
Puma, now known for its innovative Nitro shoes, which use Nitrogen infused foam among other innovations, had its first attempt at stability shoes with Eternity Nitro. However, it appeared to be a half-hearted attempt, which seemed like they simply incorporated the RunGuide technology (hard TPU material on the side of the heel, just above the midsole) into the popular Velocity Nitro daily trainer. Interestingly Eternity Nitro didn’t see the edition 2 update yet.

Nonetheless, Puma's pursuit of stability didn't end there. Enter Foreverun Nitro, a fresh addition to the young yet well-established Nitro lineup. Foreverrun Nitro is Puma’s sincere effort to bridge the stability shoe gap within the Nitro series. Unlike its sibling Eternity Nitro, Foreverun Nitro appears to be designed from scratch, taking into account the specific requirements of stability-seeking runners. Puma’s designers have put a lot of focus on enhanced support and guidance.

So does it work as a stability shoe? What kind of runners or runs does it work best? Does it make a good contender for stability shoes against other well-established shoes such as Asics Gel Kayano and Saucony Guide or Saucony Omni?

When Puma reached out to me to test the shoe, I was more than glad to do it, as it is an extremely interesting shoe to run in. Thank you Puma for the pair. Other than sending the shoe, Puma marketing has no say in this review, and that has been explicitly communicated with Puma.  

<ShoeCard shoeCode="005015000M"></ShoeCard>

##### What makes up Foreverrun Nitro?


__Midsole__

Foreverun Nitro has a dual-layered midsole, combining the softer Nitro foam at the top with a firmer Nitro foam at the bottom. The idea behind dual-layered midsole is simple, The softer top layer provides a plush and responsive feel underfoot, while the harder Nitro foam beneath, provides stability and durability.  So the good parts of Velocity Nitro are already here.

It has a 36mm stack height, which is just about the just at the median when compared to similar shoes in this category.  I am surprised Puma didn’t take it much higher, given that high-stack stability shoes are all the rage now. 

<LightBox src="/images/puma-foreverrun-nitro_8.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>

What is interesting most is the runGuide system. It consists of two key components. Firstly, a layer of firmer foam wraps around the midsole on the medial side, which is supposed to offer support and prevent excessive pronation. Secondly, a TPU-based heel clip encases the heel, to provide additional stability and minimize the risk of unwanted movement at the heel.  runGuide system is a unique take on stability when compared to Brooks GuideRails or Saucony’s Hollow-Tech.  

Forever Nitro caters to runners with different striking styles by incorporating a 10mm heel-to-toe drop. This versatile drop is suitable for both mid-foot strikers and heel strikers.

Despite all the stability features, Forever Nitro is relatively light. Weighing in at 274 grams, it is one of the lowest in its category.


__Upper__

The upper is very stiff and is probably designed for providing addtional support. It is an engineered mesh with two layers. It doesn't feel very breathable. The gusseted tongue is attached to the upper. The tongue has just enough padding and is comfortable. 

<LightBox src="/images/puma-foreverrun-nitro_2.jpg" caption="Upper is stiff and holds the foot very well, not doesn't breath well" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Heel__

The heel is supported by external TPU based heel counter, and is part of the runGuide system. The heel has ample padding. The heel also has a generous pull tab attached it. 

<LightBox src="/images/puma-foreverrun-nitro_6.jpg" caption="Heel support is excellent" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Bottomsole__

The bottomsole is called ‘PUMAGRIP’, the same branding that is used for rest of the Nitro lineup. The difference however is, it is J-Shaped hard rubber outsole and is much thicker and harder. It supposed to provide guidance, and an imitation of Hoka’s J Frame, albeit just on the outsole.  Hoka’s J Frame is built into the midsole itself. 

