The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is the running shoe our testing expert would shop — and it's 34% off before Black Friday

Puma Velocity Nitro 3 running shoe in bright yellow/green with price drop tag top left — (Image credit: Future)

My colleague, Nick Harris-Fry, chose the three best running shoes he'd recommend out of 53 pairs (and counting) he has tested as an avid runner. The Puma Velocity running shoe range made it, of course.

He is one of our trusted testing experts, given that he runs sub-2:30 marathon times and co-hosts his own running YouTube channel. He says, "I’ve been a fan of the Velocity Nitro line from Puma since the original model," and you cannot go wrong with the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 running shoe, which dropped to just $89 at Amazon ahead of Black Friday.

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The running shoe game is madness, so I trust our running experts here at Tom's Guide to tell me what is and isn't worth your money. I can assure you that the Puma Velocity range gets the nod every time, and always has. It's a flagship range, and well worth the money.

"I used the Velocity Nitro 3 as part of my shoe rotation for months and raved about it to any runners I spoke to who needed new sneakers," says Harris-Fry, who thinks the 3 is still better value than the 4, especially at the deal price.

Although the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 has now been released, you can't go wrong with one generation earlier, especially as the Nitro 4s will set you back roughly $140. The 4 is more nimble and lightweight than max-stacked running shoes, but the 3 still uses the same nitrogen-infused midsole foam, which delivers plenty of energy return.

The Velocity Nitro 3 is a versatile running shoe that can handle a mix of speeds and distances. The upper is more supportive than the Nitro 2 but retains the feel of the OG Nitro shoe, albeit with a slightly higher stack height (a 10mm drop, but the stack has moved up a couple of millimeters at the heel and forefoot).

Although the Velocity Nitro 3 can handle a mix of tempos and distances, speedwork like track sessions or interval training might be more of a challenge, so if that's your style of training, I would refer you to our guide on the best running shoes to find a better fit.

That aside, the outsole is high quality and grips well, so you can lace them up for runs more confidently in winter, and the Nitro 3s provide enough comfort, protection, and a smooth, stable ride with a snug upper and supportive, structured feel.

At just $89 before Black Friday sales even begin, this is such a steal.

Sam Hopes is a level 3 qualified trainer, a level 2 Reiki practitioner and fitness editor at Tom's Guide. She is also currently undertaking her Yoga For Athletes training course.

Sam has written for various fitness brands and websites over the years and has experience across brands at Future, such as Live Science, Fit&Well, Coach, and T3.

Having coached at fitness studios like F45 and Virgin Active and personal trained, Sam now primarily teaches outdoor bootcamps, bodyweight, calisthenics and kettlebells.

She also coaches mobility and flexibility classes several times a week and believes that true strength comes from a holistic approach to training your body.

Sam has completed two mixed doubles Hyrox competitions in London and the Netherlands and finished her first doubles attempt in 1:11.

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