
Puma Nitro series of running shoes continue to make strides in the endurance running world. Puma is relentless in putting its might behind Nitro, be it  introducing new shoes such as women-specific RunXX Nitro, short distance racers Fast FWD, Fast R Nitro, or lining up the upgrades for the original Nitro series.

The original Velocity Nitro is one of the first shoes that has highlighted the potential of Nitro foam, and what Puma’s shoe designers are capable of. It was universally praised as an excellent daily trainer. In fact, it was our top pick as the [best daily trainers in 2021](https://geeksonfeet.com/blog/bestshoes2021/). 

As a user of the first edition, it piqued my interest as soon as the second edition was released in India.  I ordered it the day it was available online.  Given my experience with the first edition, I have high expectations from Velocity Nitro 2. (Check our review of [the first edition here](https://shoegeeks.in/review/puma-velocitynitro-005003000/)).

_**So how does it fare compared to the first edition of Velocity Nitro? Is it a worthy upgrade?  Has it set the bar for what a daily trainer can do?  Read on…**_

<ShoeCard shoeCode="005003002M"></ShoeCard>

##### What makes up Velocity Nitro 2?

Like the first edition, the Velocity Nitro 2 is designed to be an all-rounder.  It is meant to do speed work, easy runs, long runs, recovery runs, and even can handle short trails; practically anything you throw at it.  It is one of the most versatile shoes on the market.

While the published weight is 252 grams (for UK 8), when we measured for UK 10, it is at 292 grams.  That puts it as one of the lighter daily trainers. See the comparison with other daily trainers below.  When compared to the previous edition, it has shed some weight but is practically unchanged (298g -> 292g). 

<LightBox src="/images/velocitynitro2_weight.jpg" caption="Weights of popular daily trainers" alt="" ></LightBox>

Velocity Nitro 2 has a heel-to-toe drop of 10mm, which is 2mm higher than the previous edition. The increase in drop primarily comes from the increase in stack height, from 32mm to 33.5mm. So more cushioning at the heel and a higher drop makes it more suitable for heel strikers. But this is not great for mid-foot strikers, but the consolation here is the increased stack height.

__Midsole__

The midsole is a seemingly major update from the previous edition.  Like the previous edition, it is made up of two layers of foam stacked.  The top layer is softer and is measured at 28 HA, and the bottom layer is firmer and is measured at 36 HA on Shore Durometer.  The top layer is meant to provide ride comfort, while the bottom layer provides durability and stability to the shoe. Durometers of the previous edition are 32 HA, and 40 HA respectively.  So Velocity Nitro 2 is much softer than the first edition. 

<LightBox src="/images/velocitynitro2_midsole.jpg" caption="Dual layered foam" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Upper__

The upper is one of my biggest complaints with the previous edition.  The updated upper is much softer and elastic and feels more premium. It is an engineered mesh with two layers. The upgraded upper is more breathable. The gusseted tongue is attached to the upper. The tongue has shed some weight, but it still has enough padding. 

<LightBox src="/images/velocitynitro2_upper.jpg" caption="Upgraded upper is breathable and softer than previous edition" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Heel__

As with the previous edition, the heel is supported by TPU based heel counter and it is solid. The heel collar has ample padding and is better than the original in terms of comfort. The heel TPU plate that was present in the earlier edition is no longer present.  But that doesn’t seem to affect the heel support at all.

<LightBox src="/images/velocitynitro2_heel.jpg" caption="Heel support is excellent" alt="" ></LightBox>


__Bottomsole__

The bottomsole is called ‘PUMAGRIP’, and this is where Velocity Nitro really sets itself apart from the crowd.  Like the first edition, it is the best in terms of durability and grip and has plenty of rubber. 

<LightBox src="/images/velocitynitro2_bottomsole.jpg" caption="The best outsole that we have tested so far" alt="" ></LightBox>


##### Why did I buy it?

If you have read my review of the first edition of Velocity Nitro, it is obvious that I was in love with it.  Since then, I have clocked more than 600 km in it.  While the shoe is still in excellent condition, I could feel that the midsole lost its pop, and runs in it feel more ordinary.  I have been looking to replace it with another daily trainer of the same caliber. The announcement of Velocity Nitro 2 was at the right moment, and I grabbed one right away. 