<LightBox src="/images/puma-foreverrun-nitro_1.jpg" caption="PumaGrip gets better with every iteration" alt="" ></LightBox>


##### Why did I consider it?

When Puma approached me to test one of their Nitro shoes, I eagerly opted for the Foreverrun Nitro model, as it stood out as the most intriguing option within the Nitro lineup that I hadn't yet experienced. While I primarily use neutral shoes for my running, I have had past encounters with stability shoes. In the past, I have run in models such as the Saucony Omni, Guide, Asics Gel Kayano, and GT 2000, all of which provided stability features. Although I do have mild stability issues in my right foot, I handled them and don’t rely on stability shoes anymore.

##### Ride in Foreverrun Nitro

I have run more than 100 km so far in the shoe despite running in it for more than a month, as I am simultaneously testing Saucony Kinvara 14 as well. I used it mostly for easy runs and long runs.  But tested it also for occasional short interval runs and tempo runs.

For easy runs, the shoe truly excels due to its ample cushioning and mild responsiveness, making it an ideal choice. During the couple of long runs, which consisted of runs exceeding 25 km, I really appreciated the stability provided by the shoe. It also performed very well with good bounce and cushioning.  The only downside I must admit is that the rigid nature (in terms of flex, and not having a rocker) of a stability shoe is something I didn’t really enjoy. But most runners may not notice the difference.

When it comes to speed runs, I found the Forever Nitro to be highly responsive and stable. However, the shoe's weight and rigidity somewhat hinder its suitability for this type of workout, making it less than ideal.

__Fit and Comfort__

The fit of the Foreverrun Nitro is excellent for my feet, surpassing even the Velocity Nitro and Deviate Nitro. It provides a very secure and comfortable lockdown, particularly in the heel area.

The upper of the shoe fits snugly and has a pleasant feel to it, further enhancing the overall fit and comfort.

One peculiar aspect I noticed is the presence of an elevated foam in the middle of the insole. Although I personally didn't perceive a significant difference or added heel support from it, I believe it may serve a purpose in improving proprioception for runners who prefer using orthotic insoles.

<LightBox src="/images/puma-foreverrun-nitro_4.jpg" caption="The fit is one of the best" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Stability__ 

It's been a while since I last ran in stability shoes. My impression of them was that they were heavy, and lacking in responsiveness. However, the Foreverrun Nitro changes my perception.

In terms of feel, it is reminiscent of other Nitro shoes like the Velocity Nitro, but with a bit of added stability. I tested it on an uneven lake bed, and the shoe's wide base makes running on such uneven surfaces, a pleasant experience. That said, the shoe doesn't compare to traditional stability shoes that have harder medial posts. If you are looking for a shoe with pronounced stability features, you may want to look elsewhere.

The upper of the shoe is notably rigid, contributing to its overall stability while maintaining a comfortable fit.  The specially designed insole does seem to help, but I can’t say for it sure.

<LightBox src="/images/puma-foreverrun-nitro_5.jpg" caption="RunGuide system adds mild stability" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Road Grip__

True to its reputation, the Puma Grip outsole continues to impress. It offers exceptional traction on various surfaces, whether it's loose sand or slippery roads during Bangalore's monsoon season. Throughout my runs, I never felt a moment of instability or a slip.

__Aesthetics & Ergonomics__

I have the One 8 branded edition, a white colorway with a light green and blue accent (Puma calls it White-Fizzy Lime-Elektro Purple).  I really liked the colorway, but for the maintenance of it.  Given the monsoon, it didn’t take much to soil the shoe.  If given a choice, I would have preferred the black colorway (PUMA Black-Ultra Orange) which is very slick. The upper has Puma PWRTAPE bubble-shaped overlays which makes it harder to clean.  The hard rubber on the outsole has huge inlays which also makes it harder to clean.

I really liked the large pull tabs, which are really practical to go in and out of the shoes pleasant.  I wish all the shoe designers consider incorporating these.

