Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 Review
By Matthew Klein
Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2Price: $150 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10.4 oz, 295 g (men's size 9 / women's size 10.5)
Stack Height: 38 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot
Drop: 10 mm
Shoe Purpose: Mild/Moderate Guidance Training Shoe
Pros: Secure Fit, Comfortable Guidance/Stability, Good Heel Transition, Great for Consistent Efforts
Cons: Mild Lace Bite from Thin Tongue, Heavier than Previous Version,
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 is Puma's completed updated stability/guidance daily training shoe. A new ride provides a highly cushioned and bouncy new Nitro midsole that transitions smoothly at easy and longer efforts. A new upper provides a lower volume but slightly wider fit, locking things down with new PWRTAPE. The guidance has been redesigned to keep the sidewall/external support but add a new dual-density Nitro foam setup with a softer core and a firmer lining that keeps the foot centered throughout the length of the shoe. If "second time is the charm" was a shoe, the ForeverRun Nitro 2 would be it.
SIMILAR SHOES: Mount to Coast P1, Saucony Tempus 2
PAST MODEL: Puma ForeverRun Nitro
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 fits me true to size in my normal Men's US size 10. The fit is wider in the forefoot and transitions into normal to slightly snug in the heel. The volume is fairly low over the forefoot, which initially made me concerned this shoe would fit short. This is partially from the thicker upper material and from pressure from the PWRTAPE lines that create additional structure. After a few miles this feeling goes away and leaves you with a slightly wider fit that sits securely over the foot. Even over 14 mile runs I have not had any issues but those sensitive to lower volumes may struggle here. This transitions into normal width midfoot that features a thin but strongly gusseted tongue. The gusseting locks the foot down really well but the overly thin tongue does create the opportunity for lace bite. I had to be extremely careful with how tightly I tied the laces as it was easy to get too much pressure on the top of my foot. Like the low forefoot volume feeling, this tongue issue was alleviated with thicker socks for the most part. Those with sensitive extensor tendons or tops of their feet may want to approach cautiously.
Despite this, the heel fits securely thanks to a ton of heel padding and a normal to slightly snug fit. Combined with the elevated sidewalls, there is a moderately stiff heel counter. This was noticeable and those that are sensitive to stiff counters may still notice this a little. Fortunately, the lower volume and strongly gusseted tongue kept my feet firmly in the shoe, so I did not have to tighten the laces that much to get a secure fit. While the inner liner is comfortable against bare feet, I would absolutely keep socks on with this shoe due to the lower volume and thin tongue.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Moderately
How Flexible is the Shoe: Mildly
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: Somewhat
Recommended for Sockless: Not
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 is a daily training shoe for easy, long and some uptempo miles. The midsole is duel density of a newer formula of Nitro foam (TPEE). There is a softer center with a slightly firmer outer portion. Overall, the ride is well-cushioned, moderately soft and bouncy. It is bouncy enough that it feels lighter than the 11 oz / 310g weight for my size 10. There is a 10mm heel drop that feels closer to 7-8mm drop thanks to how much the sole compresses during my heel strike. The heel transition is smooth (unlike the last version) thanks to a large heel bevel with a slight lateral bias and a lateral section that compresses. This continues into a smooth and stable midfoot. The forefoot features a decent forefoot rocker, mild toe spring and moderate flexibility. This creates a smooth transition that isn't fast but is comfortable. The softer but bouncy foam feels best at easier efforts and maintains its form extremely well over long runs. The slightly higher weight and the slightly slower responding foam does not respond great to fast paces but does decently at uptempo efforts. I have done pick ups and a fartlek in this shoe and while it does not feel like it can go top speed, it can make paces changes. It feels far better at easier consistent paces, which is where this shoe function best.
Traction-wise, the ForeverRun Nitro 2 is excellent on man made surfaces. The PUMAGRIP outsole grips well on road, wet road, track and smooth trails. There is enough outsole to do mild trails but a real trail shoe will be necessary for anything more than that. The durability is also excellent as I have 75 miles on my pair with only a small bit of wear on the outsole even in my usual spot. The midsole foam has maintained its resiliency and has not softened or lost its bounce over these miles. This makes me suspect that this shoe will last an above average number of miles.
VIDEO: Matt compares v1 with v2
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 is a mild-to-moderate guidance shoe. While there is no medial or lateral post in this shoe, there are tall sidewalls with extended external reinforcements at the heel into the midfoot, a wider sole (especially in the midfoot) and a midsole design with a softer foam in the middle and a firmer foam on both the medial and lateral sides. Together, Puma calls this the "Run Guide" system and from a guidance standpoint it works quite well. Initially, I did not feel a post but felt the difference between the medial and central parts of the shoe through its entire length. Those that need guidance from the heel all the way to the forefoot will do well in this shoe. It almost felt like there was a mild medial wedge in the forefoot (elevated medial forefoot), but this actually occurs due the contrast between the softer center foam and firmer medial/lateral foam. There is also a decent amount of sole flare at the forefoot, which makes that area well-guided.
