SCORE: 9/10
Weight: 311g or 11oz (UK size 11 or US 11.5)
Heel Drop: 10mm (33.5 / 23.5)
Sizing: True to size
Shoe type: Everyday training shoe
Running surface: Road, tarmac, and light trail
Pace: Moderate
Pros
- Premium look
- High lockdown (Comfortable and secure)
- Excellent fitting (True-to-size)
- Rides smooth and faster with a seamless heel-to-toe transition
- Exceptional heel and midfoot lockdown with a roomy toe box
- Comfortable tongue
- Resilient midsole and outsole
- Solid and stable for everyday training
Cons
- The toe box runs long but can be solved by going a half size down (Not too long, but just to let you know).
- No wider options for those with more than average wide feet
Take Away
The Puma Velocity 2 presents itself as a pretty solid running shoe with sufficient padding for daily runs, tempo runs, and mid-range distance. Except for the slight heavyweight, which goes unnoticed when running, the Puma Velocity 2 is easily a contender for the best daily trainer in 2022. The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is built for comfort at any speed and is durable.
Introduction
The Puma entered the running scene in 2021 with a bang and made its mark. In 2021, Molly Seidel, a Puma-sponsored athlete, won an Olympic medal with the highly-rated racing shoe Puma Deviate Nitro Elite. Like its sibling, the Puma Velocity Nitro v1 also became famous for its excellent performance in several aspects of training. The Nitro, nitrogen-infused midsole foam, offers a groundbreaking performance every runner yearns for. Therefore, last year, the Puma Velocity Nitro 1 was a direct competitor of the Nike Pegasus 38. More can be said of its latest iteration, the Puma Velocity Nitro 2.
Puma carefully implemented changes to make the Velocity Nitro 2 a better version of its predecessor. The most significant update in Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is the extra EVA foam in the midsole. Puma extended the EVA foam towards the forefoot area and did away with the hard plastic clip on the heels. Besides, the Nitro foam sits pretty on top of the EVA foam in the new version. This has created a marvelous blend of comfort, softness, and responsiveness from heel to toe. The enhanced stability and a slight drop in weight are also apparent.
Overall, the Nitro Velocity 2 is an excellent improvement of the original version. It is not surprising since the original version's solidness and versatile capabilities gave me a hint of Puma's promising future. The new version is built on this success.
Puma Velocity Nitro 2 Instant Impression
I had an easy choice to buy the Puma Velocity Nitro 2, considering that I have the previous version, which still impresses me. I was stunned by its 'cool' appearance immediately after taking it out of the box. I also noticed Puma's little, but significant updates. For instance, the soft touch of the upper mesh was evident, and the midsole was pretty nimble, while the forefoot twisted easily.
It was easy slipping my foot into the Velocity Nitro 2. I felt the soft upper mesh cradling my foot, and the cushioned insole massaged the bottom of the foot. It fitted true-to-size, and there were just enough spaces in the right places to allow the toes to splay out naturally and breathe well. It also looked 'cool' on my feet, and I thought the Velocity Nitro 2 could also work as casual wear.
There was also a lackluster feeling until I took the Velocity Nitro 2 out for a run. Though the first three miles felt slightly blunt even after turning up the pace, things became better after a bit of break-in. After that, running felt smooth because the transition from heel to toe was exceptionally smooth.
Moreover, the traction underfoot was exceptional, and I felt comfortable with every footstrike. I felt like the slightly beveled heel was doing enough to balance the dual-density foam midsole. It provided a consistent gait cycle.
I did a 5K at intervals on the first day of testing, and doing less than 8 minutes a mile was an impressive performance from the Velocity Nitro 2. My advice to a new buyer is to give the midsole time to break in before judging the Velocity Nitro 2.
Puma Velocity Nitro 2 Upper Design and Fitting
The upper of the Velocity Nitro 2 comprises a classic engineered mesh with a softer feel. It is softer than the mesh material used in the first version. The Velocity Nitro 2 also comes with a completely new design. The toe box has less junk mesh material. Though streamlined, the toe box runs slightly broader than the previous version.
I have not experienced the highest breathability in the toe box area while running in hot and humid conditions in the Velocity Nitro 2. This is an indication that it is excellent for spring and winter conditions.
Notably, the lower profile heel counter with enough cushioning and a streamlined design gives the shoe a refined appearance.
The previous version was quite long, so it did not fit true to size. However, this version runs a tight short. It implies that with the Velocity 2, one must not go a half size down for actual fitting size. I also liked what Puma did with the toe box because it feels roomy, and my toe splays out naturally.
The upper has bolder laces. They are thick, round, and long and create a lovely runner's knot whenever I utilize the last eye-let. It is easy to lace up, and the laces sit comfortably on top of the foot. Hardly do I feel the laces exerting pressure on my instep.
I am always not compelled to utilize the last two eyelets to get a perfect lockdown. It proves that the streamlined upper has done well to improve the overall fitting and lockdown of the Puma Velocity Nitro 2.
Puma put reflective components on both sides of the toe-box. They play aesthetic and functional roles. The shiny pieces have magical reflections that enhance visibility when stroked with light, especially for late evening and early morning runners.
However, I think the reflective pieces are out of place. Initially, I experienced slight irritability issues, particularly with the small toe, but they disappeared with time.
The partially gusseted tongue is among the most impressive things about the upper of Nitro 2. It is perfectly designed to the point that it stays on top of the foot undisturbed. I hardly experience restrictions around the midfoot area.