<LightBox src="/images/puma-foreverrun-nitro_3.jpg" caption="The accents look slick" alt="" ></LightBox>

### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="005015000M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
  "Excellent fit with secure heel lock and snug upper",
  "Surprisingly stable without being heavy or clunky",
  "Reliable traction with the legendary Puma Grip",
  "Ample cushioning which is bouncy and works well for long and easy runs",  
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
  "Weight and rigidity may hinder speed runs",
  "Not the most stable shoe out there",
  "Not very easy to clean",
  "Premium pricing",
  ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
Foreverrun Nitro is an excellent addition to Puma's Nitro lineup, catering to runners needing stability shoes. Its dual-layered midsole combines soft and hard Nitro foams for a balanced ride. With a 36mm stack height, it offers ample cushioning, while the runGuide system offers plenty of stability. The J-shaped hard rubber outsole provides exceptional grip. Despite the stability features, it maintains a lightweight profile at 274 grams. The shoe boasts an excellent fit, comparable to other Nitro models, with a secure heel lock and snug upper. Surprisingly, Foreverrun Nitro defies typical preconceptions with stability shoes, offering stability without being heavy or clunky. The shoe excels in long runs and easy runs, though its weight and rigidity may hinder speed runs. 

If you are looking for a modern stability shoe, that offers mild stability, and don't want to compromise on bounce, and is practical for Indian conditions, Foreverrun Nitro is a stylish yet functional choice.
</InfoCard>


Puma Foreverrun Nitro Review



Believe it or not, the Asics Gel Nimbus has a cult following in the amateur long-distance running community. Since its debut in 1999, this shoe has consistently been sought after for its exceptional comfort and cushioning. That said, this series never really managed to excite me. Despite being the brand's top-selling line, I always found them to be too bulky for my liking. 

This decade started remarkably well for Asics though, sneaking into the market share of both amateur athletes and the elites. They introduced the performance-oriented Ride series and the responsive daily trainer Blast series. In the midst of all this, the Nimbus series has lost its appeal. It was only a matter of time before Nimbus had to undergo some changes, and finally, that moment arrived.

Can we award it the best-ever-looking Nimbus? Absolutely yes, and that's the main reason I decided to give them a try. With a revamped modern design and eye-catching colourways, the Nimbus 25 finally looks like it belongs to the modern running world. The shoe is priced in India at ₹15,999, which is on par with its competition. However, Asics India does not have the reputation of discounting their shoes during season sales. Very unlike Puma, Saucony, and Brooks who at times sell at 50%, which makes those shoes excellent value for money.

Let's deep dive into the review to uncover my thoughts about them. 

<ShoeCard shoeCode="004005025M"></ShoeCard>

#### What makes up Asics Gel Nimbus 25?

The Nimbus 25 is an out-of-box premium max-cushioned shoe. The refreshed design instantly catches your attention. This change in the Nimbus is undoubtedly the most remarkable improvement it has ever undergone. However, at first glance, loyal Nimbus fans might be disappointed to see that the gel is seemingly missing. Fear not, for the gel is still present; it has simply been placed in a discreet location within the heel.

Nimbus 25 weighs a little over 290gs for UK 8, which is slightly heavier than the previous edition. It sees a massive jump in stack height with 41.5mm on the heel and 33.5mm on the forefoot as against 26mm and 16mm respectively in the previous edition. It's worth noting that despite the increased stack height, the weight is consistent with past editions. It is, however, heavier than competing models like the Nike Zoomx Invincible 3, Brooks Glycerine 20, and Saucony Triumph 20, among others.
 
**Midsole**

The Nimbus 25 incorporates a midsole composed of FF Blast+ foam, designed for high-performance daily trainers. This foam is used in other daily trainers from Asics like the Novablast 3 and Cumulus 25 and then also in the performance series like the Glideride 3 and the Magic Speed 2/3. Asics says that the FF Blast+ foam makes the shoes lighter, softer, and more responsive, while also providing more energy return. In the case of the Nimbus 25, the midsole utilizes the Eco version of FF Blast+ foam, which incorporates at least 20% of its composition from renewable, bio-based sources, with aim to minimize the impact on the environment. It also packs a piece of gel in simple terms, cleverly embedded between the upper and midsole for added shock absorption. The forefoot of the shoe claims to be a moderately designed rocker, offering some performance benefits when needed but I have some reservations about them. In the rear, the midsole has an extended bevel.

