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Tested using Methodology v0.10
Updated Jun 08, 2026 09:01 PM
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Tested using Methodology v0.13
Updated Jul 16, 2026 05:01 PM
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R.A.D
Weight
232.3 g (8.19 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
11.1 mm
Plate
None
Weight
231.1 g (8.15 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
6.0 mm
Plate
None
Our Verdict
PUMA Velocity NITRO 4
R.A.D SYNTH
The PUMA Velocity NITRO 4 and R.A.D SYNTH are two daily trainers with similar low weight and heel stack, but they have a few key differences. The PUMA has a lower forefoot stack and higher drop, which gives it more ground feel and a more traditional daily trainer geometry, while its foam feels more energetic and lively underfoot. The R.A.D has a more protective midsole feel, especially through the front of the shoe, giving it a bit more cushioning when the run stretches out.
Variants
- Velocity NITRO 4 (Black - (Men - US 9))
- Velocity NITRO 4 (Black/Dark Amethyst - (Men - US 9))
- SYNTH (Acid Green - (Men - US 9))
- SYNTH (Fuchsia Flash - (Women - US 7))
Main Differences for
Half/Full Marathon Racing
Half/Full Marathon Racing
Threshold
Half/Full Marathon Racing
6.5
7.4
Forefoot Stack Height
26.1 mm
30.3 mm
Plate
None
None
Heel Energy Return
7.1
4.2
Forefoot Energy Return
7.8
6.7
Heel Stack Height
37.2 mm
37.7 mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
5.8
7.0
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
7.1
7.1
Right Shoe Weight Photo
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Left Shoe Weight Photo
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Weight
232.3 g (8.19 oz)
231.1 g (8.15 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
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Heel Stack Height
37.2 mm
37.7 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
26.1 mm
30.3 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
11.1 mm
6.0 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
10.0 mm
7.4 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Outsole Heel Width
85 mm (3.4")
87 mm (3.4")
Outsole Arch Width
65 mm (2.6")
71 mm (2.8")
Outsole Forefoot Width
103 mm (4.0")
113 mm (4.4")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.28
2.30
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.95
3.72
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Internal Length
278 mm (10.9")
271 mm (10.7")
Internal Heel Width
62 mm (2.4")
62 mm (2.4")
Internal Forefoot Width
90 mm (3.5")
90 mm (3.5")
Wide Sizing Available
Yes
No
Forefoot Fit: Width
9.8
9.4
Forefoot Width Photo
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Ball-Of-Foot TTS Deviation
-0.3 mm (-0.013")
0.3 mm (0.012")
Toe TTS Deviation
-1.4 mm (-0.054")
-3.0 mm (-0.117")
Forefoot Fit: Height
8.1
5.3
Forefoot Height Photo
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Toe TTS Deviation
-2.4 mm (-0.094")
-5.6 mm (-0.220")
Arch Fit: Width
10
9.0
Arch Fit Photo
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Arch Width TTS Deviation
0.3 mm (0.013")
-1.9 mm (-0.075")
Length Fit
10
10
Toe Clearance Photo
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Heel Rocker Geometry
7.3
Heel Rocker Photo
Heel Spring
23 mm (0.9")
Heel Apex Position
24.9%
Heel Rocker Angle
17.3°
Forefoot Rocker Geometry
6.5
Forefoot Rocker Photo
Toe Spring
45 mm (1.8")
Toe Apex Position
63.0%
Forefoot Rocker Angle
22.2°
Foam
Primary Foam Picture
Secondary Foam Picture
Primary Foam Name
SwellFoam
Primary Foam Type
TPEE + EVA
Secondary Foam Name
N/A
Secondary Foam Type
N/A
Other Features
Other Features Photo
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Tongue Gusset Type
Semi-gusseted
Fully-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Compression Energy Return
7.1
4.2
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Heel Energy Return
76.6%
70.8%
Forefoot Compression Energy Return
7.8
6.7
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Forefoot Energy Return
79.9%
75.2%
Heel Cushioning
7.2
7.5
Heel Cushioning Picture
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Heel Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 550N
3.56 J
3.44 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
8.90 J
9.09 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
14.28 J
15.53 J
Forefoot Cushioning
6.2
7.7
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
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Forefoot Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 800N
4.12 J
4.65 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
6.66 J
8.30 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
9.39 J
12.35 J
Heel Firmness
6.3
8.2
Heel Firmness
Preview Graph
Heel Firmness Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 550N
51.7 N/mm
44.8 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
130.5 N/mm
56.6 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
319.7 N/mm
79.5 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
9.0
8.5
Forefoot Firmness
Preview Graph
Forefoot Firmness Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 800N
137.6 N/mm
61.7 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
297.8 N/mm
78.5 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
585.1 N/mm
108 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
5.8
7.0
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 10km
6.35 J
7.70 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
6.21 J
7.48 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
6.11 J
7.32 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
6.05 J
7.20 J
Rocker Stiffness
6.5
Forefoot Rocker Stiffness Video
Forefoot Rocker Stiffness Graph
Preview Graph
Force To Flatten The Rocker
71 N
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
6.1
Forefoot Bending Video
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
Preview Graph
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
60.6%
Forefoot Bending Stiffness
7.5
Forefoot Bending Resistance Picture
Forefoot Bending Resistance
Preview Graph
Forefoot Bending Stiffness
15.4 N/mm
Forefoot Bending Force
290 N
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PUMA Velocity NITRO 4
R.A.D SYNTH
Comments
PUMA Velocity NITRO 4 vs R.A.D SYNTH: Main Discussion
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