I like the heel counter. It is unrestrictive because Puma gave it just enough rigidity. Besides, the heel collar has plenty of pudding and a smooth inner lining to prevent irritation and enhance comfort and lockdown. I adore how huggy it feels from heel to toe.
I have no experience with heel slippage at all.
Overall, I believe the upper of the Puma Velocity Nitro 2 has all the hallmarks of a daily training shoe. The upper is well streamlined with good structure; thus, not a clunky but adaptable toe box that can accommodate a moderate range of foot types. There is enough cushioning and excellent aeration.
My only worry is that a wide-footed runner will have problems with the toe box. I still feel that the feet must be extra wide to cause fitting issues. Also, the mesh is quite thick for hot summer runs. Still, these two disadvantages hardly scratch the reputation of the Velocity Nitro 2.
Puma Nitro Velocity 2 Midsole Design and Performance
The PumaGrip and NITRO foam are the primary features of the Velocity Nitro 2. The midsole of this shoe is where the magic happens because of the significant changes Puma undertook. Puma's primary responsibility was to enhance the softness, responsiveness, and stability of the shoe by tweaking the positioning of the Nitro foam and EVA foam.
The top layer is the soft Nitro foam, while the bottom tier comprises the considerably firm EVA layer. It is similar to what we had in the first version, except that Nitro is spread around the EVA layer and extends up to the midfoot area. In Velocity 2, Puma revamped the midsole by separating the two layers, making it more comfortable and stable than the previous one.
The midsole of the Velocity Nitro 2 is pretty agile. I am confident that removing the TPU piece in the heel has played a part in creating a soft underfoot feel. The ride is more compressive than what I experienced with the previous version.
Puma intended to tune the Velocity Nitro 2 into a fast shoe because it is more agile and responsive than the previous version. Moreover, the moderate heel bevel and gentle forefoot spring exert efficiency to the ride and combine well with the mildly bouncy Nitro cushioning foam underfoot. Therefore, the ride feels pretty gentle underfoot.
Puma is known for making sensational outsoles. I had similar expectations that it would replicate this design in the Velocity Nitro 2. This version comes with a more refined PumaGrip. Puma dialed the rubber grips to make the PumaGrip (a high traction rubber) more pronounced. The rubber grips are carefully spread across the outsole in this version.
The protrusions are cautiously divided to enhance traction while preventing it from picking debris when running on light trails. This outsole somehow imitates what we have in the Nike Pegasus. It is not surprising that every daily trainer wants to be like or beat the Pegasus.
The outsole rubber is also less abrasive, just enough to protect the midsole, enhance traction and create a reasonable ground feel. The outsole can easily handle a light trail, grass, and gravel terrain. While running, I could feel the PumaGrip sticking on the tarmac, and it gave me confidence with every footstrike. As a heel-striker, I appreciate the enormous grip.
Puma Velocity Nitro 2 Performance and Ride
My experience is that Puma came up with one of the best malleable midsoles. It is comfortable, forgiving, and promotes a natural gait cycle. My transition from heel to toe was immaculately seamless, and I felt comfortable with every stride.
I did slight tempo runs, and I could feel the Nitro foam softening the landing impact. The solid EVA foam provided sufficient rigidity and stability. There was a seamless transition thanks to the moderate beveled heel and springy forefoot.
Mark you Puma had removed the hard plastic in the heel, enhancing energy return for a seamless heel-to-toe transitioning. Notably is the more nimble forefoot than what you will find in several carbon plated rockered shoes.
Furthermore, a beveled heel, a pretty solid heel counter, and a touch wide midfoot and forefoot create subtle guidance and sufficient stability across the heel to forefoot. Also, the combination of these features makes the Nitro 2 feel like a neutral shoe.
I do not expect a snappy ride from a daily trainer, but the comfortable feeling is profound. The energy return in the Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is not as magical as in the Novablast. Still, it is incredible enough for everyday training shoes. Besides, the responsiveness is highly noticeable.
Why you Should Buy Puma Velocity Nitro 2
I enjoyed the first version, and this second version has a significant improvement; better fitting and performance. The new iteration has a better beautiful appearance and a more forgiving cushioning than its predecessor. The blending of the EVA foam in the midsole is fantastic, making Puma a brand to watch out for.
The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is an excellent choice for a runner with average wide feet and prefers slightly lightweight and sufficiently cushioned neutral shoes for easy long mileage or various types of training across terrains.
I would recommend Pegasus 39, Skechers Maxroad 5, or Adidas Ultraboost 22 over the Puma Velocity Nitro 2 for a person with more than average wide foot. The Pegasus 39 is easily my first choice except for the relatively high pricing.So, Adidas Adios 6 is the best option for extra wide-footed runners. It is a more versatile running shoe and performs well at high paces. Furthermore, it comes with more wider versions to choose from.
On the other hand, the Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is a go-to shoe for any runner with regular foot width. It closely rivals the shoes mentioned above. Besides, it fetches at quite a low price.
The Velocity Nitro 2 offers a softer landing, a seamless toe-off, a comfortable fit, and a peppy ride at a low cost. Moreover, the slightly beveled heel provides slight guidance to anyone with minor overpronation issues. Furthermore, it is exceptionally versatile and durable; the upper mesh is of highly appealing quality material. It suits well a midfoot and forefoot striker. Therefore, you get value for money when purchasing the Puma Nitro 2.
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Reviewed by Dick Harrison
Harrison is an Australian who lives in Sidney. He trains for fitness and does it like a pro. Harrison has the experience of running in various running shoes and understands the technology behind each shoe model he has worn.