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With a durometer score of 25 and based on my own experiences, I can confirm that it provides a well-balanced feel, as previously mentioned. This score aligns with another maximum-cushion shoe, the Saucony Endorphin Shift 3, although the Nimbus 25 offers a slightly less aggressive feel. However, in terms of softness, it falls slightly behind the Saucony Triumph 20, which was acclaimed as the best-rated maximum-cushion shoe of 2022.

**Upper**

The upper features an engineered soft knit material that envelops the foot and offers a stretchable sensation. The overall fit of the upper is neither narrow nor wide. It is stretchy and adapts to the shape of the foot. 

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The tongue also utilizes a stretchy material and incorporates a convenient pull tag, offering ease of use and adjustability. Furthermore, the tongue is semi-gusseted, partially attached to the upper, ensuring a secure fit. The laces are quite long and stretchy too. Lastly, while the upper includes ventilation holes for breathability, it falls slightly behind in this aspect, which personally for me is very important.

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    <LightBox src="/images/asics-nimbus25_3.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>
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**Bottom sole**

Asics uses its proprietary AHAR+ outsole rubber in the Nimbus 25. According to Asics, this rubber material exhibits an impressive abrasion resistance that is approximately three times higher than conventional rubber. They achieve this by using the rubber material that is used for producing car tyres. The outsole is strategically placed at forefoot and underneath the heel, probably done so to help manage the weight. The hard rubber and its placement make me think it is quite a durable trainer.

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    <LightBox src="/images/asics-nimbus25_6.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>
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**Heel**

The heel counter, much like the upper, is very comfortable. The padded ankle collar offers plush support, providing a comfortable fit around the ankle. Additionally, the heel counter exhibits a sturdy and rigid construction, and delivers good stability during movement. The exterior of the shoe features a pull tag, which is very practical, and unlike with other shoes, I found myself using it frequently.

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    <LightBox src="/images/asics-nimbus25_5.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>
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#### Why did I consider this shoe?

To be honest, I was in awe when the prototypes of the Nimbus started appearing, and ever since then, I have eagerly awaited its official launch. The refreshed design is visually appealing by all standards. Normally, I tend to avoid shoes that appear bulky, but I made an exception here. The only other reason is this being an off-season for running in India, and hence felt Nimbus would be an ideal pick for putting in some easy consistent mileages. I have run more than 120KMs on them, , and each day I laced them up, deep in my heart I wanted to like the ride experience, but the shoe failed me. 

#### Ride experience

My first run on the Nimbus 25 was an easy progressive 10K. I thought the shoe may require some break-in, and things were clear after 4-5 runs. Considering the stack height, I had high expectations for a plush ride with good responsiveness, and in that aspect, the shoe has only partially delivered. The response was decent, but the overall ride felt much firmer than expected.  It is possibly because the FF Blast+ foam isn’t as soft as Asics would have marketed it. While I personally prefer a firmer ride, it also meant that the Nimbus 25 didn't quite fulfil its intended purpose for me. It became a battle between my expectations and the actual experience of the shoe. 

The heel bevel didn't provide the stable gait that I was hoping for, the one that I really appreciated in the Saucony's Triumph 20. Saying this, I must appreciate the shock absorption provided by the gel underneath the heel. Landing on the heel doesn't feel like a bumper and rather feels smooth. I also believe that individuals who are taller or slightly heavier may appreciate the Nimbus 25 more than someone leaner like me.

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I have run more than 120 kms in the Nimbus 25, and every time I laced them up, I hoped to change my opinion, but that didn't happen. The longest run I've done with them is 15K, and honestly, I wouldn't choose to run more than 10K in these shoes for two reasons. 

