With 2024 in full swing, it’s time for the third iteration of most of Puma’s Nitro running shoe lineup. The first pair to get a refresh is the Velocity Nitro 3, best known as their comfortable yet speedy daily trainer.

Puma notes the Velocity Nitro 3 now features more of the secret sauce - Nitro - than ever before. The new shoe’s midsole actually combines two different technologies. Firstly Nitrofoam - their nitrogen-infused foam, and Profoamlite, which should provide more cushioning, comfort and versatility during runs.

If you are to look at specs, it appears that the Nitro 3 picked up a bit of weight during the off-season, coming in at 264g, compared to the 249g of the Velocity 2 (review). This might be due to the midsole and the addition of a heel-spoiler, which Puma believes adds enhanced stability.

This shoe is for neutral runners, while also carrying a 8mm heel-to-toe drop. As far as upper is concerned, the breatable mesh upper comes lined with another Puma technology called PWRTAPE, which offers targetted support and structure in areas most prone to stress, according the the sport brand. The excellent Pumagrip again provides traction on the outsole, as done in previous versions, with Puma noting a lifespan of 800 km.

The first colourway to make an appearance is called Psychedelic Rush with striking colours all around and even a dash of pink appearing in the women’s version of the shoe.

And the best has been left for last, since Puma dropped the price slightly, now coming in at R2 600, R200 less than the previous version. The Velocity Nitro 3 will be available from 9 February 2024, at PUMA.com, in PUMA Retail stores and Totalsports.