It’s been a little while since we’ve had Puma shoes on our feet. The last time was almost exactly a year ago with the MagMax NITRO (which, by the way, is still hanging around as a favorite recovery day option). Before that, we have to go way back to February 2024—about a year and a half ago—when we took the Velocity Nitro 3 out for a spin.
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Now here we are lacing up the brand-new Puma Velocity Nitro 4, and we’ve got to say—it feels like a solid step forward for this daily trainer in Puma’s lineup.
Looks:
There are already nine colorways available in the Velocity Nitro 4, so don’t feel like our review pair is the only look you’re locked into. Puma is offering everything from the classic, no-nonsense black-and-white to versions with just enough color pop to keep things interesting. That said, most of the lineup stays pretty neutral—white and black as the base, with varying levels of accent sprinkled in.
There might be one that pushes a little bolder, but overall the collection is surprisingly subdued. That’s actually a shift from what we remember before—our Velocity Nitro 3 review pair was an unapologetic bold neon yellow, which you won’t currently find in the 4.
One subtle but fun design touch is the minimalist road graphic along the upper. It’s a small detail, but it gives an otherwise classic-looking daily trainer a little extra character without tipping into “too much.” Nice touch, Puma.
Fit & Construction:
There are definitely some updates between the Velocity Nitro 3 and the 4. The midsole has been reworked to shave off a little weight, which helps the shoe feel lighter overall. The upper also gets an upgrade, with a more dialed-in fit, and the platform feels just a touch wider than what we remember from the previous version.
All in all, it’s a set of small but noticeable tweaks that make the 4 feel like a nice evolution rather than just a refresh.
Specs:
- Stack: 36mm / 26mm
- Drop: 10mm
- Weight: 8.65oz (M9)
Upper:
The upper on the Velocity NITRO 4 has seen some nice upgrades. It’s more breathable and comfortable than before. It’s nothing flashy, but it gets the job done really well. The thin, gusseted tongue sits right where it should, and the collar has a surprisingly generous amount of cushioning that helps lock the foot in—without adding extra bulk or weight. The PWRTAPE overays assist with this as well.
The platform feels a touch wider than I remember in the 3, though the heel and midfoot hold are a little more dialed-in and snug. As for the laces, they’re on the shorter side—not problematic, but don’t expect a ton of extra play.
Midsole:
The previous Velocity NITRO had a layer of EVA in the midsole, but Puma has removed that in the 4. Now you’re getting a full NITROFOAM supercritical Aliphatic TPU midsole, which trims a bit of weight (though not enough to be hugely noticeable) and gives the shoe an overall softer ride than I remember in the 3.
It still carries a 10mm drop, but this update definitely changes the overall feel underfoot.
That extra softness is going to be a love-it-or-leave-it feature. Runners who prefer plush cushioning in a daily trainer will feel right at home, while those who like a firmer, more neutral road feel might find it a touch too soft.
Personally, I save my “super squishy” shoes (like the MagMax) for recovery runs or post-long run shakeouts, so I found the Velocity NITRO 4 enjoyable—but maybe just a hair softer than my ideal for everyday mileage. The higher drop also means the forefoot isn’t as cushioned as the heel, and with my forefoot strike I noticed a bit more ground feel than expected.
Outsole:
It’s hard to find fault with the PUMAGRIP outsole—it continues to be one of the best in the game. There’s solid coverage on the forefoot and heel, and traction simply isn’t going to be an issue. That said, I almost wish there was a bit more rubber coverage through the midfoot.
PUMAGRIP, for all its grip and comfort, runs on the softer side. Paired with the updated softer midsole, the whole package ends up feeling plusher than expected.
Of course, that’s personal preference—and for many runners, this exact softness is going to hit the sweet spot. For me, I can’t help but wonder if a little more outsole coverage would not only increase durability but also add just a touch more structure to balance out the cushioned ride.
Overall:
For a supercritical foam daily trainer at $140, the Velocity NITRO 4 really punches above its weight. It may be the best value for the money on the market today as that price sits on the lower end of the daily trainer spectrum. Honestly the comfort you get here feels like it should cost more. Add in Puma’s 30-day try-on policy, and it’s an easy shoe to recommend if you’re curious about how that softer ride fits your running style.
