PUMA Velocity NITRO™ 4 Review: A Refined Daily Trainer That Quietly Impresses - Sole Mates [Episode 28]
- John Yeong
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Why the PUMA Velocity NITRO™ 4 Stands Out in a Crowded Daily Trainer Market
🎧 This review is part of our ongoing running shoe spotlight series on the Sport Plus Media podcast — "Sole Mates". In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Jacky Ong, head coach of the PUMA Nitro Run Club Singapore, who shares his insights from coaching and training in the Velocity NITRO™ 4.
The latest addition to PUMA’s performance running lineup — the PUMA Velocity NITRO™ 4 — quietly steps onto the track with a mix of familiar reliability and thoughtful upgrades. A true neutral daily trainer, this fourth iteration signals PUMA's continued push into the competitive world of modern running shoes.
With a sleek design, enhanced NITRO™ foam midsole, and impressive versatility, the Velocity NITRO™ 4 makes a strong case for your daily mileage companion.
First Impressions: Clean Aesthetic, Subtle Performance Hints
Right out of the box, the Velocity NITRO™ 4 gives off a premium vibe. PUMA has taken a minimalist approach to the upper in a retro yet modernistic design — encased in a breathable engineered mesh that feels lightweight yet durable.
Reflective hits add a touch of nighttime safety, and the streamlined silhouette makes it just as suitable for post-run coffee stops as it is for tempo work.
Colourways for men's and women's shoes are versatile, blending bold with neutral options — a nod to the modern runner’s preference for performance that doesn't compromise style.
Midsole Upgrade: Softer, Snappier, and More Efficient
The standout upgrade is the reworked NITRO™ foam midsole, which PUMA claims has been tuned for better responsiveness and long-distance comfort.
On-foot, the foam feels noticeably softer under the heel with a slightly firmer pop off the forefoot — delivering a balanced ride that suits everything from easy runs to up tempo sessions.
While not a carbon-plated speed shoe, the Velocity NITRO™ 4 offers a snappy toe-off and smoother transitions thanks to its improved geometry and refined heel bevel.
Fit & Upper: Secure and Breathable Without Overcomplication
The upper of the Velocity NITRO™ 4 continues to be one of the more underrated aspects of PUMA’s lineup. It’s breathable in warm conditions and features strategically placed overlays for added midfoot structure. The heel collar is padded without being overly plush, and the gusseted tongue stays in place across the duration of your run.
The fit runs true to size for most, feeling just nice for narrow to mid-volume feet while still accommodating to other foot shapes without feeling sloppy.
Outsole Grip: PUMAGRIP Still Delivers
One of PUMA’s quiet superpowers remains its PUMAGRIP rubber outsole — and the Velocity NITRO™ 4 continues that legacy. Whether on wet pavement, gravel paths, or dry tarmac, grip remains excellent. Durability has proven solid in past models, and early mileage on the NITRO™ 4 suggests the outsole will hold up just as well over time.
Insights from the Track: Jacky Ong on the Velocity NITRO 4
Coach Jacky Ong praised the shoe’s ability to “handle back-to-back sessions with ease” and highlighted its “everyday versatility” for runners of all levels.
As the head coach of PUMA Nitro Run Club Singapore, Jacky brings real-world coaching insights to the review — particularly around how the shoe holds up under consistent use from new runners to seasoned athletes.
Speaking on the Sole Mates podcast by SportPlus.sg, Jacky shared that the Velocity NITRO™ 4 is the PUMA shoe he reaches for the most in his weekly rotation.
"It’s the kind of shoe that adapts to your needs," he said. "I can take it for slightly more uptempo sessions when I feel good, and on days when my legs are feeling beaten up, it still gives me the cushioning I need."
Jacky also highlighted the shoe's exceptional value for money: "At the price it’s being sold, it punches well above its weight. You’re getting a lot of tech, comfort, and durability without paying the premium price you see on other brands’ daily trainers."
This balance — responsive enough for progression runs, yet forgiving on recovery days — is what makes the Velocity NITRO™ 4 a standout choice for runners looking for a do-it-all shoe without breaking the bank.
What’s New in Version 4? Key Upgrades from the Velocity NITRO 3
PUMA didn’t just do a cosmetic refresh with the Velocity NITRO 4 — the updates are subtle but impactful, especially for runners familiar with version 3.
100% NITRO™ Foam Midsole: One of the biggest changes — version 4 now features a full-length NITRO™ foam midsole, replacing the dual-density setup used in version 3 (which had standard EVA above and NITRO™ below). The result? A more consistent, responsive, and smoother ride from heel to toe.
Another one of the most noticeable improvements is the reduction in weight. Version 4 feels significantly lighter on foot, making transitions feel smoother and less fatiguing, especially over longer distances.
Another upgrade comes in the midfoot fit. For runners who found the Velocity NITRO™ 3 slightly too snug through the arch and midfoot, version 4 offers a slightly wider platform — enough to improve comfort and accommodate a wider range of foot shapes, without losing the secure lockdown that the line is known for.
Combined with the refined NITRO™ foam tuning and improved geometry, these changes make the Velocity NITRO™ 4 not just a good sequel — but arguably the most runner-friendly and versatile version yet.
Who It’s For: A Reliable Daily Trainer That Flies Under the Radar
The PUMA Velocity NITRO™ 4 is a great option for:
Neutral runners looking for a reliable, versatile daily trainer
Beginners seeking comfort without sacrificing performance
Runners rotating between speed and long runs who want a dependable middle-ground shoe
It doesn’t have the aggressive marketing presence of other super shoes, but what it does have is substance, comfort, and consistency.
Final Verdict: Velocity NITRO™ 4 Is PUMA’s Quiet Confidence
The PUMA Velocity NITRO™ 4 doesn’t chase trends. Instead, it offers a consistent, no-nonsense ride that quietly improves on its already solid foundation. At a competitive price point, with high-end midsole tech and a dialed-in fit, it’s a daily trainer that deserves more attention in 2025’s crowded running shoe market.
Whether you’re logging miles, coaching athletes, or just starting your running journey, the Velocity NITRO™ 4 proves itself as one of PUMA’s best neutral trainers to date.
Where to Buy the PUMA Velocity NITRO™ 4 in Singapore:
If you're looking to upgrade your daily trainer rotation, the PUMA Velocity NITRO™ 4 is now available at multiple retail locations and online:
🛒 Shop now at:
PUMA 313@Somerset
PUMA Bugis+
PUMA VivoCity
Selected iRUN stores islandwide
Whether you're a seasoned runner looking for a versatile and comfortable shoe for everyday miles or new to running, the Velocity NITRO 4 offers incredible value and performance in one clean package. #PUMASG #PUMARunning #VelocityNITRO4