##### Ride in Velocity Nitro 2

I have run more than 140kms so far.  I have used it for all kinds of runs - easy, speed work, tempo, and long runs.
The shoe definitely is at its best when you run in at easy to moderate paces. The softness and breathability just make it easy to get things going.  This is the reason why it is my go-to shoe for daily training. I often include short-speed work (such as strides) in my daily runs.  Velocity Nitro 2, does an equally good job when you speed up.  It does have enough bounce and is light enough to support speed work.  

I have used the shoe for short and tempo intervals.  It is definitely not great at speed, and don’t expect a bounce like one.  But it works reasonably well as a speed trainer, given its primary job is a daily trainer. 

I have used it for a few long runs of about 20km. The shoe has enough cushioning and more to take you that distance.  While I haven’t tried it for distances beyond 20km, I have no doubts that it can handle them well.
In summary, this is the most versatile shoe that is available in the market right now.

__Fit and Comfort__

The fit of the shoe is one of the best I’ve ever experienced. It hugs your feet the right way and gives plenty of confidence in tackling your run workout. The breathable mesh is better than the previous edition. There is plenty of toe-room to wiggle the toes and is extremely comfortable over long distances.  

<LightBox src="/images/velocitynitro2_forefoot.jpg" caption="The fit is one of the best, and good toe room" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Stability__ 

Like the previous edition, it has very good stability and works for most runners with neutral and even slight over-pronation.  I was worried about that given the increased stack height, but the landing is very stable even on uneven surfaces, probably a tad better than the previous edition. 

__Road Grip__

No review of Velocity Nitro is complete, without mentioning its legendary road grip. The first edition of the PUMAGRIP outsole has got rave reviews, and the second edition is even better. It is my go-to shoe to run on the mud-filled roads of Bangalore. 

__Aesthetics & Ergonomics__

The upgraded upper has not only increased the function, but also its aesthetics. The dual-colored midsole is a nice touch. There are reflective elements at the back of the heel, on the lateral side, and also on the tongue, making it one of the safest shoes to wear in the dark.  The Fizzy Light/Nitro Blue colorway that I have while looks great, it collects dust fairly easily, and is not so easy to clean. That is my only gripe.

<LightBox src="/images/velocitynitro2_aesthetic.jpg" caption="Dual-colored midsole is a nice touch" alt="" ></LightBox>

### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="005003002M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Added cushioning is softer and  balanced and works well for any run",
    "Excellent fit that is both comfortable and makes you feel confident for any run",
    "Well padded heel supports the rear foot very well", 
    "Bottomsole’s road grip is legendary and works well for any surface",
    "Highly breathable upper", 
    "While there is plenty of cushioning, it’s on the lighter side of the weight",
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Heel-to-toe drop of 10mm may not work for everyone."
  ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
  Velocity Nitro 2 is the most versatile daily trainer currently on the market. It has set high standards for what a daily trainer should be; the fit, cushioning, comfort, and durability. <br/>
  If you are looking for an all-in-one daily trainer, Velocity Nitro 2 is highly recommended and is a worthy upgrade from its predecessor.
</InfoCard>


Puma Velocity Nitro 2 Review


Introduction of shoes with embedded carbon plates have been a major inflexion point in the history of running shoes. Along with the advent of midsole compounds which boasts very high energy returns has revolutionized the entire running shoe industry. Nike was first of the block with its extremely popular VaporFly 4% (VF 4%). Featuring a new PEBA midsole and embedded carbon plate the VF 4% set new standards of performance. The standards was set so high that most of the other shoe brands have only tried to match, let alone surpass the VF series- the de facto benchmark of running shoes. 

Adidas, the biggest competitor of Nike was not to be left behind. They arrived at the block with their Adizero Adios Pro line-up of performance running shoes. Featuring a new midsole material (Lightstrike Pro) and a unique propulsion system in the form of energy rods (one single structure in Pro 3), The Adizero Adios Pro 3 (AdiPro3) is the latest offering from Adidas competing directly against the Vaprofly/AlphaFly series of shoes from Nike. 

