 2 Ride:

I was most interested in the redesign of the Velocity 2 ride. Mostly I wondered why they did redesign it as it seemed like it was pretty well received by people. The Nitro or nitrogen-infused foam is located on top of traditional EVA. This makes the Velocity 2 feet ride cushioned and slightly softer.

The Puma Velocity 2 is a shoe you can pick up the pace, but it’s better designed for easy runs. The heel bevel is updated with a lateral flare. After a few miles, it begins to feel “normal” and not weird—the Puma Velocity 2 rides much smoother from heel to toe with the new toe spring.

Traction and Durability: The outsole is another major update in the Puma Velocity 2.  It has been redesigned to feature “PUMAGRIP”. There are now additional lugs in the middle and medial sides of the forefoot. This adds even more traction and durability. I’ve taken the Velocity 2 out on a few sandy trails and inclement weather and haven’t had an issue with sliding around. Regarding durability, I expect the Puma Velocity 2 to last somewhere between 300-400 miles or a full running shoe life.

I wasn’t sure how the Velocity 2 would fit into my rotation. Easy run shoe? Long run shoe? Workout shoe? I’ve found it can handle almost anything, and it’s usually my choice for daily runs that I may or may not pick up the pace. I appreciate that it can take daily runs, and if I want to pick up the pace, it doesn’t feel too clunky. I prefer something lighter and faster for workouts and something with more cushion for super easy runs.

Puma Velocity 2 Conclusion:

The Velocity 2 is the first Puma shoe I *actually* like, and that works for me. I am excited to try others, and I think they’ve done an excellent job updating it, especially in the upper. Plus, in 2023, it’s hard to find daily trainers that start at $120, so I definitely cannot complain about that.

Who should buy the Puma Velocity 2? If you are looking for a lightweight daily run shoe or a slightly wider-than-average daily trainer.

Who should not buy the Puma Velocity 2? If you need a dedicated workout shoe or a dedicated easy run shoe. If you have a narrow foot, you might not find the fit super comfortable.

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Puma Velocity 2, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast 

Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly

Long Runs: ASICS Superblast

Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX, 

Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280,   Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+

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 about running shoes.

Questions for you:

Have you tried the Puma Velocity 2?

What is your favorite daily trainer?