Saucony Axon 3 vs Puma Velocity Nitro 2: Which Affordable Daily Trainer Should You Buy?

Introduction

Affordable running shoes have got genuinely good in recent years, and two of the strongest budget daily trainers right now are the Saucony Axon 3 and the Puma Velocity Nitro 2. Priced at £105 in the UK (US$100) for the Axon 3 and £105 in the UK (US$120) for the Velocity Nitro 2, both regularly sell for less than their original prices, making them even more compelling.

If you had to pick between them, though, which should you go for? Here is how they compare on fit, ride, grip, and durability, and which type of runner each shoe suits best.

The Stats Side by Side

Both shoes sit firmly in the versatile daily trainer category: shoes you can run long and easy in, but that also have enough capability for some quicker, up-tempo work. They tick the same boxes, but they deliver that experience in noticeably different ways.

Key differences worth knowing upfront:

• Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm on the Velocity Nitro 2, 4mm on the Axon 3
• Weight (UK size 8): 260g for the Velocity Nitro 2, 246g for the Axon 3
• Upper: knit on the Puma, engineered mesh on the Saucony
• Midsole: Puma’s nitrogen-injected Nitro foam vs Saucony’s EVA-based PWRRUN foam
• Outsole: PumaGRIP on the Puma, carbon rubber on the Saucony

Fit and Sizing

In a UK size 8, both shoes fit well with no issues. The Axon 3 feels a touch more supportive, with a good amount of room up front for the toes and a solid hold through the midfoot. The Velocity Nitro 2 leans the other way, prioritising comfort with a roomier, more spacious feel, helped by spongier laces and generous padding around the heel collar.

For narrower feet, both worked well in regular UK size 8 sizing. The Puma is the slightly roomier of the two, but the Saucony gives up very little in fit quality.

Ride and Midsole

This is where the personalities of the two shoes really diverge. The Axon 3’s PWRRUN midsole is firmer than the Puma’s, but not overly so. It produces a nicely bouncy feel underfoot, and the gentle rocker geometry makes running at a slightly quicker pace feel natural. When you ease off, it stays composed enough to handle slower, longer runs too.

The Velocity Nitro 2’s Nitro foam is softer, and you sink into it a little more. That makes it feel very smooth and comfortable at easier paces, where it genuinely shines. To run quicker in it you need to engage more, and while it can handle up-tempo work, it feels more natural when you are slowing things down.

In short: the Axon 3 has a stronger up-tempo slant, while the Velocity Nitro 2 is more at home on relaxed, easy runs.

Outsole, Grip and Durability

Outsole performance is very close between the two. Puma’s outsoles are consistently excellent, and the Velocity Nitro 2 has logged a lot of test miles with spot-on durability and dependable grip in varied conditions. The Axon 3’s carbon rubber outsole is more focused in terms of grip coverage, but on a rainy test run it held firm with no slipping.

Both shoes feel capable of handling plenty of mileage, and both can even manage lighter trail use. If anything, the Puma may edge durability slightly, but there is not a huge amount between them.

Which One Should You Buy?

Both of these shoes punch well above their price tags and can genuinely match up with more expensive daily trainers, so neither is a bad choice.

The Velocity Nitro 2 works a little better at slower, easier paces thanks to its softer midsole and roomier, comfort-focused upper. If easy, relaxed running makes up most of your mileage and you still want the option of some quicker work, it is the stronger pick, and it just about edges this comparison overall.

The Axon 3, meanwhile, naturally leans toward up-tempo running. Its firmer midsole and rocker design make quicker paces feel more comfortable, while still handling easy runs fine. If slightly faster running features more often in your week, the Axon 3 is the better fit.

Conclusion

The Saucony Axon 3 and Puma Velocity Nitro 2 are two of the best affordable daily trainers available right now. The Velocity Nitro 2 wins on comfort at easy paces, while the Axon 3 offers a slightly lighter build and a more natural feel when you push the pace. Choose based on where your running leans, and you will not go far wrong with either.