_So does the AdiPro3 stand out in the crowded market of carbon-plated racers? Should you take this up as your race day shoe? How does it feel to run in the Pro 3?_ 

Read on.

<ShoeCard shoeCode="001013003M"></ShoeCard>

##### What makes up Adizero Adios Pro3?

The first version of Adios Pro was a blink and miss it affair. The stocks were abysmally low, and it didn’t garner much attention. The second version of AdiPro had the entire marketing strength of Adidas behind it. And it got the deserved attention. The shoe was on the podium of every major race. Records were broken by athletes wearing the Pro2 and with enough inventory, one could see the shoe on many runners’ feet. The just released Pro3 carries a lot of form factor from its predecessor. Every aspect of the shoe screams speed and has been designed with racing in mind. Sharp angles and sculpts at the right areas give it a “from the future” look. It is a beautifully crafted shoe. There is support and firmness where it is required, breathability is top notch, the outsole grip is fabulous, and the bounce is exceptional. 

At about 225 grams (for UK 9), it is in the same league as other racers. The Pro3 has a 39.5mm/ 33 mm forefoot stack height	 with a 6.5mm drop. The drop is probably the lowest amongst all racers. Runners who haven’t had prior experience running in low drop shoes, might take some time getting used to the ride. While lower drop tends to promote a forefoot to midfoot strike, Adios Pro3 should work equally well for heel strikers too.

**Midsole**

The midsole consists of two levels of the LightStrike Pro foam, and Adidas won’t say what the foam is made up of. All we know for sure is that it isn’t PEBA (poly ether block amide) which forms the base of other racers including that of Nike Vaporfly. Having said that, the LightStrike Pro midsole has a distinct character of its own. It is soft, bouncy, and durable in equal measure. And it will provide the cushioning and energy return for the entire distance of your race. The midsole is sculpted in certain areas, which I believe is for shaving off any excess weight with no adverse bearing on the performance of the midsole. 

Lightstrike Pro softness measures around 27 HA (quite soft) on Shore Durometer, almost the same as the ZoomX on the Nike Vaporflys.  Here is a comparison of how it compares in softness with a few other race day shoes. 

<div class="d-flex flex-row align-items-center justify-content-center">
  <div class="col-12 col-md-8 px-1">
      <LightBox src="/images/adipro3_durometer.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>
  </div>
</div>

**Upper**

AdiPro3 features a new lightweight upper. It is breathable and has inlays to support the feet at places where it is required. However, the meshy upper does not feel premium nor does it have the plushness of an Atomknit on the Nike Alphafly. Like other racers, the tongue on AdiPro3 is minimal and does its job. The lacing department is where things haven’t gone as per my liking. The meshed upper gets crinkly when you tighten your laces. The eyelets begin very close to the toe box as compared to my other racers (read Metaspeed Edge+, Endorphin Pro, Vaporfly- all versions, Alphafly) and the reinforcement beneath the first eyelet tends to dig into my metatarsal joint during the run. At first, I thought this might be just a one-off affair and will smoothen out after couple of runs. But with every run and longer distance, the discomfort is getting only worse to the extent that running gets painful. The length of the laces is short too. You are left with very little to tie a secured knot if one uses the last eyelet to lock in the heel. 

<div class="d-flex flex-row align-items-center justify-content-center">
  <div class="col-12 col-md-8 px-1">
      <LightBox src="/images/adipro3_upper.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>
  </div>
</div>

**Heel**

The heel fit is good. There isn’t any stiffness offered in the heel counter but there is enough structure to it to keep the heel in place. Peculiar to Pro3 heel is a flap/ sort of a pull tab, whose purpose am not very sure off. One can choose to keep it lifted or down and it doesn’t interfere in any way during the run. There is cushioning on the inside, which is just enough to prevent any kind of heel slippage. The stability in the heel is better compared to the Nike Vaporfly due to a slightly wider base.

