Puma Velocity Nitro 3

This is the Puma Velocity Nitro 3, and I think it’s a thoughtfully designed shoe. The heel design is a nod to the Fast R2. The word Velocity on the tongue uses a 3 instead of an E. And the Puma logo has tiny Puma logos inside. But it’s puffier and heavier than it was last year. So is this a case of form over function? It’s time to lace up the Velocity 3, and take it for a run.
0:00 intro
0:53 Disclosures
1:14 Specs
3:25 What’s it like
7:30 Pairing Options
8:45 Buying Guide and Alternatives
Disclosures: Puma sent these shoes for the purpose of review, so I did not have to pay for them. No one is paying me to make this video or to include their shoe in this video. No one will get a chance to preview any of my footage or my thoughts before this video goes up on KZbin.
Thanks for watching! Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!
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Running footage shot on:
GoPro Hero 12 (paid link)
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Disclosure: It's 2024, so I think we all know how affiliate links work at this point, but for regulatory compliance or affiliate program purposes, I must state that affiliate links do not increase cost to you, but:
"As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Also, you do not need to use these links. You can also search for these same items in amazon or on any search engine/shopping site of your choice and buy/research them that way.
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[@brainkale]

The Deviate Nitro 2 has kind of ruined traditional "daily trainers" for me. It is so, so good and versatile. 250 miles in and they still feel phenomenal

[@kofuzi]

Really good shoe

[@chriskumar1559]

Absolutely love the DN2. Quite tempted to get a 2nd pair

[@TylerRippel1]

Dicks currently has some sizes in Black for $67 US. ​@@chriskumar1559

[@i_runlem2735]

Love my deviate nitro 2 pair, now i’m waiting for the version 3.

[@user-pf9xv4gg9b]

I love this shoe too also looking to replace it after almost 800km but where the hell do I go from here 😅

[@rayg6270]

Your review is what helped me decide to get the velocity nitro 2s.That shoe has truly been a do it all workhorse,even tackled some light trails with them

[@ClubmanGT1971]

Always love your honest and concise reviews. I’ve been very happy with purchases I’ve made after your recommendations.

[@kofuzi]

Glad to hear it!

[@cmu1919]

@clubmanGT1971, Just a PSA, this is not an unbiased review, even though @kofuzi wants you to think it is with the "Disclosures" section. What the "Disclosure" should says is, "I received these shoes for free. I make money by partnering with shoe brands, and I will never share a fully honest opinion because I do not want to damage my relationship with these brands." Sorry don't want to hijack your comment, but since you think these are "honest" reviews, I wanted to point this out.

[@largesodawithfries02]

Was hoping to see you at the LA marathon this past weekend. Youre the reason I got into shoes and marathon running. Hopefully ill get to see you at the 40th LA marathon next year 😀

[@betterstories]

I'm so glad to see somebody echoing my feelings about the Peg 40s

[@steveh5242]

Mine had a bit of a break in, they kinda felt flat and dead for the first 15 miles but have been a joy ever since! Fantastic versatile daily trainer

[@MedicineRunner]

Same exact experience for myself

[@itsnotharry]

Do u recommend walking in them for a before running in them?

[@steveh5242]

Couldn’t hurt, but it wasn’t that bad in the beginning either. Just know it’ll improve

[@MedicineRunner]

@@itsnotharry I did and it certainly helped! Also make sure your first few runs are shorter…made the mistake of going for an 8 miler on my 2nd run with these 😅 no blisters or anything but my feet wanted out. Then it was like magic at 25-30 miles, they just felt great.

[@bdarowicki]

I returned mine because i bought 5 different pairs and made about 2-3km on treadmill on each, puma felt terrible. Good to know that they just need more time

[@nafkaw]

Thanks for your straightforward and honest review! I like the change in laces but I may have to pass because I worry about the increased weight and the added padding would be brutal here in Florida.

[@lordedmundo23]

Masterful review Mr Ko! Exactly my thoughts on the VN3 and indeed the other shoes in the Puma range. I have 50+ miles in the VN3 and they haven't softened up yet the way my original pair of VN2 did. However, still a great shoe - just a bit on the firm side and requires picking up the pace to feel that responsiveness.

[@ajmartinez1906]

Awesome job Mr. K, glad to know I can add the VN3 to complement my DV2, as a non-plated option.

