Puma PWR Nitro SQD Review: A Specialised Trainer Built for High-Intensity Workouts
High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a workout style designed to push boundaries. The explosive challenges set by these sweat-inducing workouts call for purpose-built footwear, especially if you plan to be a regular visitor to your nearest HIIT studio. While you may be tempted to just slip on a pair of running shoes, you’ll likely end up burning through them quicker than you can say; “I hate burpees”.
To really maximise your success in high-intensity interval training workouts you’ll want to invest in a good pair of training shoes that are attuned to the unique demands of HIIT workouts. A shoe with a high level of versatility, that is just as comfortable helping you tackle box jumps as it is with keeping your foot locked in during quick directional changes.
Fortunately, Puma has your back with the launch of a new specialised training shoe designed with HIIT fans in mind. The Puma PWR Nitro SQD takes the idea of an old school ‘cross training’ shoe and ups the ante with purpose-built technology that will help you tackle your high-intensity workouts with absolute ease.
The brand’s latest high-intensity training shoe from under the Train Puma banner provides stability, explosive energy, and targeted support for more impactful training sessions. The secret sauce in this shoe comes down to Puma’s brand-new Nitro Foam technology, which gives you the confidence to jump higher, squat lower, and beat your best in every workout.
The all-new training shoe is lightweight with a dual layer of Nitro foam to support your most intense workout. Your joints will thank you for wearing this shoe during a HIIT session; so get ready to say bye-bye to knee pain and hell yes to squat jumps and explosive jump lunges.
According to Puma, the PWR Nitro SQD features superior cushioning and 360° support for multi-directional training. The shoe is engineered with a soft inner layer of Nitro foam to provide forefoot cushioning and responsiveness and a firm outer layer of Nitro foam to deliver targeted lateral stability for all multi-directional movements. This combination allows for vertical propulsion and lateral support, making it ideal for training. Plus, for extra confidence, the shoe features PumaGrip rubber for maximum traction and durability during training movements.
I’ve been training in this shoe for a few weeks and it’s become a firm favourite of mine in the Puma training range. I love it for intense cardio days when I know my workout will call for everything from shuttle runs and box jumps to burpees and lateral hurdle jumps. I tend to put a lot of pressure on my knees during cardio workouts and this shoe has been a great help for preventing that familiar knee pain I often feel when I’ve been a little too over zealous with jumping movements in the gym.
You get supreme stability in this shoe, it’s low and wide with an internal midsole for a stable stance. I always feel noticeably secure when wearing these shoes. Not only are they super comfortable but they offer excellent lock-in for the feet with little to no movement, minimising the chance of blisters and excessive rubbing. I went up a size in these from my usual size 4UK to a 5UK, which offered enough room in the toe box for a comfortable fit during HIIT training. Even with the additional room in the shoe I didn’t experience much movement, but if you prefer a more snug fit, then I would recommend sticking to your usual size.
The shoe also offers impressive ankle support, with a TPU heel clip for support where you need it most. The PWR Nitro SQD has a more rigid ankle collar, which took some getting used to. On first wear, I did experience some rubbing around the ankle area, but it was nothing a thicker, mid-length sock couldn’t fix and after two workouts the ankle collar had softened to where I didn’t feel it at all.
What’s more, the PWR Nitro SQD doesn’t compromise on style either! I absolutely love the sneaker-like silhouette of this shoe, it’s a supremely stylish shoe that could just as easily be incorporated into your streetwear wardrobe.
The PWR Nitro SQD is now available online from Puma.com and TotalSports, at a retail price of R2699.
