PUMA Velocity NITRO 3  Running Shoe Review

Reviewed Nov 12, 2025 at 08:51am
Tested using Methodology v0.8.2 
PUMA Velocity NITRO 3
5.2
Marathon Racing 
6.0
5K/10K Racing 
3.5
Energy Return 
6.2
Cushioning 
7.6
Lateral Stability 
 0
Notice: This running shoes was replaced by PUMA Velocity NITRO 4

We've tested these running shoes to expand our database and allow users to compare results to help with their buying decisions. We don't expect to write a full review, but if you have any questions about this product, please let us know!

Our Verdict

5.2
Marathon Racing 
6.0
5K/10K Racing 
3.5
Energy Return 
6.2
Cushioning 
7.6
Lateral Stability 
  • 5.2
    Marathon Racing
  • 6.0
    5K/10K Racing

  • Performance Usages

  • 3.5
    Energy Return
  • 6.2
    Cushioning
  • 7.6
    Lateral Stability
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Nov 12, 2025: Review published.
    2.  Updated Nov 11, 2025: Early access published.
    3.  Updated Jun 27, 2025: Our testers have started testing this product.
    4.  Updated May 06, 2025: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
    How We Test Running Shoes

    We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    6.1
    Weight
    Weight
    259.3 g (9.14 oz)
    Stack Heights
    Heel Stack Height
    36.7 mm
    Forefoot Stack Height
    26.8 mm
    Heel-To-Toe Drop
    9.9 mm
    Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
    10.0 mm
    External Shape
    Outsole Heel Width
    85 mm (3.3")
    Outsole Arch Width
    65 mm (2.6")
    Outsole Forefoot Width
    102 mm (4.0")
    Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
    2.32
    Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
    3.81
    Internal Shape
    Internal Length
    275 mm (10.8")
    Internal Heel Width
    64 mm (2.5")
    Internal Forefoot Width
    89 mm (3.5")
    Wide Sizing Available
    Yes
    Other Features
    Tongue Gusset Type
    Fully-gusseted
    Plate
    None
    Performance
    3.0
    Heel Energy Return
    See details on graph tool
    Heel Energy Return
    69.4%
    3.7
    Forefoot Energy Return
    See details on graph tool
    Forefoot Energy Return
    70.3%
    6.3
    Heel Cushioning
    See details on graph tool
    Energy Absorbed At 550N
    2.95 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1100N
    7.90 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1900N
    13.58 J
    6.0
    Forefoot Cushioning
    See details on graph tool
    Energy Absorbed At 800N
    3.63 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1300N
    6.41 J
    Energy Absorbed At 2050N
    9.71 J
    6.5
    Heel Firmness
    See details on graph tool
    Firmness At 550N
    61.7 N/mm
    Firmness At 1100N
    129.8 N/mm
    Firmness At 1900N
    276.1 N/mm
    8.6
    Forefoot Firmness
    See details on graph tool
    Firmness At 800N
    133.5 N/mm
    Firmness At 1300N
    257.2 N/mm
    Firmness At 2050N
    458.5 N/mm