Puma Velocity Nitro 2 Review Analysis (2022)
Last update: March 2024
The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is a lightweight and versatile daily trainer that confirms the success of the brand’s new impressive running collection.
The Consensus
The PUMA Velocity Nitro 2 is a highly versatile running shoe with a shape created for comfort. Effective on various surfaces, the Nitro 2 is a neutral shoe that provides a smooth ride regardless of your pace or distance.
An updated dual density foam midsole in the Nitro 2 delivers a softer landing than the original version, yet it retains the lively feel and comfort of the Velocity Nitro. The outsole on the Velocity Nitro 2 features PUMAGRIP rubber, and the modified lug pattern delivers excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.
The reflective upper mesh is cushy and breathable and has more cushioning in the tongue than the first iteration. It provides a customized fit yet is not too tight. Runners report there’s no heel slippage due to a heel counter that is incredibly comfortable and locks down the heel. However, reviewers say the shoe tends to run long in size — about a half size long — and its standard width does not fare well for runners with wide feet during a long run.
The PUMA Velocity Nitro 2 is lighter, with men’s shoes weighing 8.8 ounces (249 g). The women’s shoe weighs 7.3 ounces (207 g). The drop is 10 mm (23.5 mm forefoot, 33.5 mm heel). Testers report that the Nitro 2 feels more buoyant on foot than its actual weight suggests.
With a reasonable price of $120, the PUMA Velocity Nitro 2 is a solid shoe in an array of vibrant colorways. If you’re looking for a daily trainer that can handle speed workouts, tempo runs, longer distances, and recovery runs, you should check out the Velocity Nitro 2.
Please read our full review of the Puma Velocity Nitro 2 for more information.
- Comfortable and responsive cushioning
- Breathable upper
- Stylish shoe
- Versatile
- Size runs long
- Not optimal for wide feet
- Heavier feel in freezing weather
Puma Velocity Nitro 2 Complete Review Analysis
Introduction
Since its founding in 1924, PUMA has been a pacesetter in the footwear industry. Known for its innovation and style, the Big Cat pioneers new technologies that make running pleasant and fun.
However, PUMA had been on the sideline for quite a while regarding running. In 2021, PUMA astonished the running world with a new line of shoes ranging from daily trainers to elite marathon racers. PUMA’s Deviate Nitro Elite garnered widespread attention when American marathoner Molly Seidel wore a pair in her bronze-medal performance at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Another breakthrough model was the Velocity Nitro, a budget-friendly classic daily trainer designed for recreational runners. With the Velocity Nitro 2, PUMA enhances the performance of the original version. The lightweight, neutral PUMA Velocity Nitro 2 is cushioned, responsive, and incredibly comfortable, a combination that provides a smooth ride at a variety of distances and speeds.
Cushioning
The cushioning is the feature that makes the Velocity Nitro 2 suitable for all types of running. PUMA’s nitrogen-infused foam is a favorite of many runners because it’s snappy, responsive, and leaves your legs feeling good. However, if used alone, the foam’s softness can become sluggish.
In the Velocity Nitro 1, PUMA used NITRO foam in the midsole with a heel plug of firmer EVA foam and a stabilizing plastic clip. In the Nitro 2, PUMA enhanced the cushioning by extending the layer of EVA foam. The EVA foam now covers the entire width and length of the midsole and provides stability for the NITRO foam. PUMA reduced the EVA foam’s thickness in the heel and increased the NITRO foam’s thickness. PUMA also eliminated the heel clip. The heel stack remains the same at 33.5mm (10 mm drop). These changes result in a softer feel in the heel and a snappier toe-off.
Runners who land mid to forefoot report that the cushioning under the toes is generous and that the shoe felt fantastic. Some reviewers say the forefoot cushioning snaps back in a way that’s reminiscent of Nike’s Zoom Air. Several testers did note that cold weather (below 20 degrees Fahrenheit) slightly increases the firmness of the EVA foam, leading to somewhat of a “dead” feeling compared to running in warm weather. In terms of the foam’s durability, one runner reported that the midsole NITRO foam had no wrinkles after 120 miles.
Foot lockdown (upper)
The Nitro 2 has a new seamless mesh upper that is exceptionally breathable, soft, and pliable. The unstructured toe box has plenty of wiggle room, with a supple and cushy feel when you lace up the shoe. The tongue near the laces is more cushioned in this second iteration of the Velocity Nitro, and you can adjust the lacing system to provide a secure lockdown.
