Anyone looking for an affordable, comfy, and versatile running shoe should absolutely consider the Puma Velocity Nitro 3. It offers great support and stability during your running or training sessions, it isn't ludicrously expensive, and it's far from the worst pair of running shoes we've seen.
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Design
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Comfort
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Performance
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Value
It’s starting to cool down outside so most people are probably putting their flip-flops away and reaching for their fluffy slippers. But runners aren’t ‘most people’ and unless you also enjoy plodding around at speed, you probably haven’t considered the tech that goes into a shoe like the Puma Velocity Nitro 3. To find out if that tech is any good, we sunk ourselves into Puma’s latest trainers and got sweaty.
Any active person will tell you using the right gear is crucial. If you’ve ever worn gym trainers on a run, you’ll know not all tekkies are created equal. And while Puma’s third Velocity Nitro running shoes might have ‘running’ in the name, their versatility surprised us.
Looks the part
The Velocity Nitro 3’s sleek silhouette gives off a streamlined, performance-driven vibe and while they might not be purpose built for sprints, if the vertical spoiler on the heel is anything to go by these probably won’t make you slower.
Adding to that is the Psychedelic Rush colourway. The vibrant colour is a definite head-turner and will not only add a pop of personality to your runs but could also make you feel like you’re flying through the streets.
If you’re going to be at it for an extended period, comfort should rank high on your list of running shoe must-haves. Luckily for our feet, the Velocity Nitro 3’s neutral design caters to a wide range of foot types, providing great support without feeling restrictive.
Fits like a… well-fitting shoe
Puma has added its PWRTAPE design to the Nitro 3’s dual-layer breathable mesh upper. This improves structure and support around the foot while the ample cushioning remains consistently comfortable whether you’re logging miles on the road, doing a speed session on the track, or hill repeats. This particular upper design also keeps the foot well aerated and is great for the warm weather. Thicker socks might be necessary as things cool down.
The Nitro 3’s ample cushioning comes courtesy of a double foam layer in the midsole. A soft and bouncy nitrogen-infused Nitro foam layer, which can be seen through a little window on the outsole, sits on top of a firmer and more protective EVA-based foam. Puma has included the latter to add some underfoot stability and the former so the name makes sense. The firm heel support increases the stability of the shoe and the new stretch flat laces hold firm with no slippage.
Read More: Puma Deviate Nitro Spectra review – At the end of the rainbow
Underneath, Puma has stuck with a PumaGrip rubber outsole. It provided good grip over a mix of terrains without issue and without adding noticeable weight to your feet. Puma reckons it should be good for about 800km (yes, shoes wear out like car tires), so it’ll be a while before you need to think about replacing them. Unless you really like running.
Puma Velocity Nitro 3 verdict
The Velocity Nitro 3 is a running shoe that proved to be rather versatile – not that we’d recommend them for hiking, more that we’d recommend them to any sort of runner. They’re suitably equipped for a range of running speeds and distances over just about any terrain, for newcomers and veterans alike.
At R2,600 they’re surprisingly affordable too, considering their comfort, versatility, and performance. If you’re serious about your running game and looking for a seriously comfortable yet versatile shoe for everyday runs, races, or quality sessions, the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 ticks every box.
