An innovative new model from Puma, the ForeverRun Nitro takes cushioning and control to a new level with a new take on the dual-density midsole.
The midsole features two densities of the brand’s Nitrogen injected foam, Nitro. A softer core sits within a firmer, more supportive rim. This essentially helps the foot to sink a little into the cushioning and cradle the foot, helping to keep it stable.
Puma ForeverRun Nitro – First Impression
I was immediately impressed with the step-in comfort of the shoe. The softer inner core of cushioning is noticeable, and the foot sinks into the midsole.
The fit is true to size in terms of length, provides a snug secure fit in the midfoot, and is a little roomier in the forefoot. This extra space in the forefoot helps the foot to spread and create some natural stability.
The internal heel collar lining of the shoe is neatly padded and comfortable, although this padding disappears around the top of the collar.
It’s not a dealbreaker and purely only my personal preference, but I much prefer the padding to wrap up and over the top collar of the shoe.
Where the ankle collar meets the top of the laces is potentially the only area that might cause an issue.
For my first run I felt a little rubbing, but after my second, longer run this was no issue. Perhaps this was simply due to a little initial stiffness in the fabric and construction.
Puma ForeverRun Nitro – The Tech
In terms of technology, this model is jam-packed!
From the sole to the upper the shoe features Puma’s latest innovations and being a support category model it presents plenty of opportunity to exploit the available innovations.
PUMAGRIP rubber provides the outsole traction and having been around in models such as the Velocity Nitro and Deviate Nitro Elite it’s proven to provide great grip as well as durability.
Cushioning and support come from the new dual-density NITRO foam midsole. A softer inner core of the highly responsive foam sits within a firmer outer rim. This combination works well at providing a naturally balanced level of support and control.
Further support comes from the external heel clip. A small plastic piece sitting at the base of the heel counter above the cushioning.
The overall shape or ‘geometry’ of the midsole also contributes to the stability provided by this model.
A wide, flared heel as well as a flared forefoot under the ball of the foot helps to keep the foot in a more neutral position throughout your running gait.
Inside the shoe, the sock liner features a met-dome (metatarsal fore-foot dome). Often used in orthotics, this dome helps to spread the forefoot a little, again to contribute to overall stability.
The upper is an engineered mesh construction with PUMA PWRTAPE used to provide more structure and support around the foot. It’s light and breathable and the fit secures around the midfoot with a little more room in the forefoot.
Again, the added forefoot space is intentional to provide room for the foot to help stabilize itself as you push off.
Puma ForeverRun Nitro – Road Test
Immediately as I pulled the shoes on, they felt comfortable and ready to go. My initial 10k in the shoes was a very enjoyable experience.
The shoe feels soft and welcoming and the level of stability for me was spot on, similar to that provided by my Brooks Glycerin GTS.
The foot sinks nicely into the NITRO foam and the combination of the dual densities works very well. The difference between the dual densities of cushioning isn’t noticeable, only the stability yet even that is overshadowed by the springy ride of the shoe.
Here we really do have a highly capable stability shoe that provides a feel and ride similar to that of a race day super-shoe!
The wider heel and forefoot flare are spot-on in terms of function.
Puma has found the sweet spot here and despite the wider footprint, I didn’t find myself scuffing my ankles with the shoe as I did a few times while running in the Nike Invincible 3 which also has a broader footprint to provide stability.
Such was the comfort of the shoe, I followed up my initial 10k with my Sunday, long run of 16 miles. The shoe disappears around the foot and I forgot about it totally, my sign of a great shoe. It’s now become my current daily easy run shoe.
A nice, small detail that works well on the ForeverRun Nitro is the use of two lace holes in the tongue. Yes, a very minor detail, yet it ensures that the tongue sits perfectly when you tie the laces and contributes to a great fit.
Whilst I haven’t done any faster-paced tempo type running in the shoes, my pace has varied from around 8:30 minutes per mile down to just over 6-minute miles.
The shoes have handled every run perfectly well, and I’d be more than happy to use them for longer intervals on the road.
Puma ForeverRun Nitro – Conclusion
The PUMA ForeverRun Nitro is a great everyday stability trainer. It’s packed with the brand’s latest technology as well as small attention to detail to provide a great blend of cushioning and support.
The NITRO foam is soft, springy, and responsive and in this dual-density configuration works very well.
Could we perhaps see a similar use in racing shoes in the future? It would certainly help those with stability concerns in lightweight models.
The sock liner is an area where attention to detail is evident. That said, the meta-dome is so small it’s hardly noticeable, but that in itself is where potential issues could present themselves when making it larger. It’s a nice thought, though.
The PUMAGRIP outsole is great and wraps up around the medial side of the forefoot for what PUMA refer to as ‘late-stage pronators’.
Again a nice thought, but by cutting away the outsole on the medial side they almost encourage a little pronation through the arch into the forefoot. Sometimes things can be overdone and perhaps called out for the sake of marketing.
All that said, the shoe functions very well, feels great, and is a joy to run in. It’s one of the most natural-feeling support shoes I’ve run in, and it’s become a daily trainer for me.
