Anyone who doesn't believe that the shoes you wear while being athletic make a difference hasn't tried a set of these. Whether you're after quick transitions on a triathlon or are just working on endurance at a pace you're comfortable with, these will help to boost you along.
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Design
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Comfort
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Performance
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Value
A support shoe is the sensible older sibling in the running shoe family. It’s always looking out for you, ensuring you don’t roll an ankle while pretending you’re Eliud Kipchoge. In this category, Puma’s ForeverRun Nitro 2 is a rock-solid supporter.
Our aspiring triathlete at Stuff took these for a spin because who better to test a stability shoe than someone constantly wobbling between three sports? The verdict? Puma’s Nitro 2 is a fabulously stable daily trainer that hugs and supports your foot. It’s cushioned, structured, and won’t let you down – even when your pace does.
Plush, Bouncy
Puma has gone all-in on comfort, with an engineered knit upper, Pwrprint overlays for structure, and a rolled heel collar so padded it feels like a neck pillow for your Achilles tendon. The Pwrtape reinforcement does its job, though it takes a bit of getting used to – like breaking in a new couch. The Nitro midsole? Pure bounce. The wider forefoot? Like stretching out in business class. Then it narrows at the heel to keep you grounded.
The stability elements are noticeable – there’s a plastic heel counter that adds stiffness. During the first run, our tester’s right ankle had some opinions about it. It was a little tight, a little grumpy. But after a couple of outings, the shoe settled in, and now it’s like an old friend who always brings snacks – reliable and seriously comforting.
Standup standout
One of the standout features? The heel tab and angular tongue with flat laces. What does this mean in real life? You can slip them on and off effortlessly, making them perfect for triathlon transitions – or, more realistically, for runners who are forever running (heh) late to group runs.
Let’s be honest, we all want our shoes to perform, but we also want them to look good while we’re suffering through speedwork. In that department, the ForeverRun Nitro 2 does not disappoint. The mauve purple upper with darker purple accents screams ‘I take my training seriously but also appreciate a good aesthetic.’ Pair it with Puma’s shocking pink sports bra and lightweight black running shorts, and you might just trick people into thinking you’re elite.
Stacks of performance
How about the stack heights? Runners can depend on 38mm at the heel and 28mm at the forefoot. Translation: there’s a lot of foam underfoot, making this a cushier ride. The dual-density Nitro foam midsole features a soft, springy core surrounded by a firmer frame for stability, while the PumaGrip rubber outsole keeps you glued to the road like a toddler to an iPad.
Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 verdict
If you’re in the market for a stability shoe that makes long, easy, and recovery runs feel effortless, the ForeverRun Nitro 2 is a winner. It’s ideal for newbies looking for more support, or seasoned runners who appreciate a little extra comfort underfoot, especially on those long easy runs. At R3,400, these are a solid investment – because, let’s face it, your knees will thank you later.
