Puma All-Pro Nitro 2 Performance Review

Legendary NBA trainer Chris Brickley has teamed up with Puma Hoops once again to release a third sneaker with the brand. This collaboration turns a shoe I liked into a shoe that I love. Today, we’re taking a detailed look at the Puma All-Pro Nitro 2 in the special “Empire Legacy” Chris Brickley colorway.

This version comes in an exclusive box, a departure from the standard one. The specialized box is a great touch, featuring “1948” inside, the year Puma was established, and a cool picture of the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center, which is the view from Chris Brickley’s New York City apartment. I’ve been playing in the standard Puma All-Pro Nitro 2 and I already like it; it’s one of the best Puma basketball shoes since the original Puma All-Pro, a personal favorite. However, this version is a massive improvement due to its premium materials and special details.

Traction and Outsole

The traction on the Puma All-Pro Nitro 2 “Empire Legacy” colorway is awesome. The diamond pattern provides a consistent and powerful grip, no matter which direction you’re moving on the court.

I’ve had no issues on most courts, but like any shoe, it can struggle a bit with excessive dust. The outsole also features a cool graphic with personal landmarks for Chris Brickley, like “Summit 2019” (his workout facility) and the name of Puma’s first signature athlete, Clyde Frazier. These are just some of the many Easter eggs found all over the shoe, celebrating both Chris Brickley’s and Puma’s legacies. The insole also has a unique design and is a basic foam that can be swapped out for a different insole if you prefer (like these from Move Insoles).

Cushion

The cushioning is a two-layer, dual-density Nitro foam system. The softer inner layer, dubbed “Nitro SQD,” provides a plush underfoot feel, while the surrounding foam keeps it contained and stable. This setup offers a smooth, balanced ride with just the right amount of plushness and stability. The outsole also wraps up around the lateral side of the midsole, providing additional containment. A spring plate, or “pro plate,” is visible on this colorway, adding to the shoe’s responsiveness and support.

Materials and Support

My favorite feature of this shoe is the upper, which is my least favorite part of the standard model. The original Puma All-Pro Nitro 2 uses a textile build called Ultraweave with PWRTAPE for support. While the concept is sound, the PWRTAPE on the standard version felt like it was crushing my toes in the forefoot.

This “Empire Legacy” edition, however, replaces all of that with premium materials. It features genuine leather on the rest of the upper, with premium suede overlays on the Formstrip and other panels. The interior is also a luxurious suede. This combination provides the best of both worlds: Puma’s latest technology with a nod to their heritage of premium materials, like the Puma Suede. The leather provides natural support, so the shoe doesn’t have the pinching issue of the standard version.

Even the tongue is a premium suede, making it incredibly comfortable. The shoe also comes with an extra pair of volt laces and Chris Brickley’s signature on the heel.

Fit

For sizing, I’d recommend going true to size for most people. Wide-footers should try the Puma All-Pro Nitro 2 on in-store if possible, as the fit can be snug. The special Chris Brickley colorway is available at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Puma.

Puma All-Pro Nitro 2 Summary

The Puma All-Pro Nitro 2 “Empire Legacy” is a fantastic shoe that elevates the performance of the standard model with premium materials and special touches. It’s a testament to how a premium build can enhance a shoe’s performance, turning a good shoe into a great one. While the regular version is still solid, this collaboration makes for a truly special shoe.

Disclosure

While Puma did provide pairs of the Puma All-Pro Nitro 2 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.