One of the drawbacks reviewers noted about the original Nitro shoe was the heel padding. In response to the comments about the heel fit, PUMA added heel collar padding to the Nitro 2. The padding is medium thickness, not bulky or overstuffed, and performs well in locking down the heel. A few testers noted that it rubbed their Achilles.
If there is a flaw with the Velocity Nitro 2, it might be the material used in the new upper. One reviewer reported the engineered mesh felt rough and unpleasant to the touch and that the mesh was a bit excessive, making for an odd flexing sensation. However, the reviewer also noted that neither of these quirks affected performance. The interior mesh bootie on the Nitro 2 protects your foot from feeling the coarser mesh, and the reviewer noticed the slightly excessive mesh only during casual wear.
Grip and durability
The outsole looks similar to the outsole on the Nike Pegasus. For the Nitro 2, PUMA added more PUMAGRIP rubber than what was on the original version. The updated, three-lug pattern on the forefront of the shoe moves the shoe from strictly a road shoe to one that provides excellent traction in all weather conditions and on various terrain. The exceptional grip eliminates the worry as you transition from one surface to another. With the Nitro 2, you will get outstanding traction on wet roads and sidewalks, the treadmill, trail, loose gravel, and snowy and mildly muddy surfaces. Whether you are running flats, uphill, or downhills, the stability holds true.
The remarkable attributes of the PUMA Velocity Nitro 2 do not come at the expense of durability. Runners report that they expect the shoe to last for 350 to 400 miles.
The Ride
The midsole foam configuration makes the Nitro 2 smoother and more comfortable than last year’s version of Velocity Nitro. It is soft on impact and as you roll onto the ball of the foot and snappier on the forefoot before toe-off. The 10 mm heel-toe offset complements runners who have a moderate heel-strike gait. Testers report a feeling of forward propulsion as they roll through the gait cycle. The PUMA Velocity Nitro 2 weighs in at 8.8 ounces/249g for the men’s shoe and 7.3 ounces/207g for the women’s shoe. Several testers say the Nitro 2 feels lighter on the foot than the actual weight indicates.
If the Nitro 2 is your only pair of running shoes, it offers a comfortable ride for virtually every speed and distance. However, if you have several shoes in your closet, you can be more selective about where the Nitro 2 fits into your training program. Some reviewers noted that the Nitro 2 feels smoother at medium to faster paces and on moderately long runs than the slower recovery run pace.
Conclusion
In the Velocity Nitro 2, PUMA made a great shoe even better. With its enhanced fit and added cushioning, the Nitro 2 is a daily trainer that delivers a lively ride with lots of bounce. Most runners agree that Puma’s NITRO foam is the key difference when comparing the Nitro 2 to other similarly priced daily trainers. It is exceptional at absorbing impact and supports an energetic rebound. The PUMAGRIP outsole eliminates the worry about grip and assures a durable shoe that will last for many miles. In addition, the heel counter provides a good, comfortable lockdown that is ideal for a quicker pace.
While there are no significant drawbacks to this running shoe, there are a few things to note. Runners with wide feet report a pinched feeling after five or six miles. One reviewer mentioned the coarse feel of the upper mesh. Most reviewers suggest going with a half size smaller, but some said the shoe runs true to size.
It’s challenging to get a perfect shoe, but the Velocity Nitro 2 comes close. For a $120 price tag, you get a shoe that provides excellent grip in diverse weather conditions and on multiple terrains, comes packed with cushioning that delivers an enjoyable ride, and works well for all kinds of training runs. Although it could serve as a budget-friendly racing shoe, the Velocity Nitro 2 is best suited for the diverse needs and easy running of a recreational runner who has an average foot width.
Facts
Technical Specs
Terrain | Road |
Pronation type | Neutral |
Drop | 10 mm |
Heel stack height | 33.5 mm |
Forefoot stack height | 23.5 mm |
Weight (men) | 257 g/9.1 oz |
Weight (women) | 226 g/8 oz |
Release year | 2022 |
Cushioning
Softness (1-5) | 3 – Soft |
Bounce (1-5) | 4 – Responsive |
Technologies
Outsole | PUMAGRIP, TPU heel piece |
Midsole | NITRO FOAM |
Upper | Engineered mesh, reflective elements, lace closure |
Did you know?
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Discover our selection of the best 2022 road running shoes.
Use
Speed | Any |
Distance | Medium, long, 10K, semi, marathon |
Workout | Daily running |
Reference: Puma Official