[@Miketheswerunner]

Great video like always 👌 I would like to see a week in life with Ko! Food, running, shoe rotation for that week 😅

[@jay1572]

Excellent review as always! Just ordered the DN2 and cant wait to throw some miles on it 🏃‍♂️💨

[@xizou2931]

yeah enjoy dn2. very great shoes

[@ksteege]

As always Ko Really amazing review I just love the way you run through everything is just so thorough and informative

[@kofuzi]

Thanks Kurt!

[@SEMBANGBASIKALISFREE]

Thanks for the excellent review as always. If I already have Deviate Nitro 2 and ForeverRun, I may not find a reason to consider Velocity 2/3.

[@HamzaBen90]

"In terms of hardware" 😂... I like it!!! You're the best!! Keep up 🙌🏻

[@abrightp]

Most Puma outlets in the US have Velocity Nitro 2 now. I got mine for less than $30. Great pair of shoes. I like both Adizero SL and VN2 for daily effort but found myself unconsciously having faster pace in VN2.

[@snowwalker9999]

Thanks for the review. I agree Puma should have made this shoe lighter and snappier or as you mentioned like a lighter DN2 without a plate. I am not sure how many runners out there would mind paying $10-15 more to get a more exciting pair of shoes like the Rebel V4, NB 4 or Mach 6.

[@TolunayOrkun]

I got VN2 with water-resistant upper for just $65. When I ordered I didn't realise they were water resistant. The off-white (light grayish) upper looked beautiful. I was actually getting them for casual use but I will probably save my pair for rainy days. Perfect daily trainer with PumaGrip outsole for those days.

[@onemanzu]

I was just reminiscing on how much I enjoyed the velocity v2, although I do recall the v2 being a little warm in the toe box.

[@MrGmcjr]

Hibbett sports have the v2 for 56 dollars in some size I just ordered a 12 today great video as always bro

[@stephenlanclos4027]

can you review the Craft Pacer? Love your reviews, btw!!

[@Manuel-901]

Good afternoon. Excellent description. Like to Kofuzi. Have a great monday.

[@minimumtrade]

I found the VN2 had too much lateral slippage with the stretchy unstructured upper given the (firm but bouncy) nitro foam is one your foot sits on not in. It seems this might be addressed with the VN3 upper structure.

[@coreyadcock]

Love the DN2...need just a bit more stack in a daily but keep the drop the same without a plate...would be fire

[@TheACR10]

how does it compare to the rebel v4? looking for a fast and flexible non plated trainer to pair with my boston 12! great review as always

[@kofuzi]

They’re very different styles of daily trainer. Softness and responsiveness can kind of be seen as opposite ends of a spectrum

[@MiracleWarriors]

I approved the breathability of my Puma Velocity Nitro 3 ( black and orange and true to size) running at the end of the summer here. It is still very hot with 32°C ( ~90 F°) . It is definitely more breathable them my worst shoes I have used to run during this summer : Pegasus 40, ON Cloud Stratus 3 and NB 1080 v13 . The Gel-Nimbus 26 or a Nike Vomero 17 are more breathable than that trio ...

[@wordsovsean8905]

Having done a bit over 400km in the Velocity Nitro 2, I'm disappointed in the 3. 47kms done over the course of 5 runs and in all but one run I got really bad rubbing under the arch of my left foot which almost turned into blisters and would have if I'd run any further. It appears to be the U shaped plastic arch piece that's doing the damage. I'm also getting some rubbing on my heel, although I feel very much locked in. The VN2 had one of the most comfortable uppers I've ever experienced. I feel like the VN3 is a bit over designed compared to the 2. I have the black/grey version and it even looks too busy. There's just a lot going on that I'm not sure is needed. I do like some aspects such as the secure lockdown and the tongue is really well designed. I can't decide if the mid-sole is good or not. I feel like it's different each run. I don't feel like it's a great impact absorber though. I've just hit 400km in the Hyperion Max which I'd argue is firmer, but for whatever reason absorbs impact better. The VN3 feels softer, but more juddery if that means anything. I don't hate it, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to run in it.

[@laalaa99stl]

In a world where the DN2 didn't exist, I might have considered this. But I'd rather spend the extra $25 to have the versatility of changing my mind mid-workout and picking up the pace if I want to. Love that tennis ball yellow-green colorway, and I hope that new outsole pattern makes it to the DN3.

