Thanks to the love for food among Malaysians, there is an ever-growing recognition of maintaining good health and keeping fit. Many are also aware that the quality of fitness goods can improve results while reducing injuries during training.
Amongst the many global sports brand, PUMA is one that recently introduced the re-engineered PUMA Running range with the Run XX Nitro Running Shoe. Interestingly, the double X pays homage to the two female X chromosomes.
As you may know by now, according to PUMA, the shoe is tuned to the female foot. Highlights include a brand-new firmer and durable midsole that is engineered to be just the right mix of comfortable and durable. There's also an updated fit designed to hug the heel, instep, and arch in just the right way.
About Editor
As a casual runner (see: multiple jogs per week), my running knowledge extends only as far as understanding my cadence (6.44 per km) as well as knowing how to value the actual difference between non-running and proper running shoes.
With the former, your calves would tell you that you've got the wrong shoes. And with the latter, you'll find yourself running longer (and quicker).
With all of that in mind, I was interested to see how I would fare with the PUMA Run XX Nitro Running Shoes for Women.
The way PUMA has it constructed, "...(has) a firm density rim that promotes proper alignment", "high-traction rubber outsole" and "NITRO Foam midsole"... it all just sounds like a very protective shoe, especially for those who have oddly wide feet constantly forced to get bigger-sized shoes (that is me).
Not to mention, these PUMA Run XX Nitro ones are RM599. So, would I see a difference compared to my budget running shoes (listed in some top 10 listicles)?
After a couple of weeks to try them out, I did see several differences to justify that price.
Specifications & Details
- Sizes available from UK 3 to UK7 (Women)
- Low boot construction
- Mesh upper & mesh tongue
- Lace closure
- NITRO Foam midsole
- PUMAGRIP high-traction rubber outsole
- FOOTSTRIKE GUIDANCE - a firm density rim that promotes proper alignment
First Impression
Running shoes can just look the same among the many types it has across many brands. For these PUMA Nitro ones, I like how well-constructed and simple yet bold the shoe looks. They look bouncy, yes, but I can assure you that they are decently firm and well-cushioned without feeling like you're going to fall (I run on uneven tar roads a lot).
Upon wearing, the shoes do seem bulky compared to my usual A***** ones. But, the Run XX Nitro felt protective, with the lace closure and midsole hugging my feet comfortably. Even though I am a petite person at 15Xcm, I did not look like I have big feet.
At the back of the shoes are also light reflectors to keep nightfall/early birds running with safety from unsuspecting cars.
Wear And Comfort
As mentioned before, PUMA says the shoe is tuned to the female foot. Upon first wear and run, you'll be able to feel how durable the midsoles are, engineered to be between comfortable and durable.
For those who worry about the shoe not being the perfect fit; PUMA has designed them to hug the heel so as to keep your running worry-free of injuries. And with this feature, I felt that my ankle along with my instep was well protected, though one might find it uncomfortable.
Plus, as someone with medium to high arched feet, the arch support felt just right. If anything, they felt snug and firm with no discomfort. It is also all thanks to PUMA'S Footstrike Guidance feature that makes the feet stay at the centre.
Performance
PUMA has kept long-distance runners in mind when designing the Run XX Nitro, having found that most women look for stability in a shoe when running over 8km. Although I am no proper long-distance runner (I do about 3km endurance running per session), I did think these shoes made some difference for me, at least in my stint of wearing them for two weeks (about 5 sessions).
- My legs were strictly kept in the middle, which reduced any excess shifting of my feet.
- The arch and midsole supports were pretty firm. No random bounciness when running or any fear of running over rocks.
- The grip is good; enough to give me this odd confidence in running over most bumps and slightly wet roads without slips.
- Although not weightless, the thick and firm arch did not feel particularly heavy when running nor caused any aches in my calves on long, hilly walks (about 7km).
- Aside from keeping my feet right in the middle, the Nitro foam and tongue of the shoes stopped any signs of heel slippage; my ankles felt comfortably supported without the shoelaces loosening.
- According to my sister (my running partner), I was running faster than usual, and I didn't notice it.
Conclusion
- Our rating: 8/10
- Pros: Simple yet bold design; well-constructed and protective of the whole foot; Footstrike Guidance feature that promotes proper feet alignment; good sole grip; Wears well on mid-high arch soles
- Cons: Weight is just alright (but doesn't cause any aches so far); Breathability is tolerable but not the best
- Who is it for? For the ones who are looking to improve their running game, especially long-distance runners; this one is a great pick up. It's not too expensive for the amount of support you get for your feet. Plus, it feels well-built and should last you quite a while.
As a casual runner who has never gone into getting mid-range shoes, I can see how the PUMA Run XX Nitro is a good step-up.
While beginners might not be able to tell the difference, they and us casual runners would still be able to appreciate right away how good these shoes are. If you pick up the PUMA Run XX Nitro, you'll be glad to get satisfactory comfort with almost full-scaled protection and safety.