For All Runners! The Power of Puma's VELOCITY NITRO 5

Puma relaunched its running category in 2021 and has been continuously strengthening it. Its vision is “to make every runner faster.” The company develops its products with the goal of letting not just top athletes and elite runners, but also recreational runners, experience speed through Puma.

At this year's Hakone Ekiden, 31 athletes chose to wear Puma shoes. With the number of wearers growing for five consecutive years, Puma is also gaining traction and popularity among everyday runners. Additionally, through "PROJECT3," which supports elite-level recreational runners, the brand offers a program to help runners achieve their personal bests (it's reported that they supported 197 runners at the London Marathon, with 87 setting new personal records).

Providing a Comfortable Run for a Wide Range of Runners

Puma has now rolled out the latest addition to its "VELOCITY NITRO" daily trainer series: the "VELOCITY NITRO 5." Built on the concept of "expanding your world with a bouncy run," it's a running shoe designed to support a comfortable run across various scenarios, from daily jogs to race day.

"Puma Running approaches its lineup with two main silos. One is 'Speed,' featuring products centered around the Deviate series that let you really feel your pace. The other is 'Cushioning.' The Velocity Nitro 5 is a flagship shoe in this 'Cushioning' silo, designed to provide a comfortable run for a wide range of runners," explains Yuya Ando from the Running Product Planning department at Puma Japan K.K.

Delivering an Even More Comfortable Fit Than the Previous Model

One of the standout updates from the previous model is the redesigned last (the foot-shaped model the shoe is built on). In fact, the prior model, the "Velocity Nitro 4," also featured a new last, updated from the one before it. Referencing the design of the "SPEED LITE" series, a running shoe Puma previously offered for the Japanese market, the brand introduced a "JAPAN FIT" design that provides more room around the instep. This fit was highly praised.

"Based on runner feedback, we made meticulous adjustments and further updated the last for an even more comfortable fit. We also adopted a cushioned tongue to ensure a plush feel," he adds.

Enhanced Forefoot Cushioning for a More Stable Ride

Just like its predecessor, the midsole features a full-length NITROFOAM, a lightweight and highly responsive material boasting an 85% energy return. The sole's stack height is 35mm at the heel and 27mm at the forefoot, resulting in an 8mm drop (the height difference between the heel and forefoot). (The previous model had a 36mm heel, 26mm forefoot, and a 10mm drop).

"We kept the well-regarded aspects of the Velocity Nitro 4 while updating it to be more comfortable and to meet the needs of an even broader range of runners. Plus, a key highlight is that the shoe weighs approximately 240g (for a 27.0cm size), making it about 10g lighter than the previous model."

This past June, Puma launched the DEVIATE PURE NITRO, the first non-plated model in the "Deviate" series. With a heel height of 38mm and a forefoot height of 30mm, it boasts a thicker sole than the "Velocity Nitro 5" and also features NITRO FOAM in the midsole.

"The Deviate Pure Nitro is a speed model without a plate. Its standout features are its feather-light weight of around 220g (for a 27.0cm size) and its sharp responsiveness, making it the go-to model when you're looking to pick up the pace."

You might be wondering how the ride feel can be so different when both use NITROFOAM. The secret lies in the composition: while the name is the same, the NITROFOAM in the "Velocity Nitro 5" and the "Deviate Pure Nitro" are distinct.

The NITROFOAM in the "Velocity Nitro 5" is built on a material called Alphatech TPU, while the "Deviate Pure Nitro" uses a PEBA (Polyether Block Amide) base. While both deliver the same impressive 85% energy return, the foam in the "Velocity Nitro 5" offers a softer, plusher feel (for superior cushioning), whereas the "Deviate Pure Nitro"’s foam is all about responsiveness.

In a nutshell, the "Velocity Nitro 5" is engineered for easy daily use and all-around versatility, while the "Deviate Pure Nitro" is tailored for tempo runs and scenarios that demand speed.

An Exceptionally Well-Balanced Daily Trainer

The first thing you notice when you slip them on is the incredible fit. If you're used to Puma's classic lifestyle shoes, you might think of the brand's footwear as "narrow," but the "Velocity Nitro 5" completely shatters that stereotype. Its last is designed to comfortably fit a wide range of feet.

The ride is incredibly smooth and straightforward, letting you move your feet effortlessly. I was also impressed by how easy the shoe is to control, thanks to a sole that isn't overly thick. It strikes a perfect balance, offering just the right amount of cushioning without sacrificing stability. This is a shoe that will satisfy runners of all levels.