As a seasoned cross-country and track runner, my shoe collection reads like a novel, each pair representing a chapter in my ongoing quest for the perfect fit. From Mizunos to Hokas to my trusty Brooks Adrenalines, I’ve tried them all in pursuit of injury-free miles. Yet, one brand has remained conspicuously absent from my repertoire: Puma.
When Puma approached me about testing their latest offering—the Puma Run XX Nitro—touted as designed specifically for women’s feet, I was intrigued. Having previously experimented with Lululemon’s Blissfeel, another shoe marketed for its female-centric design, I was eager to see how Puma’s creation measured up. Thus, armed with a pair of Run XX Nitros, I embarked on a week-long testing journey to put them through their paces.
Introducing the Puma Run XX Nitro
The Puma Run XX Nitro marks a departure from convention as the brand’s first shoe devoid of a male counterpart. Claiming a “progressive, female-specific design,” Puma asserts that the shoe is engineered to cradle a woman’s foot at key points—heel, instep, and arch. The nomenclature, “XX,” pays homage to its female-focused genesis, with a nod to the double X chromosome.
Categorized as a stability shoe, the Run XX Nitro is crafted to curb side-to-side foot motion, commonly known as pronation. Puma purports that the shoe not only fosters proper alignment but also maintains foot centrality throughout each stride.
Retailing at $130, the Puma Run XX Nitro is available in six colorways, catering to women’s shoe sizes 5.5 to 12.
What I Like About the Puma Run XX Nitro
1. Supportive Structure:
As a sufferer of plantar fasciitis, I prioritize footwear with ample support. The Run XX Nitro delivers with a firm yet accommodating feel, courtesy of its Nitro foam midsole. While it’s unclear whether the female-focused design is solely responsible, the cushioning provided significant arch support, staving off post-run foot fatigue. The plush yet resilient cushioning also proved beneficial for cross-training and extended walks, standing in stark contrast to my experience with the Lululemon Chargefeel.
2. Reliable Traction:
Puma’s boast of “high traction rubber” outsoles proved accurate in my trials. Whether pounding the pavement or traversing uneven surfaces, the Run XX Nitro offered consistent grip. While I didn’t test them on off-road terrain, I have no doubt they’d hold their own.
3. Enhanced Stability:
As an over-pronator, I’m susceptible to inward foot rolling upon impact. While a shoe can’t single-handedly rectify this, the Run XX Nitro admirably promotes alignment, minimizing such deviations. I experienced no discernible ankle rolling while wearing them.
4. Style and Size Variety:
True to size, the Run XX Nitro accommodated my feet comfortably in my standard size 8. The aesthetic appeal was also a win, with the light purple hue of my pair ranking among the prettiest in my collection. For those favoring more understated designs, Puma offers neutral alternatives to suit varied tastes.
What I Dislike About the Puma Run XX Nitro
1. Bulkiness for Speed Work:
While ideal for steady runs, the Run XX Nitro falls short during speed intervals. The substantial foam midsole, while laudable for distance, proved cumbersome for sprints, impeding my pace. Moreover, at 8.25 ounces, they lag behind lighter options for track workouts.
2. Initial Discomfort:
Upon the inaugural wear, I encountered discomfort as the shoe’s tongue dug into the top of my foot. Fortunately, the issue abated swiftly, with subsequent wears proving trouble-free. The spacious toe box averted blisters or ongoing discomfort.
Is the Puma Run XX Nitro Worth It?
For runners seeking a dependable stability shoe tailored to the female anatomy, the Puma Run XX Nitro warrants consideration. While individual preferences vary, I found its blend of comfort and support commendable. Unless prioritizing featherweight construction for sprints, the Run XX Nitro proves a solid choice for pavement pounding. Plus, with Puma’s 45-day free returns policy, there’s little risk in giving them a spin.
