The PUMA Run XX NITRO is for HER
ADVERTORIAL
PUMA recently sent us the women-specific Run XX NITRO to wear-test , and our Marketing Director Roxanne Martin has been putting the shoe through its paces .
First Impressions
The name of the Run XX NITRO tells you that it is made for women who run – the
name is derived from the female double X chromosome in DNA sequencing – and in line with PUMA ’ s RUN FOR HER motto , the design takes a woman ’ s needs into account , but more on that later . The shoe ’ s design catches your eye the moment you look at it . The colour is bright pink with touches of purple , making it stand out . It ’ s bold , and a good-looking shoe .
Now , whenever I try a new running shoe , I like to wear it for at least three days before I attempt any running . I find that this allows me to wear it in before I hit the road , and helps me to get used to the ride of the shoe . Straight out of the box , the shoe was a firm fit , but after wearing it for a few days , the upper had a chance to stretch a bit , and I soon got used to the way the shoe guided my foot . Naturally , the sole design of a shoe has a massive impact on this , and in the case of the Run XX NITRO , it really feels that it is designed with running in mind .
Running in the Shoe
The Run XX NITRO is marketed as a women-specific neutral cushioned shoe , and when I read up on the shoe , I found that PUMA says the following : “ Featuring an updated fit that hugs a woman ’ s foot at the heel , instep and arch , the shoe ’ s new , firmer NITRO midsole is the perfect balance of durability and lightweight cushioning , while RUNGUIDE promotes proper alignment and increased stability for longer distances .”
The first thing I noticed was that the front of the shoe was wider than other PUMA shoes I have run in . I am always appreciative of this , as the widish front of my foot needs some breathing room , and this ties in with the fact that women often have wider forefeet and narrower heels than men . This means my forefoot can hit the ground more evenly , making my running feel more stable . Meanwhile , the back of the shoe holds my heel securely . Having weak ankles and a bunion by my big toes , I really appreciated these design elements !
The second thing that I felt when running in the shoe was that my arch felt supported the entire time . Women often have wider hips than men , causing our legs to naturally pivot inwards at more of an angle , so many women require antipronation running shoes , to slow the inward roll of our feet . Designers of womenspecific shoes therefore often add more support in the arch , as has been done in the Run XX NITRO , and I really felt the benefits of this . It makes the shoe incredibly cushioned throughout your stride pattern , but with a terrific springiness that makes you feel like you are ‘ springing into action ’ when you lift your feet again , giving you even cushioning and smooth rebound .
Lastly , I found the fit of this shoe is slightly bigger than normal , and I needed a size down from my normal choice , so I suggest you first try on the shoe to make sure you have the correct fit .
Would I Buy this Shoe ?
After running in the shoe , my answer is a definite yes ! I think PUMA has done its homework well to come up with a shoe that really addresses the needs of female runners , and I really enjoyed running in them .
If you want to check out the PUMA Run XX NITRO , you ’ ll find them at your nearest 33 PUMA stockists , selling at a recommended price of R3199 .