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Puma’s basketball division has been quietly building something special, and the All-Pro Nitro TM is at the center of it. With the Fall 2026 colorways hitting shelves, I think it’s time more people started paying attention to what Puma is doing on the hardwood.
The All-Pro Nitro TM is the original silhouette that laid the groundwork for Puma’s modern basketball line, and it remains a serious performer. Released initially in June 2023 at $130, the shoe was the first to feature Puma’s NITRO SQD foam technology. That dual-density system uses a soft inner layer of NITRO foam for cushioning and impact absorption, wrapped in a firm outer layer of NITROFOAM for lateral stability during multi-directional movements. It’s a smart setup that gives you the best of both worlds. Comfort when you’re running the floor, stability when you’re making hard cuts.
The engineered knit upper on the All-Pro Nitro TM uses multi-zoned materials for targeted support where you need it most. The forefoot has a cord lock-down lacing system that extends down through the midsole, which gives you a locked-in feel during aggressive lateral movement. I’ve always appreciated Puma’s approach here. They didn’t try to reinvent the wheel with crazy lacing systems or gimmicks. They took a proven concept and refined it.
The Fall 2026 colorway brings a fresh look to the silhouette. The shoe comes dressed in a Puma Black and Formula Red color scheme, with black dominating the upper and red accents hitting the Puma form stripe and branding details. It’s a clean, aggressive look that works on any court. The black base keeps it versatile enough for casual wear while the red pops give it personality. I’ve always thought the All-Pro Nitro TM looks better in person than it does in product photos. The materials have a premium feel that doesn’t fully translate in images.
Puma has expanded the All-Pro Nitro family significantly since the original dropped. The All-Pro Nitro 2 launched in 2025 at $135, bringing the same NITRO SQD foam in a refined package with a PWR Print upper that’s thinner and lighter than the original knit. Josh Giddey got a signature colorway of the Nitro 2 called “Wonder,” inspired by the Australian outback, which dropped in May 2026 for $140. RJ Barrett got his own Player Edition in Canada with a purple and black colorway nodding to Toronto’s retro jerseys. The All-Pro Nitro line has become Puma’s most successful basketball platform, and for good reason.
What makes the original All-Pro Nitro TM still relevant in 2026 is the value. At $130 retail, and often available for less on sale, you’re getting premium basketball technology at a price that undercuts Nike and adidas signature shoes by $25 to $50. The NITRO SQD foam is legitimate performance tech, not marketing fluff. Multiple reviewers have rated the All-Pro Nitro as one of the best performing basketball shoes of the past few years, with expert ratings averaging around 8.5 out of 10.
The traction on the All-Pro Nitro TM is solid. The outsole uses a multidirectional pattern that grips well on clean indoor floors and holds up reasonably on outdoor surfaces. The high-abrasion rubber compound is durable enough for blacktop sessions, which is more than I can say for some shoes at this price point. The shoe weighs in at a reasonable level too, not the lightest but not a brick either.
Puma’s basketball roster has grown to include real talent. Giddey, Barrett, LaMelo Ball with his own signature line, and others. The brand has invested in hoops in a way that goes beyond just slapping a logo on a shoe. They’re developing technology, building athlete relationships, and creating products that compete with the established players. The All-Pro Nitro TM is proof of that commitment.
The Fall 2026 colorway of the All-Pro Nitro TM is the kind of release that might fly under the radar, and that’s okay. Not every shoe needs to sell out in 30 seconds to be worth your attention. If you’re looking for a performance basketball shoe that delivers on tech, looks clean, and doesn’t break the bank, this is a strong option. The black and red colorway is versatile, the NITRO SQD foam is the real deal, and Puma’s commitment to basketball is genuine.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Puma is making some of the best value basketball shoes on the market right now. The All-Pro Nitro TM at $130, the All-Pro Nitro 2 at $135, these are shoes that perform like they cost more. The Fall 2026 colorway gives you another reason to check them out if you haven’t already.
