Puma Velocity Nitro 4 Performance Review

The Puma Velocity Nitro 4 takes the daily trainer formula from the previous Velocity models, adds a bit of versatility, drops some weight, and aims to become one of the better daily training options on the market. Did Puma succeed? Let’s find out.

What is the Puma Velocity Nitro 4?

According to Puma, “whether you’re chasing a personal record or just chasing the feeling, Velocity 4 is built to move with you. Any runner, any time, any distance, it can endure, perform, and exceed expectations.”

I mean, all running shoes are built to move with you so that part is just marketing drivel. Also, claiming it can “exceed expectations” for every type of runner regardless of distance, time, etc. is a bold claim. The problem with that type of assertion is that even if the shoe is awesome, it can’t live up to that. No shoe can.

At least we can check if the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 works for a wide range of runners. That, in and of itself, would be a big win for a daily trainer.

Cushion

The full length NITROFOAM threads a needle in the Puma Velocity Nitro 4. It lives in the not too soft, not too firm goldilocks zone that allows it to both soak up the miles comfortably and pick up the pace when necessary. I used it for recovery miles, speed workouts, and even a July 4th 5K on a Florida beach. [Editor’s Note: Running on sand doesn’t sound like freedom to me. Is the organizer British?]

In every type of run, the Velocity Nitro 4’s midsole delivered a comfortable, peppy experience. While it’s not as bouncy or propulsive as the adidas EVO SL, it sits right alongside, and probably slightly ahead of the Asics Novablast 5 as a versatile daily trainer that offers up the possibility of buying one shoe that can do it all.

Support

A well-fitting upper, an internal heel counter, rubber lateral and medial heel supports, and a wide forefoot do the work here. The Puma Velocity Nitro 4 also sits lower to the ground in the forefoot (26mm) than many of its competitors. That total package creates a shoe that’s as supportive as a neutral cushioned running shoe gets. There’s no sliding over the footbed and the shoe fully supports the foot when rounding corners at full speed.

Traction

The Puma Velocity Nitro 4 uses PUMAGRIP, the number one outsole rubber on the market. The forefoot and heel both use a chevron-like pattern that channels water and grime. Wet, dry, slick, sandy…it doesn’t matter, this much PUMAGRIP won’t let you down. It’s super grippy.

The Velocity Nitro 4’s outsole is also, again as usual with PUMAGRIP, extremely durable. Puma claims the lifespan of the Velocity Nitro 4 is 500 miles and as far as the outsole is concerned, that won’t be an issue.

Upper

The Puma Velocity Nitro 4 delivers an engineered knit upper that really adapts to the foot. Despite looking like it didn’t have enough structure out of the box, it conforms to the foot and stretches nicely in all the right places.

Breathability is high, making it useful for hot, humid summer climates.

The fully gusseted tongue has padding in the right places and feels good over the top of the foot even though initially it will feel like it won’t conform to your foot thanks to the vertical logo patch that doubles as a pad.

The Puma Velocity Nitro 4 fits true-to-size lengthwise and the only problems with the upper come in terms of the width, which we’ll talk about in the next section.

Is the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 wide foot friendly?

No, the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 is not wide foot friendly. It’s pointy toe doesn’t allow enough toe splay for medium footers and will encroach on the outside toes of any wide footer. Hopefully Puma adds a wide option in the near future so wide footers don’t have to miss out on this stellar performer.

Is the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 worth $140?

Yes, the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 is well worth $140. It’s versatility secures the value proposition. The Velocity Nitro 4 is a shoe that can handle a voluminous and varied workload. It also looks good casually. All that combines to ensure it rises above most shoes priced at $140 and allows it to compete well with many shoes in the $150-$160 range.

How to use the Puma Velocity Nitro 4

The Puma Velocity Nitro is best used for easy miles, recovery miles, some speedwork, and even long runs. While it doesn’t feature a super high stack by today’s standards, the NITROFOAM is in a sweet spot that enables lots of different types of running.

Puma Velocity Nitro 4 Summary

I’m a larger runner and loved the performance that the Puma Velocity 4 provided. I think smaller runners will love it even more than me because they won’t abuse the cushion at the same level as me.

The Velocity Nitro 4 is a versatile daily trainer that provides comfort and durability that make it easily worth the money. It’s not a great option for wide footers but everyone else will be able to enjoy this cool-looking, high performing daily running shoe.

How does the Author Run?

Drew Whitcomb (age 43, 6’6″ 200lbs): Runs daily with a once a week rest day. Runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and a growing affinity for long-distance races. Regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races.

Disclosure

While Puma did provide a pair of the Velocity Nitro 4 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.