The midfoot has great guidance as the medial side is filled in with additional outsole material as well. The gusseting locks the foot in well and the firmer outer layer of midsole foam provides noticeable but comfortable resistance to frontal plane motion. This continues in the heel, which features sole flare, the external reinforcements/sidewalls and the midsole contrast. This initially felt a little stiff with the amount of guidance feeling the highest of the entire shoe (My lateral ankle muscles started to tighthen a little). This went away as the shoe broke in to me and especially with how smooth the heel transition is. This makes this an excellent shoe for those with mild up to moderate guidance/stability needs the full length of the shoe with a little higher level in the heel/midfoot.
Thoughts as a DPT: Transitioning Into New Shoes
By Matthew Klein
As the stability category has shrunk in recent years, my testing of that category has followed suit. Although I still typically do best in some form of stability, most of the shoes I have had to gravitate toward have been stable neutral shoes. Stable neutral is a term we have been throwing around for some time that refers to shoes that featuring wider soles, sidewalls and mild methods that make shoes a touch stable without being full-on stability shoes. Stability or guidance shoes are ones that feature specific mechanisms meant to influence either the foot position or foot movement often in the frontal (side to side) plane. However, it should be known that many different parts of both neutral and stability shoes influence frontal plane motion.
Regardless, when you shift between shoes, it is normal to have some mild aches during the transition. Every shoe is different and you are putting your body in a new situation you must adapt to. In the case of the ForeverRun Nitro 2, the start of my first run resulted in the muscles on the lateral side of my ankle/lower leg tightening up. Stopping and gently stretching them stopped this immediately. After the first run, my legs were a tiny bit sore from just a normal 10 mile run. This is completely normal as I have not run in a stability shoe for a while. The soreness comes from the muscles and my body being exposed to forces and loading in a slightly different way. 75 miles later I am doing fine and keep reaching for this shoe even though I have other things I need to test.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: The sole of the Puma Forever Nitro 2 is a massive upgrade over the original. The foam is bouncier, the heel transitions way smoother than the guidance is done far better. The only upgrades that need to occur are on the upper. For a company known to make super light uppers, I was surprised how thick this one is. I would highly suggest thinning this out as it may add unnecessary weight. Unlike the rest of the upper, I would encourage some padding in the tongue. The lace bit can be irritating, especially at the ankle joint when going faster downhill. There does not need to be much, only a slight addition to offset this. Outside of those minor updates, this is a great shoe that is a solid contender for stability shoe of the year. However, it is only February of 2025 as I write this, so we will have to see what the rest of the year brings.
Editor's note: just wait til next week! :O
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 is a daily training shoe for those with mild to moderate guidance needs. The fit will work best for those who want a little more width in the forefoot but are ok with a low riding upper and a really thin tongue. The ride will work best for those who want a bouncy, well-cushioned ride that transitions fairly smoothly with a slightly higher drop that doesn't feel that tall. Those who need mild to moderate guidance throughout the length of the shoe, particularly in the heel and midfoot, will do well. The Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 is a massive change from the previous version and is one of the few additions to the stability/guidance market in recent years. While not a fast shoe, it does a fantastic job of being a daily mileage shoe that will eat up miles. A $150 price tag is competitive in today's market, especially with such a high outsole durability While some mild upper issues still need to be addressed, the ForeverRun Nitro 2 will be far more runnable for people than the prior version. While I am happy with the update... is it too much to ask for a lightweight trainer version?
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B (Lower volume with slightly wider fit. Thin tongue causes some lace bite so thick socks are a must)
Performance: B+/A- (Smooth transition that works extremely well for easy and long runs. Less speed versatility but can handle some uptempo efforts)
Stability: A- [Mild/Moderate Guidance] (Heel/Midfoot sidewalls with filled in midfoot and full length dual density midsole with softer center for central guidance)
Value: A- (Solid shoe with decent fit that has great durability. Competitive price point)
Personal: A- (Although the fit is a tiny bit off, this has still been my favorite stability shoe recently)
Overall Design: B+/A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORPrice: $150 at Running Warehouse
Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2
Shop Men | Shop Women
*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!
Check out Gear We Love
Naked Belt The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist.
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
FURTHER READING
A lower stack but cushioned trainer for On.
A simple stability trainer for a large array of folks.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
Thanks for reading!
FOLLOW DOCTORS OF RUNNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Strava: Doctors of Running
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Pinterest: Doctors of Running
PODCAST
Check out the Doctors of Running Podcast to find more reviews, interviews, and running features from the team.
Visit our Podcast Page
Find us on Apple
Find us on Spotify
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
NEXT: On Cloudsurfer Next
