Passion, experience and the ability to understand the needs of athletes down to the smallest detail: these are the core elements for creating a shoe that enables exceptional performance. Romain Girard, Vice President Innovation at PUMA, takes us on a journey behind the scenes and shows us how the evoSPEED Berserker NITRO™ Elite was created – the shoe in which Karsten Warholm won silver at the Olympic Games in the 400 metres hurdles.
NITRO™: Pinnacle responsiveness in an extremely lightweight package
What makes running an experience that feels effortless, powerful and simply great? The perfect balance between responsiveness and lightness. This is exactly where NITRO™ comes in.
This ground-breaking midsole technology was developed to help runners push their limits – whether on the track, in training or on a relaxed run through the park. The secret of NITRO™ is the nitrogen incorporated into the midsole during the manufacturing process. It provides a lightweight structure that is both responsive and robust. The result: a shoe that propels you forward instead of slowing you down.




The advantages at a glance:
Pinnacle Responsiveness:
Every step feels softer without losing stability – whether you are planning a long run or aiming for the best times.
Extra energy:
With every step, NITRO™ gives you back some of your energy exactly when you most need it.
Lightness:
NITRO™ shoes are surprisingly light. This means you have the stamina you need on the way to a new personal best.
When running becomes an experience
The development of NITRO™ is a prime example of PUMA’s approach to taking sport to the next level. Hundreds of 3D simulations, precise science and direct feedback from athletes like Karsten Warholm resulted in a technology that not only impresses on paper but also makes the decisive difference on the track.
Innovation has no finish line
“Innovation is not a straight line, but an endless journey,” says Romain Girard, Vice President Innovation at PUMA. “Every day, new ideas, technologies and feedback from our athletes take us one step further.” And it is this attention to detail – this pursuit of perfection – that is at the heart of our PUMA products: helping athletes perform at their highest level.

Innovation is not a straight line, but an endless journey. Every day, new ideas, technologies and feedback from our athletes take us one step further.
Vice President Innovation