PUMA ForeverRun Nitro 2 review

We really think that the PUMA ForeverRun Nitro 2 is a solid choice for:

• Runners looking for a stability shoe with a knit upper, a rare option on the market.
• Those who need support but still want a flexible shoe that bends easily and feels comfortable for daily use.
• Heel strikers who place high value on traction as a key feature in their running shoes.

The heel cup of the ForeverRun nitro 2 works hard to control motion in the rearfoot, but it can feel awkward for heel strikers. For a more natural stability setup, we recommend checking the ASICS GT 2000 13 or the New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo v6, which both provide a less intrusive experience.

Additionally, we believe this shoe is not ideal for those seeking a max-stack ride. At 35.3 mm in the heel, it doesn’t deliver the towering cushioning some runners expect. If you prefer a higher, ultra-cushioned platform, we suggest the ASICS Gel Kayano 31 or the Saucony Hurricane 24, which provide that high-stack feel while keeping the necessary support.

One standout feature of the ForeverRun Nitro 2 (true to its name) is the ample shock absorption that makes it suitable for a wide range of distances. In our ASTM F1976 test, we measured 139 SA in the heel and 105 SA in the forefoot.

This shoe features Nitro foam, which is a supercritical compound that PUMA now uses in most of its high-end trainers.

In our lab energy return test, we measured 60.5% bounce in the heel and a slightly higher 63.6% in the forefoot. Is that good enough? For a stability shoe designed for daily runs, we’d say yes.

This shoe carries over a platform very similar to its predecessor, the ForeverRun Nitro, so it’s no surprise that the heel stack height is close to average at 35.3 mm.

As with its energy return and shock absorption, this setup works well for a daily trainer. We’re also glad PUMA kept the stack height reasonable instead of pushing it unnecessarily to 40 mm.

After measuring the heel, we turned to the forefoot and found a stack height of 26.5 mm, only 0.1 mm less than version 1, so it feels essentially the same. Once again, we appreciate the more grounded design, which also works very well for walking or casual use too.

The ForeverRun Nitro 2 features a moderately high drop, measuring exactly 8.8 mm. It’s a safe design that suits most footstrikes while also helping heel strikers roll smoothly forward into the toe-off phase.

The foam’s softness remains unchanged, confirming why version 2 feels so similar to version 1. In fact, it would be nearly impossible to notice a difference in a blind test.

Our durometer measured 19.5 HA, which, as you’ve probably noticed throughout this review, is right around the average for running shoes. PUMA clearly reserved its wild DNA for models like the MagMax Nitro.

When we looked closely at the rocker design of the ForeverRun Nitro 2, it became clear where PUMA aimed its focus. The forefoot has almost no upward curve, making it feel flat and grounded under the toes. This means forefoot and midfoot strikers won’t get much rolling assistance here, relying instead on their own push-off power.

In contrast, the heel is noticeably rounded. This geometry smooths out landings and helps heel strikers transition forward with less effort. From our perspective, this rocker profile makes the shoe especially friendly to heel strikers and beginners, while forefoot runners will experience a more traditional ride.

The PUMA ForeverRun Nitro 2 fits a little differently than the earlier model. But because the knit upper stretches, it feels roomier on foot than numbers alone suggest.

We measured 92.9 mm in width, which is below average and clearly narrower than the 97.9 mm recorded in the first version.

The toebox offers slightly more space, which is a positive change. We measured 73.1 mm, though it feels roomier in practice thanks to the stretch of the knit upper.

We found that toebox height is not an issue here.

Our measurement was 28.1 mm, and with the knit fabric, it’s unlikely that runners will feel any pressure on the toes.

Our grip test gave a score of 0.63, which is very high and proves the shoe delivers excellent traction even on wet surfaces. This result didn’t surprise us, as it uses PumaGrip rubber, one of the top compounds in running shoes.

We discovered that the outsole features segmented rubber sections alongside exposed EVA foam. PumaGrip rubber appears in the forefoot and heel with wavy-shaped lugs. Some cutouts expose parts of the midsole but overall, the coverage is solid.

The heel has a horseshoe-shaped rubber design that wraps around the edge, leaving a centre cutout to reduce weight. In the midfoot, extra rubber in the medial side adds durability for pronators, reinforcing the shoe’s stability focus and giving a bit more structure than neutral shoes.

One benefit of keeping the stack height moderate and not going maximalist is that flexibility remains high, which adds comfort for both easy runs and walking. In our 30-degree test, we measured just 10.8N, a notably low result.

Now for the downside. Version 1 came in at 9.7 oz (274g), but this update tips the scale at 10.3 oz (291g). No matter how you frame it, that’s a step backward.