[@femaciel]

🎯

[@SergiuSalcau00]

I bought the dn2 too and can t run in it bexause of my soleus. I love the dn2 but i can t use it. But also this doesn t have the nitro elite nitro foam combo which is what i ❤ about the dn2. So yeah.

[@freeking4291]

Another good shoes from Puma👏Nice looking too

[@jimduyck]

Yeah talk about volatile Adidas pricing…I picked up a pair of the SLs for one my teenage daughters @ $36 last year lol 😃

[@MedicineRunner]

How many miles did you put on this Ko?

[@scotthilton5406]

I was at a running demo that had the velocity 3 and Magnify 2. I feel the velocity 3 would benefit from a slight lowering in the drop to an 8mm drop, where you get a little extra of that good foam under forefoot. That may align with your hope for a non-plated Deviate runner. I would pick the SL over the Velocity at this point, which does have the 8mm drop

[@thurules]

out of Magnify 2 and velocity 3, which one is better?

[@scotthilton5406]

@@thurules I really really liked the Magnify 2.

[@davidlynch9049]

Thanks. Great shoe. Have 2 pairs.

[@ThRunninHub]

Have you tried the new Vomero

[@AMMajed]

Unfortunately this puma velocity 3 gives me blisters on my feet. I am not sure if this is a result over pronation or what exactly. However, I don’t get this when I run with my deviate nitro elite 2 which I enjoy very well.

[@MrTthacker98001]

It’s firm. I like the fit though.

[@justinhouston1414]

I’m genuinely curious…does running in all these different shoes for reviews affect your physiological health at all? Like, do your feet or ankles hurt all the time or do you seem to adapt pretty well? Just seems like you never get used to any one shoe and that could open you up to injuries or soreness.

[@kofuzi]

I’m doin fine. I don’t review stability shoes as they tend to bother my knees and feet. Some shoes don’t feel good and I don’t usually do a long term review of those

[@amirulfarhan3736]

hello mike.. between novablast 4, Dn2 and asic nimbus 26.. which one do u prefer? for daily trainer, slower pace

[@RonStevendMaylon]

Ff

[@lowzyyy]

I actually use DN2 for threshold and faster (4:20min/km and faster), velocity 2 for tempo and slower (4:35 and slower)

[@TheAkenno]

It softens up after maybe 30 miles

[@TW-rd5ub]

Is the breathability significantly better than the V1? I got up to about 80k in those and stopped using them - it was like having a little oven on each foot. They also ran a bit long, is this still the case?

[@kofuzi]

I don’t think I tried v1

[@Hawek]

I wanted to like this shoe, but unfortunately the top part of the upper is too stiff for me - it just didn't fit well for my feet. After a few miles it started to hurt my feet around my ankle. Never happened to me before in any shoe that I've run in 🤷‍♂ But I must say that the feel of the foam was pretty nice!

[@kofuzi]

Hopefully it’s something that can be resolved with adjusting the laces or something that can be returned/exchanged for something that works better for you

[@felipeneves14]

Ko, Puma was my first choiice when I started running, I had a Forever run and a Deviate Nitro 2, but I found them SO FIRM that I just can’t say I felt any energy return. Do u think that Nitro foam works only for light runners or midfoot / forefoot strikers? Nitro foam just can’t compair with zoom x, enerzy plus, ligthstrike, pwrun pb or fuelcell not even 1.000 km far away!!!

[@MedicineRunner]

I know this question is for Kofuzi but as a general rule of thumb, firmer foams will work better for heavier runners (not lighter), if you are discussing energy return. Super critical TEE tends to have break in periods and it’s also seen in Adidas lightstrike pro foam (which most people also claim as firmer).

[@felipeneves14]

@@MedicineRunner yes it was to him, but I do appreciate any wise comment as yours, makes all sense. It’s just I see so many people that love the Deviate Nitro 2 and it seems just I didn’t like it at all. I’ve ran in about 15 different running shoes and Deviate Nitro 2 was the worst for sure in my point of view of couse, I would rather prefer the Forever run (which I’m currently using at gym).

[@MedicineRunner]

@@felipeneves14 ah, you’ll have that. There could be a dozen different reasons that explain that but what’s most important is you find what works for you 🤙🏼

[@felipeneves14]

@@MedicineRunner that’s true! The feel any shoe gives is very particular of each person, I was just sharing some thoughts to find if I was the only one that dislike Nitro foam 😂

[@MedicineRunner]

@@felipeneves14 hahaha I hear ya! I’m one of the few people that disliked the vaporfly 2. Still don’t get the hype with that one 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@dantwister5106]

Which is the springiest, bounciest shoe for the road in 2024?

