Puma Velocity Nitro 5 running shoe review – verdict, price, comparison and who it suits

Puma Velocity Nitro 5 upper

The Puma Velocity Nitro 5 upper uses a soft, comfortable, dual-layer mesh with moderate breathability. It is perhaps slightly thicker than average, but this makes it more durable and comfortable.

As we have come to expect from most Puma running shoes, the standard width runs narrow, although a wide version is also available. The toe box is also rounded rather than pointed as in earlier models, which helps reduce pressure on the toes caused by the narrow fit.

The tongue is thicker and softer than in the previous version, feels comfortable and distributes lace pressure well. It is gusseted on both sides, keeping it in place while running. The heel collar is also generously padded, comfortable and moderately structured, and it moulds well to the foot. The sockliner is made from a thicker material than average, which noticeably adds to the shoe’s comfort.

The midsole extends slightly up around the upper to help provide a more secure, stable hold.

The Puma Velocity Nitro 5 upper prioritises comfort over performance, but it locks the foot down very well and is not as heavy as the uppers found on running shoes designed specifically around comfort.

Puma Velocity Nitro 5 midsole

The Puma Velocity Nitro 5 midsole is made from two NITROFOAM compounds with different properties. Both are A-TPU foams, but alongside the foam used in the previous model, which offers very good energy return, version 5 introduces a softer foam. These two foams are not stacked in layers; the new foam takes the form of cylinders running across the midsole. This new foam makes the Velocity Nitro 5 midsole slightly more comfortable and a little softer. It loses a very small amount of responsiveness, but it remains comfortably above average, with improved comfort in return.

Because the midsole is not particularly tall, measuring 35 mm at the heel and 27 mm under the toes, this softer platform can still provide good stability despite being narrower than average. There is no extreme rocker at either the forefoot or heel; the geometry is gentle and provides pleasantly smooth transitions. Torsional rigidity is low, and the shoe bends easily, so it does not feel stiff or uncomfortable at lower intensities. At the same time, its low weight, sufficiently high energy return and narrower platform make it particularly enjoyable for faster stretches. With its relatively low midsole stack, cushioning is also moderate. This is most noticeable in the forefoot, although it may only become an issue over longer distances.

Puma Velocity Nitro 5 outsole

The Puma Velocity Nitro 5 outsole uses the familiar PUMAGRIP rubber compound. It is slightly harder than average, giving it good abrasion resistance, while its grip is also above average. Grip depends not only on rubber softness but also on the tread pattern, with its deeper, multidirectional grooves.

The outsole is segmented and does not cover the entire midsole. Several longitudinal cutouts help maintain low torsional rigidity, which is useful for lower-intensity runs, while the large transverse flex groove in the centre allows the midsole to remain flexible. Naturally, these cutouts also reduce the shoe’s weight.

Outsole durability has two components: rubber thickness and abrasion resistance. Both are above average on the Puma Velocity Nitro 5, making for a very durable outsole overall.

What is it like to run in the Puma Velocity Nitro 5?

The Puma Velocity Nitro 5 belongs to the category of versatile running shoes that can also handle faster running. This means it is primarily intended for daily runs at both slower and faster paces. It feels comfortable at lower intensities, and its flexibility is particularly welcome on days when your legs feel tired, but you can also pick up the pace in it.

I mainly reach for it on days when I simply need to get my daily mileage done, rather than for weekend long runs or interval sessions. It suits easy, steady and occasionally slightly livelier running, up to roughly the half marathon distance. At low intensity, the first kilometre feels strangely flat, especially if I have been running in a shoe with a higher midsole beforehand. Once I settle into a rhythm, I notice the road and my own footfalls more than the shoe. The foam gives and compresses a little on landing without feeling sinky, then rebounds quickly. It is not stiff and does not strongly guide the foot; it bends wherever the foot wants it to.

At faster paces, it becomes clear that the Velocity Nitro 5 can move quickly when needed, although that is not its only purpose. The transition is not aggressive: the gently rockered heel rolls smoothly through to the toes, where toe-off is similarly restrained. The low weight makes it easy to turn your legs over quickly, and you can find yourself picking up the pace without noticing, but it does not feel like a firmer shoe designed specifically for fast running. Energy delivery is steady rather than explosive. There is a subtle rebound, and you can maintain your pace, but it does not propel you forwards forcefully. On longer, faster stretches, the forefoot leaves you wanting a little more responsiveness. There is enough cushioning in the heel, but it feels thinner at the front. The midsole therefore does not feel entirely uniform: heel landings feel more muted and softer, while forefoot landings feel more direct and firmer. It is very flexible, requiring little force to bend, and it also gives when twisted. This creates a natural ride with good ground feel. Stability is surprisingly good for such a flexible, neutral shoe. The upper holds the foot in place while running, even through sharper changes of direction. Grip is more than sufficient for the paces it is designed for, even in wet conditions.

Who should buy the Puma Velocity Nitro 5 – and who should avoid it?

The Puma Velocity Nitro 5 is recommended if you want a daily trainer that feels comfortable and forgiving on easy, low-intensity runs but can also rise to the challenge when you need to pick up the pace. It suits runners looking for a lightweight, flexible running shoe with a padded upper for short or medium-length runs.

The Puma Velocity Nitro 5 is not recommended if you want a highly cushioned running shoe with substantial impact protection for long, low-intensity runs. It is also not recommended if you want a fast, bouncy, stiffer running shoe for short or medium-length fast runs.

What has changed from the previous version? Puma Velocity Nitro 5 vs Velocity Nitro 4.

At first glance, the Puma Velocity Nitro 5 does not look very different from its predecessor, the Velocity Nitro 4, yet every part has been updated, nudging the shoe towards greater comfort.

The upper uses a softer, thicker, more comfortable material. The previous thinner tongue has been replaced with a thicker, padded tongue, and the heel collar also has more padding. The pointed forefoot has become roomier and more rounded.

The midsole contains 2 foams, with a new, softer foam added. The geometry changes are particularly interesting: the heel is 1 mm lower while the forefoot is 1 mm higher, reducing the drop from 10 mm to 8 mm. The midsole also has slightly more rocker at both the forefoot and heel.

The outsole material is unchanged, and its layout has not changed much either, although it is slightly thinner.

Are there any differences between the men’s and women’s Puma Velocity Nitro 5?

There are no differences in materials or construction between the men’s and women’s Puma Velocity Nitro 5. The official weight of the men’s version is 34 gramm heavier than the women’s version, although this may also be due to the difference in sample size: the men’s shoe is officially weighed in size 43, while the women’s Puma Velocity Nitro 5 is weighed in size 38. Women’s versions are often narrower, but there is no indication of this on Puma’s official websites.