You could have a stable of running shoes for various outings or you could replace them all with these. Puma's Nitro Velocity 4 have become our go-to for daily runs, whether it's all out conditioning or something sedate and relaxing. Subtle styling and exceptional comfort don't hurt, either.
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Design
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Comfort
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Performance
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Value
We’ve had the Puma Nitro Velocity 4 on our feet for over a month now, and we’ve got a confession: despite having a whole line-up of stunning running shoes at our disposal, we keep taking these out of the cupboard. Every. Single. Day.
Why, you ask? Because they work. Whether it’s a gentle recovery jog, a threshold session, or a “clear your head before another meeting” run, the Velocity 4 is up for it. It’s the Swiss Army knife of running shoes: sharp, extremely versatile, comfy, and surprisingly quick when you need them to be.
Ooh, bouncy
The fourth-gen Velocity 4 from Puma comes with a few new smart upgrades. It features a full-length NitroFoam midsole, giving the shoe loads of bounce and great comfort while maintaining stability. The upper part of the shoe is more breathable and appears to mould better to your foot. Grippy PumaGrip outsoles stick like a gecko to the pavement, gravel, or the gym floor, meaning no slipping and no excuses.
It’s also lighter. While we haven’t physically weighed the shoe, this is what Puma tells us. They are 14g down on the previous version (per shoe, obviously). Claims of weight reduction are spot on, based on how these running shoes feel. At 250g, they’re agile without skimping on protection and are cushioned yet still light and springy. Stack height and 10mm drop remain the same as the previous generation, but the shoe feels more responsive and even more serious, without being too serious.
Splash of colour
Our test pair of the Velocity 4 arrived in a muted grey/off white colour, with electric blue and green flashes and a white midsole. It’s understated, retaining just enough personality to remind you that you’re not here to shuffle, you’re here to move. And while we’re the first to say that looks aren’t everything in a running shoe, these are… well, a bit of a flex. They look fast. And that counts.
Fit-wise, we feel the Nitro Velocity 4 is best suited to normal or narrower feet. There’s enough structure and padding to keep matters stable without feeling bulky, and even on cold winter mornings, the engineered mesh upper kept our feet happy.
Puma Nitro Velocity 4 verdict
Bottom line? The Puma Nitro Velocity 4 is a daily trainer that earns its place in your rotation. Or, more likely, it becomes your rotation, capable of doing its thing whether you’re a novice or an elite athlete. It’s all there, across the board: comfort, stability, and speed. All you need to do is supply the muscle power.
Price: R3,100
Weight: 250g
Stack Height: 36mm (heel) / 26mm (forefoot)
Drop: 10mm
Available at: PUMA.com, PUMA retail stores, Totalsports, Sportsmans Warehouse, Takealot, and Superbalist
