It’s time for another workhorse battle where I’m comparing the New Balance Propel V4 with the last battle winner, the Puma Velocity Nitro 2, in a
10-comparison points battle.
Let the battle begin!
Comfort
I don't have any complaints about either shoe, as they are both comfortable, but one has more padding, has greater step-in comfort, and is also more comfortable while running. That's the Puma Velocity Nitro 2. One can definitely feel the difference between both shoes. The Puma just feels more luxurious.
The Propel V4 upper is too simple and basic to win this one, but it's still a comfortable shoe and it’s a pleasure to run with them.
Winner: Puma Velocity Nitro 2
Midsole
Both shoe midsoles are different, but at the same time, they are similar. They both have nitrogen infused in the foam, using a critical production process, so they are on the same page of innovation. But the midsoles perform differently on the run.
The Velocity 2 midsole is softer, the foam compresses and decompresses very quickly, having a very cushioned feeling to it. On the other hand, the Propel V4 midsole has a rocker and a TPU plate. That combination gives them a smoother ride, with a better heel-to-toe transition and toe-off, and is more stable.
So, both shoes have great midsoles, they are simply different. If you prefer softness, go for the Velocity 2. If you prefer smoothness, go for the Propel V4.
Winner: Draw
Outsole
By now, probably all runners already know the PumaGrip. The Velocity 2 rubber has a better grip than the one featured in the Propel V4, but the Propel rubber is still a very grippy one. I even forced the pace over wet floor, with the Propel, and had no issues.
Now, the Velocity 2 has PumaGrip, but as a heel striker, this rubber has revealed that is not that durable. With the same number of kilometers done in both shoes, I can already see a good amount of rubber missing on the Velocity 2, but the Propel V4 is as good as new.
So, in the end, the Velocity 2 has a better grip, but the Propel V4 has better durability. I will call it a tie.
Winner: Draw
Weight
In my number 45EU (US11), the Velocity 2 weights 280g (9.9 oz) and the Propel V4 322g (11.3 oz). That’s 42g (1.5 oz) more on the Propel V4 and you can definitely feel it on speed sessions and very long runs.
This extra weight is damaging the feel that you get from the Propel and when you push the pace you will feel the weight on the forefoot. In the long runs, I felt more tired earlier than usual.
So, this point is easy. It goes for the Velocity 2.
Winner: Puma Velocity Nitro 2
Fit
Both shoes have a good fit, without major issues, but neither offers me a secure lockdown in the heel. Despite not having the heel totally secured, my feet never slipped and I never had any problem with the lockdown.
This one will be a tie.
Winner: Draw
Cushioning
Once again, both shoes have excellent cushioning, and both have a nitrogen-infused midsole, but the Velocity 2 is softer and one can feel greater cushioning on them.
Because the FuelCell is also a very soft foam, the Propel V4 is paying the price for having a plate and you can’t feel all the FuelCell softness and cushioning. This does not mean that it’s less protective than the Velocity 2, but you feel less cushion with the Propel V4.
So, this one is a win for the Velocity 2.
Winner: Puma Velocity Nitro 2
Energy Return
Now, here the story goes the other way around. Both midsoles have a good amount of energy return and you can feel the spring in them, but with the Propel V4, one can feel a greater propulsion effect. The Propel V4, with the plate and the rocker, is helping me move forward, faster.
The Nitro foam, from the Velocity 2, is great and it also has a great energy return, but it does not help me move forward as much as the Propel V4. You can feel it bouncing more upwards than forwards, but this is also due to the fact that there is no rocker on the Velocity 2.
No matter the reasons, I feel more energy return with the Propel V4, but don’t forget that you will also feel the extra weight so one thing can cancel the other.
Winner: New Balance Propel V4
Stability
Either shoe is stable for me, but several runners say that the Velocity is a little bit unstable.
Because the Velocity’s foam is softer and it does not have a plate to add some stability to the midsole, it’s definitely a less stable shoe than the Propel V4.
Despite lacking a more structured upper, like the Velocity 2, the Propel V4 is a much better shoe for those who need more support, essentially because the plate is there to give you more stability.
Winner: New Balance Propel V4
Versatility
These shoes are both workhorses so we already know that they are versatile.
Neither shoe is more versatile than the other. I do the same type of runs with both, but due to the softer midsole and more comfortable upper, the Velocity 2 is better for easy or recovery runs, while the Propel’s V4 rockered and plated ride is better for longer efforts.
If you opt for a one shoe-rotation, both could be your only shoe, so this one will be a tie.
Winner: Draw
Price
Both shoes have a retail price below the competition and both shoes can easily be found discounted.
You can find the Velocity 2 at a better price because there’s always a great discount on them, but both deserve the point here because both are delivering great value shoes at a lower price.
Winner: Draw
Final score
In the end, the Puma Velocity Nitro 2 scored 8 points and the New Balance Propel V4 scored 7 points, meaning that the Velocity 2 is the battle winner!
There’s no doubt that the Velocity 2 is an excellent daily trainer and one of the best workhorses that you can add to your rotation, but don’t put the Propel aside because they offer something different from the Velocity 2. Ideally, you have both in your rotation, using them on different days to allow the foams to rest.
What do you think about this result? Tell me about it in the comments below.
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Portuguese-speaking readers, I have this same content in video format here (video below). Visit my Youtube Channel.
If you're interested in buying one of these shoes, follow the links below.
Puma Velocity Nitro 2:
- EU: Top4Running - Code "allaboutrunning" for an additional 5% discount.
- UK: ProDirectSport.com
- Global: Amazon
New Balance Propel V4:
- EU: Top4Running - Code "allaboutrunning" for an additional 5% discount.
- UK: Sportsshoes.com | Prodirectsport.com
- Global: Amazon
These are affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. It helps out my blog so I can keep bringing new content.
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