ALDREN: Innovation is what really got me interested in the running shoe game. I like breaking down the technology that goes into a new shoe and what led a company to add small details that make a huge difference out on the roads. I also like seeing old concepts from other companies reimagined in modern shoes (more on that later).
Marking a full resurgence into running, Puma has released its all-new performance running line to start off 2021. Covering five shoes in total, the line hits all categories from speed work to recovery days. The Puma Eternity NITRO takes on the role of the easy-going, stable daily trainer.
ALDREN: The Puma Eternity NITRO screams comfort. Looking at the upper, we have a streamlined mesh with a soft heel liner and slightly padded tongue. Stretching down the lateral and medial side are OptiFit straps, similar to the straps on the Saucony Zealot ISO 3 (if anyone remembers that shoe). These work as bands that run from the midsole to the laces to provide a snug fit across the top of the foot, and they worked really well on the Eternity NITRO. I never experienced any heel slippage or felt like I needed to tighten up the laces in the middle of my runs.
Underfoot, the dual-layered midsole consists of a bottom layer of Puma’s Super Critical NITRO foam, a nitrogen-infused midsole, and a top layer of RUNGUIDE, a firmer EVA that supplies the adherent stability.
Nitrogen-infused midsoles seem to be what the cool cats are running in these days (as seen in Brooks’s DNA Flash and Skechers’ Hyperburst), so it makes sense that the coolest cat should revolve their shoe line around this type of midsole. Compared to DNA Flash and Hyperburst, Puma’s NITRO foam has a lot more squish to it. The midsole absorbs the force of your step, then returns that energy to your next stride.
If this shoe was only a NITRO midsole, I would feel like I was trying to run on a bouncy castle. The main stability component in the Puma Eternity is the RUNGUIDE. Your foot sits deeper into the shoe with the RUNGUIDE acting as a railing system along the medial side of your foot. This is dope because it makes the Puma Eternity more of a ‘neutral-plus’ rather than a full-on stability shoe. Translation: even if you aren’t in need of stability, the RUNGUIDE won’t impede your gait, unlike most posts in many traditional stability shoes. Other than the RUNGUIDE, Puma added a plastic clip under the heel for more structural integrity.
We’re looking at a full-blown rubber outsole called PUMAGRIP. I’ve been getting hit with some showers down in Orlando and all the wet pavement, wooden bridges, and brick roads were no match for this outsole. I’m just over 50 miles in my Puma Eternitys and I’m not noticing one bit of wear.
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ALDREN: Nothing comes to mind that I didn’t like about the Puma Eternity NITRO. I wasn’t a big fan of how it looked at first, but that’s because all the other Puma shoes are gorgeous. Like, have you seen the Puma Deviate? That’s a beauty. They definitely look a lot better on feet than in hand and I’m starting to warm up to the looks with every run.
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ALDREN: I was pretty stoked when I heard Puma was coming back onto the distance scene. After seeing what some of the Puma athletes have been training in, and after @pumarunning finally accepted my follow request on Instagram, I couldn’t wait to see what they had in store for us consumers.
The Eternity NITRO knocked all my expectations out of the park. This shoe is best for anyone looking for a high-cushioned stability trainer. Shoes comparable to the PUMA Eternity NITRO are the Nike Zoom Vomero 13 (throwback I know) and the Brooks Glycerin GTS 19.
You can pick up the Puma Eternity NITRO on March 4, 2021 for $140.
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Hi, I’m new to running and I’m looking for some shoes for myself. I have flat feet, but I have no clue if I’m an overpronator or not. A lot of guides says that flat feet go with overpronation so I find myself these 3 models
Asics Gel-Kayano 27
Asics GT-2000 9
Saucony Guide 14
and I was chatting with somebody from eshop support, and he told me about these new Puma Eternity Nitro. I had almost decided to go with Kayano, but now when I’m aware of the Pumas, I canť decide again. They are fresh new, so there aren’t many reviews and any direct compression with Kayano and any recommendations for flat feet.
Flat feet doesn’t always mean you over pronate; it’s just more likely. Since you’re new to running, I always recommend going to a local running store and being fitted because that allows you to try the shoes on for yourself and see what’s more comfortable. They should help you out with their recommendations as well. If going in person isn’t an option, I would try looking for a more ‘neutral plus’ option like the ASICS Kayano Lite, Brooks Adrenaline 21, or the Puma Eternity NITRO. My fear is that you end up buying a shoe that may be too stable or uncomfortable so those three shoes are always a safe choice.
Thank you for your advice. I’m from the Czech Republic and the virus is going crazy here, so I had to pick only from home. I’ve ended up with the Puma Eternity NITRO because they say it fits a lot of types of feet. I’ve ordered them and on the first feel, they luckily fitted. I was running only once since they’ve arrived and it wasn’t one of my best runs. They have somehow quite a different kick than my original shoes (some random Adidas maybe not even made for running) in what I was running to this day. But I remain optimistic. I think I just have to get used to them.
Aldren has flat feet so these would likely work well for you. Kayano Lite is also a great shoe.