Is it a deal-breaker? Absolutely not. The difference is barely noticeable while running, but if you hold version 1 and then pick up version 2, you can clearly feel the added weight.

Knit uppers usually face challenges with breathability since they are thicker than the engineered mesh seen in most running shoes. On the positive side, they bring great comfort, which is why we believe that PUMA decided to use this material in this model.

Despite this, ventilation turned out surprisingly effective. The shoe earned a 4/5 score for airflow, making it suitable for year-round use. The clean white colorway of the shoe we purchased also helps keep the upper cooler in warm conditions.

Instead of relying on large ventilation holes, PUMA spread hundreds of small perforations throughout the upper and added bigger ones in the toebox. They also used a thinner knit layer than usual, which improves breathability without sacrificing too much comfort.

When we looked at the upper under the microscope, it was clear why it feels soft and cosy.

That comfort factor, however, explains why this shoe is heavier.

Finally, the padding setup balances support and airflow. The heel comes with good padding for comfort, while the tongue has less, allowing for better breathability across the top of the foot.

Stability is the defining trait of this shoe, and for good reason. It pairs a wide midsole base with PUMA’s Run Guide System in the heel, creating a platform that keeps the foot steady right from landing.

The grey plastic insert secures the heel and directs it forward rather than sideways, making it one of the more intrusive stability systems we’ve tested in the last months. Still, in a shoe that also offers solid flexibility and a comfortable knit upper, this approach makes sense—and for runners who need firm support, it works very well.

One standout feature of this shoe is its rare mix of flexibility and strong stability. We rated its torsional rigidity at just 2/5, so if that combination is what you’re after, the ForeverRun Nitro 2 is your next shoe.

The heel counter is fairly flexible due to the knit construction, which explains why PUMA reinforced it with a strong heel cup to maintain stability for heel strikers. We rated it at another 2/5.

We found the ForeverRun Nitro 2 to be ultra-wide once again, with our forefoot measurement hitting 121.3 mm.

It's clear that most brands are now shifting toward this extra-broad approach for stability shoes. And it makes sense, it's a design that naturally improves balance and control.

The heel is also very broad, though slightly narrower than the first version. Our measurement dropped from 101.8 mm in version 1 to 97.6 mm here, which feels more reasonable and appropriate for a shoe with this stack height.

When we tested the ForeverRun Nitro 2, we expected the knit upper with ventilation holes to struggle, as this material often does against our Dremel. Instead, it delivered a surprisingly solid outcome.

Our result was 4/5. Sure, it's not the maximum, but still impressive for a knit-based upper that balances airflow with structure.

The heel didn’t perform as well as we expected, but a 3/5 rating is still far from being a concern in this tests.

We tested the PumaGrip rubber with our Dremel and measured 1.0 mm of material removed from the outsole. This is an average result that indicates a solid shelf life for the ForeverRun Nitro 2.

To add extra durability, the ForeverRun Nitro 2 comes with 3.6 mm of outsole thickness, meaning even heavy pronators would need to log significant miles on abrasive terrain before wearing it down completely.

The insole is slightly thicker than what we usually measure in the lab, with our callipers showing 5.5 mm.

One of the biggest advantages of PUMA’s Nitro foam is that it isn’t EVA-based. As a result, it handles cold conditions much better, with softness changing only 23% after spending 20 minutes in the freezer next to our ice creams.

The insole is slightly flared at the heel to create a sink-in effect and add a bit more stability. However, it can easily be swapped out for your favourite option without any issue.

We’re glad to see that PUMA added reflective elements to the ForeverRun Nitro 2. They won’t determine a purchase, but they’re always a useful detail to have.

Like most knit-based uppers, the ForeverRun Nitro 2 comes with a super-thin tongue that lacks any padding. Not needed at all for comfort, but take into account it when lacing it up so you don't overdo it with pressure.

We discovered that the lacing system features flat laces running through reinforced eyelets with extra side loops that distribute pressure evenly across the midfoot. Perforations in the tongue aid ventilation too.

The tongue is semi-gusseted, providing excellent lockdown. It's a smart choice since PUMA opted against a sock-like upper this time, even while using knit material.

In our view, the ForeverRun Nitro 2 is fairly priced for the features it provides. It also stands out as a rare option, since few stability shoes combine a knit upper, excellent traction, and enough versatility to stay comfortable for everyday wear.

We found that the heel features a finger-loop tab made from the same knit material as the upper, seamlessly extending from the collar without extra stitching or overlays. It’s reinforced with a stitched edge for durability and carries a small PUMA logo patch.