<div class="d-flex flex-row align-items-center justify-content-center">
  <div class="col-12 col-md-8 px-1">
      <LightBox src="/images/adipro3_heel.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>
  </div>
</div>

**Bottomsole**

The bottom sole is made up of Continental rubber. The thin layer of smooth rubber with a brushed finish grip, and provides secure footing. The rubber layer covers almost the entire length of the shoe. The traction is exceptional on all surfaces and in all conditions. Even at a stack height of 39.5MM, cornering is a breeze- all courtesy of the Continental rubber underneath. This may well be one of the best outsoles out there.

<div class="d-flex flex-row align-items-center justify-content-center">
  <div class="col-12 col-md-8 px-1">
      <LightBox src="/images/adipro3_bottomsole.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>
  </div>
</div>

##### Why did I buy it?

I have been wanting to try out the carbon racers from Adidas for some time now. Most of the racers I own have the traditional carbon plate geometry embedded in a PEBA based midsole. Adidas had a different take on that combination. I was interested in trying it out to see how it fared against the other racers. 

##### Ride Experience 

I have run close to 75kms in this shoe. The first thing you feel in the shoe is how springy it is. The carbon rod structure in the midsole propels you forward even when you walk. The shoe feels light, and the cushioning softness feels just right. Though the durometer puts it as a softer shoe, it is not in the same league of softness as the ZoomX on the Nike Vaporfly.

My first run in the shoe was a moderate 10k with the final kilometer at 3:30 min/km pace. The shoe feels stable under the foot and one can speed up easily. The energy return of the foam and the rod structure is very much noticeable. In my opinion, the midsole requires a little bit of breaking in, it gets softer and livelier once you have some distance on it. Due to its geometry, the shoe feels more stable as compared to its nearest rival, the Nike Vaporfly Next%2. Overall I would say, the ride is very well tuned- like a Formula One racer.

**Fit and Comfort**

I am UK9 in the Nikes, however, with Adidas, a UK9.5 fits me best. Since half sizes are not sold in India, I went with a UK9. At a declared heel to toe length of 27.5cm for UK9, the shoe runs a little longer than that. I had no issues as far as the length of the shoe was concerned. The shoe embraces your feet in a very secure way. There is ample space upfront for the toes to wiggle around. Unlike the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite or the Nike Vapor Fly Next%2 which can be used on a race day straight out of the box, this shoe needs some break-in for  the Lightstrike Pro foam to perform at its best. 

**Stability** 

This is a race day shoe, and it behaves like one. The ride is stable compared to a Nike Vapor Fly Next%2 because of a wider heel area. In spite of being an overpronator, I didn’t have any stability issues during my runs. To that extent, kudos to the design team at Adidas to make a good stable racer.

**Road Grip**

The outsole resembles the texture of an F1 car tire, and it performs like one. The continental rubber on the outsole grips exceptionally well across all surfaces and in all conditions. 

**Aesthetics & Ergonomics**

As I mentioned earlier in the article, this shoe is a looker. It will surely grab eyeballs at the start line of a race. Currently, the shoe is being sold in only one color scheme of Core Black / Beam Yellow / Solar Green. The build quality of the shoe is good too.

<div class="d-flex flex-row align-items-center justify-content-center">
  <div class="col-12 col-md-8 px-1">
      <LightBox src="/images/adipro3_aesthetics.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>
  </div>
</div>

__PS: The experience I have had with the upper could be due to some manufacturing defect in the shoe and a one-off affair. Or could be a defect in my feet. Either way, I’d recommend trying out the shoe in a store before buying. I would have raced in this shoe in my upcoming races if not for the toe box issues. I would place it on par with the Nike Vaporfly Next%2.__ 

##### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="001013003M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Very good bounce that only gets better at higher paces",
    "Feels stable compared to other plated racers"
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Expensive when compared to shoes in the same category"
  ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
Adizero Adios Pro3 is an excellent race day shoe. It is a stable, bouncy, and really cool looking shoe. It goes head-on with the established players and holds its own fort. The only downside to it is its price.
</InfoCard>


