Tried, tested & reviewed — Puma Magmax Nitro
Weight: 303g (UK 8.5)
Stack height: 46mm (heel)/38mm (forefoot)
Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
Type: Max-cushioned/neutral/road
The shoe
I love it when a brand releases a totally new running shoe. A shoe with no legacy, no predecessor and no expectations on my part. And that’s exactly the case with the Puma MagMax Nitro.
First impressions? This is one super-max stacked shoe. Boasting an eye-watering 46mm of Puma’s signature Nitrofoam in the heel, it almost makes the Magnify Nitro 2 look like a racing flat.
Okay, maybe that’s going a bit far. But Romain Girard, VP Innovation at Puma, does say that it’s the brand’s most cushioned, every day running shoe to date.
‘It’s a gateway for people to access running, particularly when you need an extra boost to get out the door,’ he says. ‘This shoe has been designed to make running feel effortless and comfortable.’
Now I’m a sucker for a max-cushioned running shoe, but there’s always the worry that with such high stack shoes (46mm in the heel, 38mm in the forefoot), they’ll fail to balance performance with all that cushioning. A ‘recovery day only’ shoe, if you like.
But Puma has made big strides (sorry) in the distance running realm in recent years, with some cracking additions to its line-up following the introduction of Nitro foam in 2021. So, does the Puma MagMax Nitro impress? Here’s my verdict.
How does the Puma MagMax Nitro fit?
Putting the MagMax Nitro on is virtually effortless thanks to dual pull tabs – one on the heel, one on the tongue. The heel tab is even embellished with a cheeky slogan reading 'Bouncy AF'. A nice touch for a very nice looking shoe — in fact, I'm yet to test a Puma running shoe that doesn't look good.
I got the MagMax Nitro in my regular running shoe size (UK 8.5) and it fits excellently. The immediate step-in feel is soft and cushioned, but not at all squishy. In fact, it’s got a slight firmness that seems to be consistent across Puma's entire Nitro line-up. This isn't a criticism at all – quite the opposite, as I'll discuss when we come onto the ride. The toe box is plenty wide enough and while the shoe is definitely narrower in the midfoot, I did't find it restrictive in any way.
That huge wedge of Nitro foam is supported by one of the widest platforms I’ve ever seen, but it’s necessary for stability and it doesn't feel clunky.
A stretchy, fully gusseted knit tongue sits comfortable against the top of the foot, while an engineered mesh upper holds the foot securely in place, with a PWRTAPE overlay supporting the medial side. It's subtle and not at all intrusive, adding to the overall stability and support the shoe provides. The heel counter also feels very plush and padded. No complaints here.
What’s the Puma MagMax Nitro like to run in?
On the run, the MagMax feels bouncy and smooth, with lots of cushioning for tired legs, but enough firmness that you can pick up the pace if needed. In fact, I was surprised by just how responsive the shoe feels despite that thick stack of Nitro foam. And it's not too clunky either, thanks to the shoe's slight rocker geometry, which combines with the moderate 8mm heel-to-toe offset to create a lovely fluid ride. As a heel-striker, I greatly appreciated these elements.
I’ve found myself leaning towards the MagMax for recovery runs, long runs and the odd bit of tempo. It’s not that it can’t handle faster efforts — I wore these for a recent interval session on a treadmill and got through it fine — it’s more that I prefer something lighter for the speedier stuff, and the MagMax is a pretty heavy shoe, coming it at 303g in my size 8.5.
As a daily trainer, though, it excels, and while £170 is on the higher end, I feel this is pretty bang on when you consider how many miles you'll be getting out of it. That said, I'm not sure the £170 price tag entirely aligns with Girard's 'gateway' claims. It seems a lot for a beginner to drop on a running shoe — even a very good one like the MagMax Nitro.
On the bottom, the MagMax Nitro is fitted with a PumaGrip rubber sole, which provides excellent multi-surface traction. I've risked many a wet drain testing this shoe, and I've yet to go flying.
RW verdict
With its big wedge of Nitro foam cushioning delivering a soft yet responsive ride, the Puma MagMax Nitro is an impressive daily trainer that's great for recovery days and long runs — and even slightly faster efforts if you don’t mind the extra weight. The cushioning from the Nitro foam is soft yet bouncy, contributing to a balanced ride that feels responsive without being overly squishy. For those seeking a stable, max-cushioned trainer that can tackle mileage comfortably, it's an impressive option.
Alternatives
While the MagMax Nitro is by no means a one-trick pony, the Asics Superblast 2 still takes the crown when it comes to overall versatility, weighing in 48g lighter. The Hoka Skyward X, meanwhile, offers a similar super-stacked midsole to the MagMax Nitro, but with a slightly snappier ride thanks to a PEBA-blend midsole and bowed carbon plate.
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