When Puma jumped back into the running scene in early 2021 with their NITRO midsole platform, they took most by surprise with their entire lineup. For us, the Velocity model hit the sweet spot because it came in well under 10oz, boasted a very nice level of cushioning, and came in at a very reasonable price. Did we mention they looked pretty slick as well? Well it is is 2022 and Puma is back with the updated Velocity NITRO 2 and they very much followed the model of not changing what worked, but the upper improvements they did make are well worth it.
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- Subtle tweaks to the original formula make for major improvements to the platform.
- Weight – 8.8oz or 249g for a US Men’s 9, 7.3oz or 207g for a US Women’s 7
- Cushion – 33.5mm of cushion and a 10mm heel/toe drop
- Pricing – $120.00 USD
- Colors – 3 options
Construction and Materials
- Upper – The Velocity NITRO 2 features an engineered mesh upper, TPU heel counter for stability, reflective overlays, and standard lace closure. The mesh design has been improved from the original version and the collar padding also feels more secure. The women’s models feature a women’s specific last.
- Midsole – The midsole features just over 33mm of light and responsive nitrogen-infused supercritical foam, NITRO, balancing cushion, and responsiveness.
- Outsole – The outsole is made of PUMAGRIP which is a spectacularly grippy rubber that tracks well in all conditions.
Performance Review
What we loved
We put a lot of mileage on the original Velocity NITRO and from a performance perspective, we found it lived up to its marketing really well. It is billed as a lightweight daily trainer that is not out there to set any records for performance. It just wants to be comfortable and easy running and deliver on a great ride… and it did that in spades. The upper was probably the weakest spot on the original and with the Velocity NITRO 2 Puma has addressed this, not in a dramatic way, but with subtle tweaks to cater to a more premium experience on the foot. The end result is a shoe that is just plain comfy and while that toolbox can feel a tad long, the shoe envelops your foot really well without feeling restrictive.
Running in the Velocity 2 is just as good as in the original if not made better by the improvements to the upper. When on your foot, the shoe just feels secure and substantial while also being decently light (under 9 oz). This translates well into your run as foot turnover is effortless and the level of the cushion here is perfect for easy daily runs. So of all the NITRO models, this is the most accessible for your average runner. It is not meant for folks to set a record but instead to get the job done and get it done comfortably. The NITRO midsole technology does a great job of balancing cushioning of the lower extremities with enough responsiveness to have the run still feel fun and almost bouncy. This is a shoe we feel we could give to most runners and while they won’t be blown away by the speed, they will really enjoy the ride.
What we didn’t
There really aren’t a lot of things to hate about this shoe. It does exactly what you expect it to do acting as a perfectly solid daily trainer, but we’ve got to come up with something… First, the shoe feels a little weirdly long and by that we mean yes you could go a half size down, but then you might find it too snug in the forefoot. This is definitely a try-on before you buy because as long as you’re seated properly in the heel and stay locked in, then you may want to stick with that extra half-inch to avoid any tightness upfront. Second, this shoe can run a bit narrow and for most average feet it will work fine but if you truly need a wide shoe, you’re going to have a problem.
Overall Conclusion
The Puma Velocity NITRO 2 only improves on what was already a really solid shoe. The tweaks to the upper were welcome and make it feel much more refined and then moving to a women’s specific last is a huge step forward. The NITRO midsole still delivers a comfortable and responsive ride and this is truly a pair of shoes that will work for a very large variety of runners. Whether you are looking to knock out a slow 5k or power through your first, second, or 50th half marathon the Velocity NITRO 2 can help you get there.
Learn more on the Puma website
These shoes were provided by the manufacturer or its partners for the sole use of review. No implied or explicit guarantees were provided as it relates to the provision of these products and all editorial commentary is strictly the property of Running Northwest. In short, the fact they allowed us to test these shoes does not mean we are required to give it a favorable review… every product must earn it. We appreciate our manufacturer partnerships and if you have any questions, you can read our Disclosure Policy in further detail.
Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