A supershoe "from the future" with exceptional bounce, and beautifully crafted

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

Solar Boost 3

Solar Boost 19

Ultraboost 20

Ultraboost 21

Ultraboost 5.0 DNA

Supernova

Adizero 8

Adizero Boston 10

Adizero Boston 11

Adizero Boston 12

SL20

SL20.2

Adizero Adios Pro 2

Adizero Adios Pro 3

Adizero SL

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Adizero Prime X

Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG

AlphaFly Next% 

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% Flyknit

AlphaFly Next% 2

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VaporFly Next% 

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VaporFly Next% 2 

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VaporFly Next% 3

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Zoom Fly 3

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Women Orange ZOOM FLY 3 Running Shoes

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Women Black & Pink ZOOM FLY 3 Running Shoes

Zoom Fly 4

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Men Yellow Zoom Fly 4 Road Running Shoes

Men Grey ZOOM FLY 4 Running Shoes

Airzoom Vomero 14

Nike Women's WMNS Air Zoom Vomero 14 Running Shoes

Women Black AIR ZOOM VOMERO 14 Running Shoes

Nike Men AIR Zoom Vomero 12 Running Shoes

Airzoom Vomero 15

Women White AIR ZOOM VOMERO 15 Running Shoes

Nike Air Zoom Vomero 15

Men Grey & Blue AIR ZOOM VOMERO 15 Running Shoes

Air Zoom Vomero 15 Running Shoes

Nike Men's Air Zoom Vomero 15 Running Shoe

Air Zoom Vomero 16

Air Zoom Vomero Running Shoes

Nike Vomero 16

Women Black Air Zoom Vomero 16 Running Shoes

Men Black Air Zoom Vomero 16 Running Shoes

Air Zoom Vomero 16 Running Shoes For Men  (White)

Flex RN 2020

Flex 2020 RN Textured Low-Top Lace-Up Shoes

Women Black Flex 2020 RN Running Shoe

Nike Men's Flex 2020 Rn Running Shoes

Free RN NN

Nike Free RN NN

Free RN 5.0

Nike Women's WMNS Free Rn 5.0 Running Shoes

Women Pink FREE RN 5.0 Running Shoes

Free Run 5 Running Shoes

Nike Men's Free Rn 5.0 Running Shoes

Nike Free Run 5.0

Air Zoom Pegasus 38

Women Pink AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 38 Running Shoes

Nike Pegasus 38

Nike Men's Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Running Shoe

Men Black AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 38 Running Shoes

Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Running Shoes

Air Zoom Pegasus 39

Women Black Air Zoom Pegasus 39  Road Running Shoes

Women Off White Air Zoom Pegasus 39  Road Running Shoes

Women Lavender Air Zoom Pegasus 39  Road Running Shoes

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

Men Grey Air Zoom Pegasus 39  Road Running Shoes

Men Black AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 39 Road Running Shoes

Pegasus 40

Nike Pegasus 40

Pegasus 41

Nike Pegasus 41

Air Zoom Winflo 8

Nike Winflo 8

Zoom Winflo 8 PRM Lace-Up Running Shoes

Nike Women's WMNS Zoom Winflo 8 Running Shoe

Nike Men's Zoom Winflo 8 Running Shoe

Men White & Black ZOOM WINFLO 8 Running Shoes

React Infinity Run Flyknit

Nike Women's React Infinity Run Flyknit Shoes

Women Pink React Infinity Run Running Shoes

React Infinity Run Fk Prm Lace-Up Running Shoes

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2

Nike Men's React Infinity Run Fk Shoes

React Infinity Run Flyknit 2

React Infinity 3

Nike React Infinity 3

Infinity RN 4

Nike InfinityRN 4

Air Zoom Tempo Next%

Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%

Air Zoom Tempo Next Lace-Up Running Shoes

ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit

ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2

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Invincible 3

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Rival Fly 3

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Pegasus Turbo Next Nature

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Pegasus Turbo Next Nature SE

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Quest 5

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GoRun Speed Elite 

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GOrun Ride 7

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GOrun Razor 3

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Reviews

Puma Velocity Nitro 2 Review

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3