Firstly, they feel heavy, although I must admit that the break-in period did help a bit. The weight distribution between the upper and midsole felt quite strange, and it often felt like I was dragging the shoes along tired legs. As a result, I decided to alternate with my other max-cushioned shoes, the Saucony Triumph 20, Hoka Clifton 8, and Saucony Endorphin Shift 3, which performed much better in this regard. If versatility is a priority, the Nimbus 25 may not be the best choice. 

Secondly, the shoe tends to get quite hot regardless of the time of day in a tropical city like Mumbai. The temperature inside the shoe rises notably after running for more than 30 minutes or whenever I push myself to run at a pace faster than 5 min/km. If not for getting warm, this could have been a good easy long-run shoe. 

**Fit and comfort**

The Nimbus 25 fits true to size for my UK 7. The length of the shoe is spot on, but the width felt a little wide for my narrow feet. The upper is stretchable and may work well for runners with wide feet. Asics only sells the standard version in India, not the wide variant. The Nimbus 25 also doesn't disappoint in its comfort. The soft knit material of the upper ensures a comfortable feel. The padding around the heel collar is the best I have seen. The only glitch I have had with the shoe is with the long laces, which honestly is not a big deal, and perhaps would only be a problem for those using smaller shoe sizes. 

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**Stability**

The Nimbus 25 is a neutral stable shoe. While stability is not its USP, it performs admirably in this aspect. The shoe incorporates some features that a stability shoe carries, like having a wide forefoot with full-length ground contact, side walls on both sides, good lock-in on the forefoot and the heel and finally a rocker which aids the transition. This would be a good shoe for those with minor pronation and need mild stability.
 
**Traction and durability **

I have so far taken them on various surfaces except for technical trails, and have performed really well. I could confidently run through the wet and slippery patches. The Nimbus series has been one of the most durable daily trainer series like Nike's Pegasus and Brooks's Ghost, and the 25th edition is no exception here. I have barely seen any wear and tear even  after 100 kms. The AHAR+ rubber is thick and hard enough to make sure the shoe lasts long. 

**Aesthetics and ergonomics**

Aren't this where the Nimbus 25 stands out, right out of the box? The refreshed look of the series is the reason I decided to pick them up in the first place. This is, by far, the best-ever-looking Nimbus shoe. Although there's always room for improvement, Asics deserves praise for their willingness to experiment with their highly popular line. Asics offers Nimbus 25 in India in more than 10 colours, and all of them look stunning. While the blue one which I picked is undoubtedly the best looking one, the neon green and the all-white are my favourites too. 
 
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##### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="004005025M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Comfort all around",
    "Good enough stability",
    "Lighter despite the stack",
    "Durable",
    "True to size fit",
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Runs warm",
    "High priced to competition",
    "Lacks versatility",
  ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
To conclude, my experience with the Nimbus 25 left me with mixed feelings. While the shoe had some positive aspects such as its appealing design, comfortable upper, and good lockdown, it fell short in certain aspects that were important to me. The firm ride, although personally preferred, didn't align with my expectations for a max-cushioned shoe. To add to that, the weight distribution between the upper and midsole feels off, resulting in a heavy and dragging sensation during runs. Furthermore, the lack of versatility and poor breathability in tropical conditions made the Nimbus 25 less suitable for longer distances and faster paces. I would prefer the Cumulus 25 over Nimbus, primarily considering the weight. However, if versatility is also a consideration, the Novablast 3 stands out as a strong option.

Beyond Asics, if I had to pick one in the max cushion category, which meets all my needs, it would be the [Saucony Triumph 20](https://shoegeeks.in/review) which meets all my needs in the max-cushion category and excels in every aspect. The Hoka Clifton 8 is also a contender, with the exception of Achilles irritation, which I hope has been addressed in the latest Clifton 9. In my shoe rotation, I would only occasionally choose the Nimbus 25 for my easy days. While I really wanted to love the Nimbus 25, it never gave me the opportunity to do so. But these are visually appealing and stylish, I won’t think twice about wearing them casually.
</InfoCard>


Reviews

Puma Foreverrun Nitro Review

Asics Gel Nimbus 25 Review