The RW Takeaway: Puma’s new stability running shoe, the ForeverRun Nitro, has RunGuide support to reduce pronation. The Nitro midsole also provides a soft—and propulsive—ride.
Preceded by: Magnify Nitro, The brands new holistic approach to stability aims to reduce injury risk for runners, Running in the Cold, Why Trust Us
Key Tech: Published: Apr 25, 2023 5:33 PM EDT
Pros
- The First Step to Running More? Buy a Rice Cooker
- All About 75 Hard
- oz M, 7.9 oz W
Cons
- CA Notice at Collection
| Type | Road, Stability |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.7 oz (M), 7.9 oz (W) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
Within the past couple of years, Puma has performed a major revamp on its approach to running footwear. I witnessed this evolution since my start at RW, when the very first Puma shoe I reviewed was the Hybrid Runner. It had high rebound, but its weight worked against it. The midsole was also something to reckon with, resembling fat salt grains on a county-fair pretzel. Fast-forward five years, and we now know the panther can produce a super shoe worthy of helping A Part of Hearst Digital Media. We also now know Puma can create a steadfast everyday trainer after we logged hundreds of miles in the Velocity Nitro. The brand’s next step is cracking the stability category, which Puma does with the ForeverRun Nitro.
We got our first look at the ForeverRun Nitro last fall, when the Puma team hashed out its intention with the shoe: to lower injury rates caused by erratic pronation. It’s a little déjà vu; we heard a similar spiel from Brooks back in 2019 when the brand introduced its guide rails. Puma’s support is called RunGuide, but similarities end here. Unlike Brooks’s guide rails—which act like “bumpers” on the lateral and medial side of the heel and midfoot—Puma’s RunGuide reduces pronation velocity while TPU wrapped along the outside of the heel provides additional support.
Nitro Midsole
The ForeverRun has the same midsole foam as the Deviate and Velocity—why else would their names all contain “Nitro”? But the Nitro in the ForeverRun is surrounded by a firmer rim of foam, resulting in a dual-density midsole that feels softer and provides more responsiveness and stability. The second key ingredient is the sockliner, which was engineered by Kaiser Sport & Ortopædi, a Denmark-based clinic and retailer that specializes in running and walking. The high-cushioned sockliner has a molded heel cup and metatarsal pad. Besides providing arch support, the insole’s other aim is to promote proprioception (the self’s sense of movement and body position).
It all sounds so holistic, much like Brooks’s guide rails system. One tester even mentioned how the ForeverRun feels like the Glycerin GTS, a Brooks stability shoe. Pushing aside what to some may sound like mumbo-jumbo, the proof is in the run.
The shoe fits a little loose, which requires some extra lace tightening, but its ride checks all the boxes. The dual-density midsole buffers impact and provides plenty of cushion.
“I loved the overall ride and comfort with each step. No matter what type of weather I ran in or how long I ran, these shoes were sturdy and provided the amount of comfort I need as a heel-striker,” said a tester. “In addition, the cushion and stability combination in the heel and forefoot are unlike any shoe I have tried. It allowed for a solid and firm yet comfortable surface to push off of when trying to speed up my pace or when running downhill.”
High praise was given to the shoe’s flexibility, light weight, and—reflecting on that holistic system—stability.
“This shoe was snug in the arch and allowed me to feel safe and secure with each step,” said another tester. “Around curves on gravel, I remember thinking how the shoe handled it so well and how supportive it felt.”
Testers’ Feedback
Chris G | Tester since 2012
Arch Height: Medium | Pronation: Overpronator | Footstrike: Heel
“Overall, this was probably the best shoe from Puma that I’ve ever run in. That being said, I have never had much luck with the fit of Pumas. My impression of this shoe as I put it on for the first time gave some rise for concern, as the heel collar was too high and rubbed my ankle bone. As I walked around in and ran in the shoe, I began to get some relief as the upper broke in. It was not perfect, but I was able to run in the shoe without any blisters or skin rub. The upper was breathable, though I wasn’t a big fan of the tongue—too long and thin for my liking.
“Underfoot, I enjoyed the amount of cushioning and flexibility that the shoe offered, while still providing some stability. I mostly ran on asphalt, but I did get some runs in on a gravel rail trail. I was surprised by how well the outsole held up, as it did not appear to be very substantial.”
Kylie R. | Tester since 2017
Arch Height: High | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Heel
“This shoe was one of my favorites—an all-around great shoe that after each run, I couldn’t help but say to myself, ‘This is one of the best pairs I have worn!’ Puma has really perfected features that are important to me as a runner. I most liked the overall ride and transition from the heel strike to the roll off the forefoot. It’s smooth, comfortable, and has just the right amount of cushioning. As far as cushion and fit, it’s comparable to the Puma Run XX that I tested recently. However, I felt more stability in this shoe—especially in the heel. If I had to pick one thing to improve, I’d say this shoe just seemed to run a little big and/or have a little too much room around the toes. The outsole handled well on all surfaces, even wet slush!”
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
