PUMA has established itself as a dominant factor in the running scene in just a few years, and whether you're looking for a reliable training shoe, or a racing shoe for your next competition, PUMA has a suggestion.
This article provides an overview of the most popular shoes, making it easy for you to choose the shoe you need.
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Our verdict on the running shoes from PUMA can be found here, but read the article to hear our reasons.
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- Most versatile shoe
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- Best max cushioned running shoe
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- Most innovative running shoe
Common for these shoes is that many share the same technologies, for example, the midsoles, all made of PUMA's NITRO foam and the outsoles in durable PUMAGRIP.
MIDSOLE of NITRO™ FOAM
The recurring theme for PUMA's shoe line is their NITRO foam in the midsole. This foam falls in the lightweight category compared to other trainers. This specific type (Nitrogen-infused TPEE) is often found in tempo shoes due to its light weight and energy return.
In 2023, PUMA introduced their NITRO ELITE foam, found in the DEVIATE ELITE and FAST-R series. This type (Aliphatic TPU) offers premium energy return, one of the key reasons PUMA's elite shoes remain relevant.
You get a high-quality midsole regardless of the model you choose.
PUMAGRIP OUTSOLE
Whether you need a warrior shoe to carry you through miles or the newest carbon plate shoe, PUMAGRIP is a pleasure. A running shoe is only as good as its weakest point, often durability, making the outsole a crucial factor in your shoe choice.
PUMAGRIP ensures durability and excellent grip in all weather. However, as this adds significant weight, it's often where crucial grams are saved in fast running shoes. The faster the shoe, the smaller the outsole and thus lower durability.
PUMA VELOCITY NITRO 4
- Most versatile running shoe
is PUMA's all-round training shoe for the neutral runner. It balances a light feel with adequate cushioning. VELOCITY NITRO 4 is a very light trainer, making it suitable for both progressive and fast runs.
For a safe choice, VELOCITY is an excellent option with plenty of miles in it – both fast and relaxed.
PUMA MAGMAX NITRO
- Best max cushioned-running shoe
If you're looking for PUMA's softest trainer, look for . With its high and wide platform of NITRO foam, PUMA taps into the recent years' focus on max cushioned-running shoes. These shoes shorten recovery time by offering such a soft feel that your legs don't endure the same strain as with regular shoes. However, this comes at a compromise: The weight is higher than traditional shoes.
For days where recovery and comfort are top priorities, PUMA MAGMAX NITRO is your go-to choice.
PUMA MAGNIFY NITRO 3
- Best trainer
focuses on stability and comfort. With a wider and higher platform than VELOCITY NITRO 3 and a lower weight than MAGMAX NITRO, the MAGNIFY series positions itself as PUMA's daily trainer. Perhaps the most important shoe category. This is where the base is built. Without the wildest technologies and ideas. Here, PUMA challenges with their trainers, where you'll still find midsoles you typically see in tempo shoes.
MAGNIFY NITRO 3 is a shoe most lack: Plenty of comfort, miles, and stability.
PUMA FOREVERRUN NITRO 2
- Best stable shoe
If you want to enjoy both stability and a light feel, few shoes combine these like does. The midsole is crafted from two types of foam - one firm and one soft - strategically shaped to stabilize your foot. The technology is called RUNGUIDE and is combined with an asymmetrical heel cap for added stability.
FOREVERRUN is a shoe for those wanting a stable running experience, ideal for a rehabilitation period or new runners.
PUMA DEVIATE NITRO 3
- Best shoe for interval training
When you need to train speed, endurance or just want extra pop in your training, PUMA suggests
. The light NITRO foam is combined here with a PWRPLATE – PUMA's carbon fiber plate – which stiffens the shoe, both as a stabilizing element and as reinforcement for your step. The shoe helps maintain intensity when training towards your next goal.
The shoes still focus on comfort and durability, making them excellent for training.
PUMA DEVIATE NITRO ELITE 3
- Best race shoe
is the shoe for those chasing new personal records. Equipped with a PWRPLATE carbon plate in the midsole, it provides energy for each step. Moreover, DEVIATE NITRO ELITE 3 is a very light shoe, largely due to the use of NITRO ELITE foam. Additionally, this foam is among the most energy-returning on the market.
In other words: If you're looking for a super-fast shoe to break a personal record, DEVIATE NITRO ELITE is hard to beat.
PUMA FAST-R NITRO ELITE 3
- Most innovative running shoe
PUMA's new running shoe line has been known for innovation since its start. Especially the series has redefined what a running shoe is and looks like. The high midsole features ultra-responsive, light NITROFOAM ELITE. The shoe stands out with its extended PWRPLATE carbon plate: An exclusive PUMA technology. Even though it appears large, it weighs significantly less than its predecessors (262 grams in US9).
If you feel fast and bold, and are ready for a new running experience, you won't find much wilder than the FAST-R ELITE 3.
PUMA DEVIATE NITRO ELITE TRAIL
- Best trail shoe
Everything you love on the road – comfort, responsiveness, and pop – PUMA also delivers for trail:
. With NITRO ELITE foam and PWRPLATE carbon plate, the TRAIL version is quite similar to DEVIATE NITRO ELITE 3, but this fast combo is enhanced with a PUMAGRIP ATR outsole, allowing you to traverse terrain, no matter how technical.
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