Puma Velocity Nitro 4 Review: The Best Value Daily Trainer of 2025?
- FORDY RUNS
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Key Items
Price: £110
Weight (UK 9.5): 244g
Drop: 10mm (36mm heel / 26mm forefoot)
Use: Daily training, from easy miles to tempo runs
Surface: RoadBest
For: Runners of all levels seeking a versatile, responsive, and affordable daily trainer
🔍 First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 makes a strong impression—sleek design, upgraded materials, and a refined feel that punches well above its price tag. And after putting some miles in, I can confidently say: this is probably the best value daily trainer you can buy right now.
🆕 What’s New in Version 4?
The Velocity Nitro 4 sees a significant overhaul from its predecessor. Key updates include:
Full-length Nitro Foam midsole: Previously a dual setup (Nitro + EVA-based ProFoam Lite), the new full Nitro midsole is lighter, bouncier, and way more responsive.
Redesigned upper: More breathable with Puma’s Adaptive Fit system. Lockdown and comfort are top-tier.
Updated PumaGrip outsole: Still excellent in grip but now with a tweaked design—although there’s a catch, which we’ll get to later.
Reduced weight: My UK 9.5 pair weighs just 244g—a noticeable drop.
👟 Fit & Sizing
Sizing with Puma continues to be hit-or-miss. While this model fits me well, I have to wear thinner socks to avoid rubbing on one side of the shoe. Compared to the Puma Magnify, which had uncomfortable power tape on the medial side, the Velocity 4's lack of power tape actually improved the comfort and flexibility of the upper.
So while the sizing worked for me, wide-footed runners may want to try before buying or consider going up half a size.
🛣️ Ride & Performance
Let’s cut to the chase—the ride is brilliant.
The full-length Nitro foam delivers a smooth, responsive and bouncy feel that makes the Velocity 4 a joy to run in. Whether you’re picking up the pace or cruising through recovery miles, this shoe adapts well. Compared to shoes like the Brooks Ghost 17, which feels firmer and heavier, the Velocity 4 feels more modern, nimble, and energetic. It’s honestly impressive Puma can deliver this level of ride quality at this price point.
⚠️ The One Concern: Durability
After about 20 miles, I started noticing some early wear on the outsole, particularly the PumaGrip rubber. That’s surprising, considering PumaGrip has typically been among the best for traction and durability.
To be fair, it could be a one-off issue, and I’ve only tested this pair on London roads (i.e., smooth tarmac). But it’s something to keep an eye on, especially if you’re expecting 400+ miles from your daily trainer.
✅ Likes
Full-length Nitro foam: Makes the shoe lively, responsive, and versatile.
Upper comfort & fit (for me): Breathable and flexible without the restrictive power tape.
Weight: Noticeably lighter than V3.
Lockdown & build: Solid and secure.
Looks: Even in the triple black version, it has a sleek aesthetic—and better colorways are available.
Value: At £110, this is a steal—and with common discounts, you could land it for under £100.
❌ Dislikes (Well, Just One)
Outsole wear: Slightly concerning early signs of durability issues. Time will tell.
🎯 Who Should Buy It?
This shoe is ideal for:
New runners looking for a reliable, comfortable daily trainer.
Parkrun or 10K runners wanting a versatile option without breaking the bank.
Marathoners with big rotations needing a lighter, cheaper option for daily mileage.
Anyone chasing value. Period.
