Puma Velocity Nitro 4 vs Puma Velocity Nitro 5
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
V5 is heavier with a thicker, warmer tongue and a less responsive stock insole; reviewer still prefers the V4
Wider toe box and platform, about 20g heavier, thicker outsole, same price, with a new wide-fit option not previously offered
Barely different from v5 and much cheaper on sale — recommends buying v4 instead unless v5 is also discounted
Heavier (10oz vs 9.4oz) with a thicker, less responsive stock insole and a more padded tongue, despite sharing the same midsole foam; reviewer prefers the V4 overall
Very similar ride and midsole feel; v5 has a slightly higher stack, an updated upper with more give, an 8mm drop from added forefoot cushioning, a thicker/more durable outsole, and came in lighter for the reviewer (244g vs 265g).
Puma Velocity Nitro 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: medium cushion , neutral stability .
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EDDBUD calls the Velocity Nitro 4 a hugely underrated, best-value daily trainer with a wild energy return from its ATTPU midsole — light enough for faster work, though not the best pick for long runs given its lower stack.
In their words: "energy return from it is just wild" · "hugely underrated model" · "one of the best value running shoes"
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Ben Parkes says this remains a great-value shoe for the money now that deals are appearing following the version 5 launch.
In their words: "still a fantastic shoe for the money"
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Considered a solid daily-rotation pick that handles different paces well.
Ride:Performs well across a range of different paces
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An S-tier daily trainer at $140 that the reviewer counts among their all-time favorites, though it runs narrow.
In their words: "one of my favorite daily trainers" · "amazing shoe"
Puma Velocity Nitro 5 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: medium cushion , neutral stability .
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Still a solid, good-value daily trainer with best-in-class Puma grip, but the reviewer feels it's been overshadowed by newer options like the Puma DV8 Pure Nitro and Adidas Evo SL that offer more energy return and versatility for similar money — a good shoe rather than a standout.
Ride:A relatively low-stack, firm ride that feels thin under the forefoot at faster paces with limited energy return; comfortable at easy and steady paces but not a shoe for tempo or speed work. Outsole grip remains a standout strength.
Fit:Runs a bit long and narrow; one tester sized half a size down from his usual size, the other stayed true to size. Comfortable midfoot, ample toe box space, and good lockdown from generous padding, though wider feet should take note of the narrowness.
In their words: "just not a wow shoe" · "does exactly what you'd expect" · "still a very good value shoe"
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His top daily trainer recommendation of the bunch, offering premium ATPU super-foam at a bargain price.
In their words: "one of the best daily trainers you can currently buy" · "feels amazing"
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A nice, competitively priced ATPU trainer, though the reviewer prefers the bouncier Deviate Pure Nitro.
Ride:Plush ATPU midsole that's flexible rather than heavily rockered, reminiscent of traditional flagship trainers like the Pegasus or Ghost
Fit:Classic narrower Puma fit with lower volume
In their words: "it is plush, it is soft"
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Ben Parkes calls the Velocity Nitro v5 the best budget daily trainer on the market right now, praising its value, durability, and versatility, though he notes it lacks the cushioning for runs beyond about 90 minutes.
Ride:Versatile, moderately cushioned daily-training ride with thick, durable outsole grip.
Fit:Widened toe box vs v4, plus a new wide-fit option for wider feet.
In their words: "the best budget shoe out there" · "excellent value on offer"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 if
- Value daily trainer for wide training range. — The Run Testers
- Value-minded marathon prep covering all run types — The Run Testers
- Neutral runners looking for a lively, fun, under-$150 daily trainer that can also stretch to early-season strides and tempo work. — Kofuzi
- Daily training for runners wanting a stable, grippy shoe with proven outsole durability — EDDBUD
- Everyday runners seeking a value daily trainer for easy runs, long runs, and general mileage accumulation — FORDY RUNS
- Value runner-up — pretty good marathon time at low cost. — The Run Testers
Consider the Puma Velocity Nitro 5 if
- Budget-conscious daily training across easy runs, tempos, and races up to half-marathon distance, especially for runners needing a wider fit — Ben Parkes
- Runners who want a dependable, traditional-feeling neutral daily trainer — Doctors of Running
- Budget-conscious daily training — easy runs, recovery, tempo, and parkrun — up to about 90 minutes — Ben Parkes
- Runners wanting a lightweight, springy budget daily trainer for easy-to-moderate midweek runs, including newer runners, as long as they don't need extra width. — FORDY RUNS
- Runners wanting a simple, stable, great-grip daily trainer for easy-to-steady mileage, especially good value when bought on sale — The Run Testers
- A budget-friendly daily trainer, especially in wet/winter conditions, for runners wanting to spend less. — Ben Parkes
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 and the Puma Velocity Nitro 5?
The Puma Velocity Nitro 4 is a daily trainer and the Puma Velocity Nitro 5 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 weighs 227g, has a 34mm heel stack and a 10mm drop, while the Puma Velocity Nitro 5 weighs 244g, has a 33mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $140 for the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 and $140 for the Puma Velocity Nitro 5.
Should I buy the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 or the Puma Velocity Nitro 5?
The Run Testers on the Puma Velocity Nitro 4: Value daily trainer for wide training range. Ben Parkes on the Puma Velocity Nitro 5: Budget-conscious daily training across easy runs, tempos, and races up to half-marathon distance, especially for runners needing a wider fit.
Per The Run Testers, Ben Parkes.
Has anyone reviewed both the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 and the Puma Velocity Nitro 5?
Yes — EDDBUD, Ben Parkes, FORDY RUNS, and The Run Testers directly compared the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 and the Puma Velocity Nitro 5 in their reviews.
Per EDDBUD, Ben Parkes, FORDY RUNS, The Run Testers.
Which is lighter, the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 or the Puma Velocity Nitro 5?
The Puma Velocity Nitro 4 is lighter, at 227g versus 244g (men's 9) — about 17g less.