Puma first introduced the ForeverRun Nitro to the world last year and runners were just gushing over it. The big question is, will the Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 still be a top choice for a lightweight stability trainer?
I’ve been a fan of a couple of Puma models in the past, so I was looking forward to trying these. At just over 10oz, the Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 is a max cushioned trainer without being too heavy which appealed to me.
In general, I’m not a stability shoe gal, so my expectations for this shoe were not super high. I do love a cushioned trainer but try and steer clear of a shoe that works to over-correct my natural form.
As always, we’re here to give you the pros, the cons and our honest assessment of this shoe. No one running shoe is going to work best for every single runner! The goal of our reviews is just to help you decide if this shoe is a good one for you to try.
Could this be the pair of recovery run shoes that I’ve been on the hunt for?
Keep reading to see if the ForeverRun Nitro 2 met our expectations.
Who Is It Good For?
Who is the Puma Foreverrun Nitro 2 good for? Let’s break it down with some common categories:
- Wide Feet: The updated fit is an hourglass shape so may not be ideal.
- Heavier Runners: Great combo of cushion and stability.
- Long Runs: Good pick for recovery and long runs maxing around 10 miles.
- Front of the Pack: Likely to drag if you try to pick up the pace.
This is a max cushioned shoe made for runner seeking stability on recovery runs or easy runs up to 10 or so miles.
Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 Overview
Puma gave the ForeverRun Nitro a lot of upgrades in hopes of providing more support and comfort. What else can you ask for in a stability running shoe?? We love that Puma is coming in to running lately ready to take big swings.
The ForeverRun Nitro 2 now has a wider midsole paired with dual-density NITROFOAM to give a little extra cushion underfoot. This combo was used in the design so that this would be a shoe that runners grabbed for those longer miles.
We absolutely felt that cushion and it gives off similar vibes as the Puma MagMax Nitro which is a beast of a max cushioned shoe, but without the stability features.
Puma also tried to enhance the fit by adding a rolled heel collar and premium engineered knit upper reinforced with PWRTAPE. They said it was supposed to enhance breathability and stretch but after testing we’re not so sure if this was actually the end result.
Now out of the box, this shoe is hefty but doesn’t feel super heavy. It’s not a flashy fashion shoe, but more of your work-horse model. In fact, thanks to the newer foam set up it feels fairly light and bouncy on the run.
The responsiveness of this shoe allowed me to easily transition from my easy pace to a tempo pace without trouble. I would happily use these shoes for an interval or tempo run, but I would stop short of using these in a race.
If you’re looking for a shoe to pick up the paces, check out the Puma Deviate Nitro 3.
When it comes to stability, they didn’t put in a hard post, but rather it’s about the design of the shoe. Like a number of brands they’ve made the base of the shoe flare out in places which creates instant stability. Puma also included a more rigid heel counter and uses the new foam to create a feeling of support.
The blend of a softer center foam and harder outer foam is going to give you that softeness with control.
The Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 also has a little bit of a different heel structure. You’ll find that the design of the heel counter is meant to help keep your foot in place as you run and pick up the pace a little.
Puma Foreverrun Nitro 2 Specs
Let’s look at some of the details:
- Weight: 10 oz Men’s, 9 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 10 mm
- Stack Height: 38 mm
- Usage: daily trainer
- 6 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available from puma.com for $150
I’ve always been a fan of the well tractioned treads of Puma models, and these were no exception. I even tested these out on a local dirt trail and the PUMAGRIP outself totally held up.
I wouldn’t necessarily use these on anything technical, but these could be a decent road-trail hybrid.
Puma Foreverrun Nitro 2 Feel
The first word that came to mind was bouncy, which was a pleasant surprise for a stability trainer. The shoe felt responsive and the fit was perfect. This is no surprise because Puma upgraded to using dual-density NITROFOAM cushioning for a smoother, more supportive feel underfoot.
I was super optimistic after my first few short and mid-length runs in these trainers. However, after my first and only long run, I felt differently. Around 6 miles in, I started feeling some pain on my inner ankles which did not let up.
This was almost certainly due to the stability features of the shoe – I have a mostly neutral gate, and so the correction of form that a stability model offers just will not work for me after a certain amount of time running. After that, I only took these out for a couple of short recovery runs.
Puma Foreverrun Nitro 2 Fit
Puma made updates to the fit of the shoe, hoping that runners will find it more comfortable from the previous model.
While a lot of reviewers have shared mixed thoughts on the updated mesh, hourglass shape and padding in the heel, I personally thought that the fit was great.
I’ve had Puma models feel narrow before, but this model was plenty roomy without feeling too big. It may not be the best option if you have a wider foot but I’d recommend trying to shoe on for yourself to be sure.
I didn’t notice any rubbing or chafing from the extra padding around the heel and from how the tongue stayed in place. I did however feel the extra cushioning around the arch, intended for the guided stability in the shoe which I didn’t notice as much during my first shorter run.
Laces yet again fall on the shorter side, so if you’re hoping to change up the lacing you may not be able to. Although, with the heel counter you may not even need the heel lock lacing!
At the end of the day, these are a solid, max cushioned trainer made for the everyday runner who needs stability and guidance. If this doesn’t describe you, I’d pass on this model.
Similar Shoes to Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2
We’ve tested a few shoes that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:
- Saucony Hurricane – (even more cushioning and a little wider fit)
- Asics Gel Kayano – (less cushioned stability shoe)
- Hoka Skyflow – (feel a little wider in the toe box)
Who Tried It?
Kim got into running after deciding to run her first half marathon because it landed on her birthday. Afterwards, she said those famous last words: “I’ll never run a marathon!” Since then, she’s tackled many marathons and ultramarathons up to 50 miles. She loves ultra distance trail running the best and is always on the hunt for the next challenge. Her preferred trail-fuel is potatoes and coca-cola, and her favorite way to recover is on the couch with her two dogs.
Ready to run? Go check it out on puma.com for $150
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