Elite athletes and PB-chasers are starting to change their training strategies to avoid injury, by mixing up their shoe choices. The new formula is to use a simpler, blade-less shoe during training – to put less strain on the back line of the leg – and then reap the undisputed energy-return benefits of the carbon-fibre plates in your super-shoes on race day. 

The lure of the carbon-fibre-blade inserts, that make the super-shoes of our era such an exciting prospect, comes with a caveat. Too much stiff, resistant material underfoot increases the risk of injury to your feet. 

It’s an enticing prospect, knowing that a shoe can make you faster. But when the price to pay is a potential increase in injuries, you need an alternative strategy. 

It’s an enticing prospect, knowing that a shoe can make you faster. But when the price to pay is a potential increase in injuries, you need an alternative strategy. 

Todd Falker is the product manager who oversees the design and creativity for Puma’s running shoe offerings. He works out of Boston, USA, but runs ultramarathons all over the world – including Comrades in 2023! He uses insights from Puma-backed athletes, and as much other feedback as he can get, to design shoes that target specific needs. That’s why he’s excited about Puma’s latest offering, the Velocity NITRO 3. 

Shoes To Train. Shoes To Race
Todd’s understanding of the merits of carbon-plate shoes, and the benefits of less technical shoes like the Velocity 3 for the bulk of training, is extensive.

“There’s no agreed exact split for what’s most beneficial but I see most people I know going for about an 80/20 split: 80% running in a shoe like the Velocity, and 20% in a plated shoe. That ensures you maintain a healthy body, and then get maximum benefit from the plate when you use it.”

The Velocity Nitro 3
“Velocity uses Nitro foam on the top, and it sits on a normal EVA foam. In this third version there’s an extra 2mm Nitro foam thickness in the midsole, for even more cushioning. At the same time, this changes the toe spring and the rocker ever so slightly to give some extra toe-off in your stride,’ says Todd.

“We’ve also made a small change to the last, to make the fit a little more comfortable. Essentially we relaunched Puma’s running offering in 2021, and the goal was to remain consistent, so that those who have discovered the benefits can still enjoy them.” 

“We also know that people are looking for more foam and lightness for their running shoes. That’s an important criterion, which we achieve with the Velocity 3.”

BUY THE SHOE
R2599 from Puma 

READ MORE ON: Daily trainer puma running-shoes shoe tech