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REVIEW: Puma Run XX Nitro–for women only!

This new shoe from Puma is built on a women-specific last to more accurately conform to women's foot anatomy

Puma Run XX Nitro

The Puma Run XX Nitro comes with a lot of fanfare, since it’s the first Puma shoe designed for women only, and built on a women-specific last. Women’s biomechanics are different from men’s–they have narrower heels and require more arch and ankle support, since their connective tissues are stretchier than men’s, and they tend to pronate (roll in) more when they run. 

Puma Run XX Nitro
Photo: Matt Stetson

Category: Neutral cushioning/stability
Weight: 209 g (7.4 oz.)
Drop: 8 mm
Stack height: 31 mm
Price: CDN $160

Why a women’s shoe?

Many brands and shoe models use the same last for men’s shoes and women’s shoes, meaning the women’s shoe is just a smaller version of the men’s shoe (and usually a different colour). Several brands are now recognizing that women’s biomechanics are different from men’s, and sex-specific shoes are a welcome development.

We found that the Run XX Nitro fit true to size, and the shoe did not require much breaking in. It has a roomy toe box (without feeling sloppy), an efficient lacing system and a comfortably padded heel collar–full marks for all of these. The shoe also seems to provide good medial arch support, and because it is made for women’s greater need for this type of support, it could possibly replace your stability shoes (if you wear them), depending on how severely you over-pronate.  

Puma Run XX Nitro
Photo: Matt Stetson

The midsole

What you’ll notice right away when you strike the pavement is the bouncy cushioning, combined with the very pronounced curve in the rearfoot, which encourages your foot to roll forward naturally. Beginners and rearfoot strikers in particular will love the smooth transition from heelstrike to toe-off, and how nicely the shoe cushions your stride. The groove in the heel lets the sole flex upon footstrike, which adds to the feeling of comfort and stability, as does the external TPU heel counter; there is no slippage in the heel.

Puma Run XX Nitro
Photo: Matt Stetson

The upper

The upper feels luxurious, yet still very light and breathable, even on warm summer runs. There are reflective elements for running after dark or before dawn and a generous number of lacing holes, so you’ll get a good lockdown.

The outsole

The Pumagrip outsole provides excellent traction on wet days, or on dirt paths or gravel, and it will take quite some time before the shoe shows wear and tear on the outsole. 

More experienced runners will appreciate that this is a versatile shoe–you can wear it for a quick outing, a longer training run, the half-marathon or even the marathon. You might prefer something closer to the ground for a fast workout, but for just about anything else, this could certainly be your go-to daily trainer. 

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