Women's NITRO Running Shoes

PUMA provides the spark for a new generation of runners.  

Those who are striving for change – for themselves and for the greater good. We know that change doesn’t come easy, so we build products and technologies that create an effortless run.   

We aim to empower female runners through products designed for them and engage the running community through purpose-led initiatives.

View our range of women’s high-performance running shoes below.

What Makes High-Performance Running Shoes Different from Regular Sneakers?

Running shoes and regular sneakers serve two distinct purposes, and it mostly comes down to whether you purchase shoes for proper running or more casual wear. 

Sneakers, in many ways, are one of the most common forms of casual footwear around. They’re often made from lightweight materials much like running shoes, but utilise simpler materials and construction that cater to more general use. Sneakers are perfect for street fashion and casual walks or out-and-about adventures. They work well for gentler forms of exercise but are not designed for intensive running or cross-country.

Running shoes, on the other hand, are designed specifically for running and jogging. They’ll often utilise more breathable materials, have better cushioning, and have varying outer soles with different types of grip depending on the terrain they’re designed for (e.g. footpaths, dirt and rock trails, grass, etc.).

If you’re someone who prioritises running (short, mid or long distance) as your key form of exercise, then you should definitely invest in a proper pair of running shoes over using general sneakers.

How Does Cushioning Technology Impact Long-Distance Running?

When you go out for a jog or run, whether on a hard surface, uneven rocky trails, or grass, doing so inevitably leads to more impact on your joints and muscles. The cushioning technology used in high-tech running shoes, including our NITRO range, helps reduce the intensity of this impact, which in turn protects your joints, bones, and muscles. 

That’s why cushioning technology is so important to running shoes - it allows the wearer to run further for longer while reducing the likelihood of resulting strains or injury.

Our NITRO range is renowned for its responsiveness and cushioning technology.

How Do Lightweight Running Shoes Improve Speed and Endurance?

Lightweight running shoes naturally enable people to run more efficiently and maintain their momentum for longer. This is largely thanks to their lightweight construction, as well as their traction, breathability, and cushioning. These factors combined help to reduce a runner’s energy expenditure, improve their overall efficiency, and decrease muscle and joint fatigue. This helps them to maintain speed and run for longer.

How Does a Shoe’s Drop Affect a Runner’s Gait and Stride?

A shoe drop is the difference in height between the heel and forefoot of a shoe. So, if you were wearing a shoe with a shoe drop of 0mm, this would indicate both the heel and forefoot of the shoe are aligned at the same level. If you have a shoe with a 4mm drop, this would mean your heel is elevated 4mm higher than the front of your foot.

Different degrees of shoe drop in running shoes directly influence the gait and stride with which a person runs. Here are some common ways in which varying shoe drops affect gait and stride.

Low shoe drop (0mm to 4mm)

• Influences gait by encouraging a midfoot or forefoot strike. It typically shifts more work to the calves, Achilles tendon, and foot muscles, promoting a more barefoot-like running style.
• This often results in shorter, quicker strides among runners, which in turn lowers the impact on joints while increasing muscle engagement in the lower legs.

Mid shoe drop (5mm to 8mm)

• Influences running gait by offering a balance between forefoot and heel striking, which reduces the stress on calves and Achilles when compared to low-drop shoes. They’re an ideal option for runners who don’t have a specific preference for foot strikes.
• Mid-drop shoes dictate running stride less, allowing runners to adapt and change as they see fit. This makes these types of shoes great for speedwork, distance running, and general run training.

High shoe drop (9mm to 12mm+)

• By more notably increasing heel elevation, high-drop shoes tend to encourage a heel-strike running pattern. This makes them a good option for people who may have a history of Achilles and calf injuries, as high-drop shoes ease the strain on these areas.
• Through their design, they tend to increase a runner’s stride length. There may be higher impact force on the knees and hips, especially if the runner strikes their heels heavily into the ground. High-drop shoes are a great option for long-distance running footwear, thanks to the increased shock absorption.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Shoe for Trail vs Road Running?

Here are some basic pointers to keep in mind when deciding on a running shoe for trails or roads/footpaths.

• For road running, focus on running shoes that have ample cushioning to absorb impact, are constructed with lightweight and breathable materials, and have a durable outsole that has the right traction for hard surfaces.
• For trail running, you’ll want a pair of shoes with an aggressive tread pattern that ensures it can grip on less stable surfaces such as rocks and dirt. It’s also good to have a shoe with a strong upper that can adequately protect the top of your feet, as well as a rock plate to protect the sole of your feet from the jagged terrain. A rock plate is a piece of material that typically inserts between the midsole and outer sole of a trail running shoe.

With PUMA’s wide range of trail and running shoes, you’ll find the perfect fit for your needs.