[@gabrielpina4]

What about the toe box you didn't mention a single thing about it.. is it narrow? Wide. Tapered??

[@kofuzi]

True to size

[@gabrielpina4]

@@kofuzi dont even know what that means? All shoes have different types of toe box sizes will the squish my toes or not

[@gareth2933]

Are these good for comfy long runs ? Also looking at new balance rebel 3 which is best. Are the comparable

[@kofuzi]

Yes and no Yes, they are comparable in that they are each daily trainers and intended for similar use cases No, they are not comparable in that they cater to a different set of preferences

[@gareth2933]

Thank you for the reply. I’m looking for a comfortable mile muncher to train for Ironman. Something that I can forget about on my feet. Do you think either of these would be good? If not any recommendations please.

[@videoforum4047]

This shoe at 6mm drop would be perfect

[@younanmahardika8009]

Finally…

[@kofuzi]

thanks for your patience!

[@faizulzuraimi5393]

How does it compare with asics superblast?

[@kofuzi]

They’re like opposite shoes

[@therunophil]

Hi Mike, isn't the Nitro foam EVA as well, just a nitrogen infused one? That is ok for a daily trainer but still no Peba or so, is it?

[@MedicineRunner]

The nitro foam in this shoe is super critical TPEE (same foam you see in Adidas lightstrike pro). It has a small sliver of basic EVA on the bottom layer.

[@randzcuacoyes1214]

Nitro 3 or takumi sen 10? Are they in the same league?

[@kofuzi]

I will assume you are asking about the Velocity Nitro 3 (there are about half a dozen shoes in the Puma lineup with Nitro in the title and a few of those are on version 3). The Velocity is a daily trainer. A shoe you use for regular easy runs throughout the week. The Takumi Sen 10 is a race shoe for 5k and 10k

[@nanezferrer3565]

Im a deviate nitro 2 user I tried this shoes in puma store They kinda feel boring. Does it have a break in period on midsole?

[@CATinBOOTS81]

Yes.

[@CozyRodent]

10mm drops ruins it for me

[@mc5819]

Why dont you review nikes anymore?

[@Eirikkinserdal]

There is a "liberate nitro elite" incoming. Maybe that's what you are looking for in a plate less nitro elite? 🤔

[@kofuzi]

I'm not aware of that shoe. but probably not. my understanding is that the liberate is intended to track sessions or similar

[@kungfukenny9300]

This or the Vormero 17?

[@kofuzi]

I love the Vomero. It may be my favorite swooshy shoe right now. It’s wider, and bulkier than the Velocity. But it’s also more comfortable and chill

[@kungfukenny9300]

@@kofuzi Wow thanks for the reply sir. I would click that review in a heart beat if you ever decide to make one. Have a good day

[@carloacetre677]

Got my Velocity Nitro 3 for less than $100 yesterday at Puma Shibuya. Steal for a new shoe!

[@deepstate7264]

Meant to be amazing Ed Bud certified apparently probably responsible for the death of that Pegasus. 40…

[@a750labs]

Mmmm it's already on sale at 90€

[@svenja5596]

Summary: buy a different pair of shoes 😎

[@kofuzi]

Not if you precisely like what I am describing

[@JDeezle21]

​@@kofuziwhich I do and I did get them

[@LuisBecerra79]

Yo, what’s going on!!!

[@LuisBecerra79]

Puma is making really good shoes ✅

[@rudolftang4750]

running shoes are to costly.... couldn't buy these kind will never know how they feels all these sole technology stuff they have

[@kofuzi]

Hopefully you can find some discounts on last year’s models or a pair of the Adizero SL for $48

[@cmu1919]

Hey Y'all, Just a PSA, this is not an unbiased review, even though @kofuzi wants you to think it is by his "Disclosures". What his "Disclosure" when uncoded actually says is, "I received these shoes for free. I make money by partnering with shoe brands, and I will never share a fully honest opinion because I do not want to damage my relationship with these brands." @kofuzi , quit misleading please

[@vincent8900]

You must be fun at parties

[@cmu1919]

@@vincent8900 I call it how I see it. When I see fraud, I gotta say something.