Puma Liberate Nitro 2 Verdict
The Puma Liberate Nitro 2 is my first experience with a Puma running shoe, and I must say, I’m impressed! It’s the type of shoe that doesn’t really make a flashy statement, either good or bad. It just meets all the criteria for a solid road shoe, which is why it has become a staple in my regular shoe rotation.
Who should buy the Puma Liberate Nitro 2 ?
The Puma Liberate Nitro 2 is perfect for those who crave speed!
This shoe is lightweight and offers just the right amount of cushioning while maintaining excellent responsiveness. Whether you’re using the PLN2s for speed workouts or on race day, they won’t let you down.
Additionally, if you’re comfortable with a shoe that doesn’t have excessive cushioning, the PLN2s can also serve as your daily training companion.
Who should not buy the Puma Liberate Nitro 2 ?
The Puma Liberate Nitro 2 might not suit everyone’s preferences. If you lean towards a more supportive shoe or one with greater cushioning, you might want to skip the Liberate Nitro 2.
And although I wouldn’t describe this shoe as particularly narrow, if you’re looking for a wider fit or a shoe with a toe box that matches the shape of your foot, the LN2 might not be the right choice for you.
Puma Liberate Nitro 2 Introduction
The Puma Liberate Nitro 2 is the second version of this lightweight road shoe. The main update from the original model is that the foam now has a slightly firmer feel, making it an excellent choice for picking up the speed during workouts or on race days.
Puma Liberate Nitro 2 First Impressions
My initial impression of the Puma Liberate Nitro 2 was quite positive. Right away, I noticed how lightweight and comfortable both the upper and sole of the shoe were.
While I did find the toe box a tad snug for my liking, it wasn’t so narrow that I felt concerned about the fit.
My first run in the Puma Liberate Nitro 2 only reinforced my initial positive feelings. The upper fit snugly, and the slightly narrower toe box didn’t pose any major issues.
The sole provided a good combination of cushioning and ground feel, striking a nice balance between the two.
Puma Liberate Nitro 2 Upper
The upper of the Puma Liberate Nitro 2 is crafted from a seamless mesh that feels more like a sock than a traditional shoe. It fits snugly yet not too tight, almost molding to the contours of your foot.
The mesh material of the PLN2’s upper is impressively breathable. If you encounter any moisture during your run, your feet might get wet. However, the shoe dries out quickly due to its breathability.
The only minor concern I faced with the upper was that the tongue rubbed against my ankle a few times. It’s possible that I tied the shoe too tightly in those instances, as most of my runs were trouble-free. But this rubbing issue did occur on multiple occasions.
Puma Liberate Nitro 2 Sole Unit
The sole of the Puma Liberate Nitro 2 is designed with simplicity in mind. The midsole is crafted using Puma’s nitrogen-injected foam, which aims to provide a firm and responsive feel without adding unnecessary bulk. The outsole features Pumagrip, a rubber compound intended to offer reliable traction on various road surfaces.
This midsole/outsole would definitely be classified as a low-cushioned shoe. As such, the PLN2 really has a smooth and responsive ride for the wearer.
While wearing this shoe, your feet will receive adequate protection, yet you’ll still be able to sense the ground beneath you from the beginning to the end of your run.
The PLN2 boasts a 6mm heel-to-toe drop. Even though I usually prefer shoes with minimal or zero drop, I didn’t perceive the drop in these shoes during my runs.
Taking everything into account, the sole unit of the Puma Liberate Nitro 2 stands up favorably to most of the shoes I’ve ever tried.
Puma Liberate Nitro 2 Conclusions
The Puma Liberate Nitro 2 comes close to being perfect in my opinion.
It’s impressively lightweight and comfortable, offering a good sense of the ground beneath you and a responsive ride.
To me, these qualities make for a winning combination in a fantastic shoe.
If you’re in search of a lightweight road shoe that’s versatile and excels in intense workouts and races, the Puma Liberate Nitro 2 is definitely a shoe worth considering!