Puma Velocity Nitro 3 Review | Narrowly Focused

Puma running shoes have entered my rotation in the last few years and I realize I’ve been missing out on what this brand is doing. The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is considered one of their most popular daily trainers with moderate cushion to handle the miles. Let’s find out how the newest version stacks up.

Loved the Puma Velocity Nitro 2? Good news, this is one time where the brand didn’t go crazy with massive changes. The shoe is going to very much retain the features and feeling that you loved.

If you’ve been running a long time then the Nitro 3 is going to feel familiar. It reminds me a great deal of the shoes that I was running in well over a decade ago for a consistent, go to shoe. But it’s not in line with the new max cushion style that so many are pumping out.

That’s not bad! It’s just a fact and one that a lot of runners appreciate who aren’t looking to follow the max cushion trend. And lines up with Puma’s motto “Forever Faster”.

Along with the fact that they really need to shorten their shoe names. It’s a mouthful anytime I try to explain which thing I’ve been testing.

As you know I’m always honest in my running shoe reviews with what I like, dislike and what might work for you that wasn’t a fit for me!

There isn’t a single ideal running shoe that suits every runner, so I’d like to share my discoveries. However, I strongly recommend visiting a running store and trying them on yourself! Take a run around the shop and gauge your thoughts.

Puma Velocity Nitro 3 Overview

Does the headline give it away? The first and most noticeable thing about this shoe was that it felt narrow the second I slipped it on. I do fine in narrow shoes like Nike and Saucony, but this almost made me think I’d picked out the wrong size.

Another runner, Jenny, told me that within a few miles she knew this shoe was going to be a problem because the toebox was just too tight. Oddly enough I’ve seen male reviewers say it feels totally normal, so it’s strange that us ladies both immediately found it too tight.

The good news is that for those of you tired of slipping around in shoes because you have a narrow foot, we’ve got a winner!

Getting past the narrow feel, I actually thought the overall shoe underfoot felt pretty good. Someone else told me they’ve been running in the Velocity 2 and now 3 for years, it is absolutely their go to shoe. They said it just feels like a shoe that hasn’t changed so drastically from things that they have always loved.

I’ve heard other testers refer to it as a “practical shoe.” I guess that’s what you want in a shoe to run some daily mileage from 3-8 miles, especially as a beginner. But…I’m also kind of partial to the best cushioned running shoes that I’ve been testing over recent years.

I think the Magnify Nitro 2 is going to be the shoe max cushion shoe from them that wins my daily run heart.

They describe this shoe as a combo of speed and comfort. While the weight doesn’t make me think of a speed shoe, the fact that I don’t feel like I’m losing energy in to cushion certainly makes sense.

It does use a dual layer of foams, which provides both that initial softness from the top layer and then the energy return from the slightly stiffer bottom layer.  Same technique being used the the plated Hoka Cielo X1.

This shoe is most similar to the Nike Pegasus and Adidas Supernova Rise. All have that moderate cushion feel and aren’t going for huge stack height.

Puma Velocity Nitro 3 Specifications

• Heel toe drop: 10 mm
•  Stack: 36 mm
• Weight: 10 oz Men’s, 9.3 oz women’s
• Style: Moderate cushion, neutral shoe
• Usage: Daily trainer
• Available at puma.com for $135
  

At this price point, it should be a competitive daily trainer considering many are now pushing $160. And I can very much see this working as a great city trail to road shoe or hitting wet roads and having no fear of sliding.

It has a great traction on the outsole, which we don’t always see in a road shoe.

Puma Velocity Nitro 3 Fit

As noted at the beginning, this shoe runs narrow from heel to toe. It does not have a wide toebox or a high mid-foot to accommodate a high arch.

I would say other Puma’s might be a little narrow, but this one is very noticeable.

The tongue is something I’ve become a stickler on and I was nervous about this one being really thing and having a bit of a tab like look to it. But it stayed in place well and didn’t hit too high on the ankle.

Plenty of laces for heel lock lacing, though unlikely you will need it in this shoe.

What is Puma Nitro Foam?

Like all brands, Puma has come up with their own proprietary foam.

NITRO foam is used throughout Puma’s lineup of road running shoes. Infused with a mixture of nitrogen gas, this specialized foam undergoes a process that heightens its springiness and bounce.

The nitrogen infusion, a distinctive trait of Puma’s road shoes, contributes to the expansion of the midsoles, amplifying comfort and ensuring optimal responsiveness and propulsion with every stride. Notably, this achievement is attained without compromising the lightweight nature of Puma’s running shoes, a feat that underscores the brand’s commitment to delivering high-performance footwear.

Who Will Like the Velocity 3?

If you’ve not tried any other Puma running shoes, this could be a very good option for a moderate cushioned daily trainer.

• You like shoes that have a more snug or narrow fit
• Prefer a standard cushion and not big plush max height shoes
• Easy running shoe for up to 10 miles
• Enough stability to also keep you feeling good on moderately long runs
• Not ideal if you want a lighter weight racing shoe

All right there you have it! Our review of the Velocity Nitro 3!

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