Review: Off the Beaten-Track with Puma Voyage Nitro Trail Running Shoes
After nearly two seasons of the Puma Nitro range of road running shoes, the brand’s Nitro Foam technology has now made its way into trail running shoes. The Puma Voyage Nitro is the brand’s first trail running shoe, designed to take you off the beaten track. This innovative new shoe offers trail runners a shoe that prioritises responsiveness, cushioning, and extreme lightness for a more effortless run. The cleverly designed shoe is all about versatility and features cushioning and traction to tackle multi-terrain runs. If you love to mix up your runs between the road and the trail, then the Puma Voyage Nitro will allow you to go wherever the wind takes you.
I got the chance to slip on a pair of Puma’s new flagship trail running shoes and see first-hand what’s so special about this new addition to the Puma Run category. The Voyage Nitro boasts many features that set it apart from other trail running shoes on the market, but is it the shoe for you?
The specialised shoe features a two-part midsole with Nitro foam underfoot for cushioning and responsiveness on the trails. Puma’s Nitro foam technology is infused with nitrogen through an innovative process to create a midsole that is lightweight, yet technically advanced for a smooth ride on even the harshest terrain. If comfort is your top priority when running, then you will love the Voyage Nitro.
The shoe offers incredible responsiveness and a satisfying bounce underfoot, making you feel like you’ve got an added boost with every step. But, while you feel like you’re walking on a cloud when wearing these running shoes, the sole is also firm in all the right ways, giving a solid base for your runs. It’s also extremely light for a trail running shoe that sports such a mean-looking all-terrain outer sole. The shoe weighs just 254 grams (women’s size UK 4.5) and doesn’t feel heavy or cumbersome on the foot.
Also contributing to the shoe’s super comfortable fit is Puma’s Optifit technology. The Optifit wraps the foot for a secure sock-like, low-boot fit and excellent ankle support on uneven terrain. The inner-lining sock extends all the way to the ankles to keep dirt out and keep your foot locked in place. You get a great snug fit and excellent lockdown with these shoes, as well as incredible support. Your foot stays put, and your ankle feels supported even when you’re tackling tough terrain. For me, it’s the biggest selling point of the Voyage Nitro. These shoes fit me like a glove from the very first wear, and slipping them on felt like a warm, comforting hug from a good friend.
But, the excellent fit of this shoe should come as no surprise. To design this trail running shoe, Puma says it analysed the best fitting running shoes in the industry to develop an improved performance fit through new last shapes based on different usages. As a result, the Voyage Nitro will fit a variety of foot shapes.
What’s more, the Voyage Nitro women’s shoes are created with a specific last engineered for the female foot, providing a narrower heel, lower in-step, and sculpted arch shape. You can really feel the difference in fit when wearing these shoes. It’s incredible the difference using a last engineered for the female foot can make.
The Voyage Nitro also features durable PumaGrip to enhance the traction of the outsole and provide multi-surface traction. The outsole of these off-road runners gives you a great grip on any surface in any weather condition; from crumbly gravel to rocky terrain. Feel free to venture off when you’re wearing these — the Voyage will shrug off dirt and debris and drain any water you collect along the way. Plus, a rubber toe bumper helps to keep the foot protected at the front, giving you, even more, freedom to explore. I felt confident that I could tackle any climb or steep declines when wearing these on the trails, and they’re a great choice for anyone with an adventurous side.
This newcomer from Puma is sure to be a winner for any avid trail runner. But they’re also great for someone like me who loves hiking, and the occasional trail run. These shoes will also appeal to regular runners looking for an off-road option. The DNA of a road running shoe is felt throughout the design and silhouette of the Voyage Nitro, making it ideal for newbie trail runners who don’t want to stray too far from what they’re used to when running on the road.
Bottom line; it’s a great multi-tasking shoe for hitting the trails. I’ve always found hiking shoes to be a bit too clunky and heavy, not to mention they take up way too much space for a shoe that I only use for one purpose. I appreciate that the Voyage Nitro gives me the option of ditching those hefty hiking boots for something far more comfortable and versatile.
The Puma Voyage Nitro trail running shoe is now available from Puma South Africa stores, as well as at Totalsports, Cape Union Mart and select retailers at a recommended retail price of R2,799.
