Puma Velocity Nitro 2 review: Night Rider

Puma Velocity Nitro 2 review TL;DR: It might not be the fastest running shoe this daily trainer is beyond comfortable and accessibly priced, making it all the more appealing for recreational runners.

I was shocked last year when Puma announced its return to the road running shoe market. It’s not strange that a brand like Puma produces some of the best running shoes; I was taken aback by the fact that it wasn’t active on the market for such a long period.

Anyhow, Puma is back, and its new shoe lineup consists of a number of excellent trainers, including the Velocity Nitro 2, all based on the Nitro midsole. What's good (and maybe not so good) about the Puma Velocity Nitro 2, and how does this daily trainer stack against its competition?

Let's take a closer look.

Puma Velocity Nitro 2 review Price and availability

The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 was announced in late March 2022 and is available to buy now at Puma US, Puma UK and Puma AU for a recommended retail price of $120/£100/AU$220. Remember to check our Puma discount codes to help reduce the cost.

Currently, it’s the shoes are available in four colourways (both women and men); we tested the Fizzy Light/Nitro Blue version, probably the most high-visibility one.

Puma Velocity Nitro 2 review: What’s new?

There is nothing revolutionary about the Velocity Nitro 2; not like the shoe's design needed a massive overhaul.

The PUMAGRIP outsole has been tweaked, so it covers more 'strategically significant' areas, so to speak. Whereas in the first iteration of the shoes, the outsole was kind of slapped on the front section of the shoes, now, it focuses on the lateral and medial sides, where runners wear down the sole the fastest. The heel area is more or less unchanged from an outsole point of view.

The upper has been tweaked and lets in more air, especially in the toe box, where extra air holes have been poked for better ventilation. The lace cage has also been redesigned, and the laces themselves are also thicker. The tongue is easier to pull as it's longer than the one found on the OG Velocity Nitro.

There is now an extra high-visibility patch at the front of the shoes so cyclists and motorists can detect you easier, even from farther away. 

Puma Velocity Nitro 2 review: Tech

From a tech point of view, the Velocity Nitro 2 is almost identical to its predecessor. It uses Puma's own Nitro foam that is said to provide "superior responsiveness and cushioning in a lightweight package."

The Pumagrip outsole is a "durable rubber compound that provides all-surface traction." The shoes also feature an updated engineered mesh upper, traditional lace closure, a TPU heel piece for added stability and Puma logos left-right-centre.

That's it!

Puma Velocity Nitro 2 review: Fit

Puma claims the Velocity Nitro 2 provides a snug fit, and I agree; it's snug, but in all the right ways. I have wide feet, so most shoes feel snug, but instead of compressing the foot, the Velocity Nitro 2 secures it if that makes sense. It's certainly far from being uncomfortable for 10k runs, what I used the shoes for.

The lace cage is slightly asymmetrical, which reduces pressure from the metatarsal bones, at least in my experience. The Nitro foam is soft, especially under the heel; maybe a bit too soft for performance runs (more on this below).

The upper is thin over the toe box, and thanks to the additional air holes, I experienced no overheating in the shoes. The collar is well-padded, and the TPU heel piece keeps the rear of the foot in line.

Puma Velocity Nitro 2 review: Running performance

It was pretty enjoyable to run in the Puma Velocity Nitro 2. I used them mainly for easy runs, nothing too strenuous but with the occasional interval tempo here and there. It feels there is now more Nitro foam under the heels, making landing softer and maybe slightly more sluggish.

The original Velocity Nitro wasn't a tempo running shoe, but the Velocity Nitro 2 feels even softer. The shoes roll well, and I experienced no issues with random stiff sections messing up my stride; happy days! I haven't tried the Velocity Nitro 2 for long runs, but anything up to 10k should be okay.

Don't expect to break any PBs in the shoes, but I can see the Velocity Nitro 2 working well as a recovery shoe for neutral runners or when you want to build mileage steadily. As long as you don't expect it to be fast, you will be just fine.

Puma Velocity Nitro 2 review: Verdict

The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is an excellent daily trainer for slower runs that focuses on comfort and visibility and offers all its great features for an affordable price.

There have been some subtle technological updates since the first iteration of the shoes, but Puma seemingly paid more attention to ironing out the minor issues with ergonomics. Don't fix it if it ain't broke, am I right?

The shoes are especially well-suited for low-light conditions as they feature reflective strips in multiple areas. Wearing the Velocity Nitro 2 won't turn your legs into two shining beacons, but motorists will certainly be able to better notice you when you're out and about early morning.

You won't beat any PBs in the Velocity Nitro 2, but for recovery and slower, longer runs, there aren't many shoes I'd recommend more than this one.

Puma Velocity Nitro 2 review: Also consider

The Adidas Solarglide 5 is an excellent max cushioned daily trainer for style-conscious runners. The Bubble Boost midsole provides a good bounce while the L.E.P. system ensures beginner runners won't stray too far off the optimal course. The Solarglide 5 is the new unisex Ultraboost without the premium price tag.

The On Cloudmonster ups the cushioning and rebound thanks to the added CloudTec midsole and the springy Speedboard tech. The Cloudmonster might look like a tank, but it's actually the softest On running shoe to date.