PUMA has quickly established itself as a dominant force in the running scene, and whether you're looking for a reliable training shoe or a race shoe for your next competition, PUMA has an option for you.
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 PUMA's running shoes can be found here, but read the article and hear our reasons.
- - Most versatile shoe
- - Best max cushioned running shoe
- - Best training shoe
- - Best stable shoe
- - Best shoe for interval training
- - Best shoe for racing
- - Most innovative running shoe
- - Best shoe for trail
Common to the shoes is that they are built on many of the same technologies, such as midsoles, all made of PUMA's NITRO foam and outsoles in the durable PUMAGRIP.
NITRO™ FOAM MIDSOLE
The recurring theme for PUMA's shoe line is their NITRO foam in the midsole. The foam is in the lightweight category compared to foam in other training shoes. This particular type (Nitrogen-infused TPEE) is often found in tempo running 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) delivers top-notch energy return, and it's one of the main reasons PUMA's elite shoes are as relevant as they are.
You get a high-quality midsole, regardless of the model you choose.
PUMAGRIP OUTSOLE
Whether you need a warrior shoe that can carry you through mile after mile, or the latest carbon plate shoe, you get the benefit of PUMAGRIP. A running shoe is only as good as its weakest point, and since this is often durability, the outsole plays a significant role in your shoe choice.
PUMAGRIP ensures durability and good grip in all weather. But since this also adds significant weight, it's often here that the important grams are saved on fast running shoes. The faster the running shoe, the less outsole and thus lower durability.
PUMA VELOCITY NITRO 5
- Most versatile running shoe
is PUMA's all-round training shoe for the neutral runner. The shoe balances a light feel with adequate cushioning. VELOCITY NITRO 5 is a very light training shoe, and it can also be used for progressive and fast runs.
If you want to make a safe choice, VELOCITY is an excellent option with plenty of miles in it – both fast and slow.
PUMA MAGMAX NITRO 2
- 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. The shoes shorten recovery time by delivering such a soft feel that your legs don't take the same load as they do with regular shoes.
For days when recovery and comfort are paramount, PUMA MAGMAX NITRO 2 is your obvious choice.
PUMA MAGNIFY NITRO 3
- Best training shoe
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.
MAGNIFY NITRO 3 is a shoe most people need: Plenty of comfort, miles, and stability.
PUMA FOREVERRUN NITRO 3
- Best stable shoe
If you want to enjoy both stability and a light feel, few shoes combine the two like . The midsole is made of two types of foam – one firm and one soft – strategically shaped to stabilize your foot via RUNGUIDE technology.
FOREVERRUN is a shoe for those who want a stable running experience, ideal for a recovery period or new runners.
PUMA DEVIATE NITRO 4
- Best shoe for interval training
When you want to work on pace, longer intervals, or just give your runs an extra energy boost, Puma is an excellent choice. The updated NITRO midsole delivers a light and responsive feel, while the integrated PWRPLATE in carbon fiber ensures efficient energy use and stability through the stride.
PUMA DEVIATE NITRO ELITE 4
- Best shoe for racing
is the shoe for those chasing new personal records. The shoe is equipped with a PWRPLATE carbon plate and an updated NITRO ELITE foam, which is among the most energy-returning on the market. Deviate Nitro Elite 4 is one of the lightest shoes on the market, which you both see and feel when you take it out of the box.
If you're looking for a lightning-fast shoe to break a personal record, DEVIATE NITRO ELITE is hard to overlook.
PUMA FAST-R NITRO ELITE 3
- Most innovative running shoe
Especially series has redefined what a running shoe is and looks like. The high midsole consists of ultra-responsive NITROFOAM ELITE. Despite its large appearance, the shoe weighs significantly less than its predecessors (262 grams in US9).
If you feel fast and daring, you won't find anything much wilder than FAST-R ELITE 3.
PUMA DEVIATE NITRO ELITE TRAIL
- Best shoe for trail
delivers comfort and responsiveness for terrain. With NITRO ELITE foam and PWRPLATE, it's enhanced with a PUMAGRIP ATR outsole, allowing you to navigate technical terrain.
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