PUMA has, in a few years, 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.
In this article, we provide an overview of the most popular shoes so you can easily make the choice of which shoe you need.
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Our verdict on PUMA's running shoes 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 among the shoes is that they are built on many of the same technologies, such as midsoles, all consisting of PUMA's NITRO foam and outsoles with durable PUMAGRIP.
MIDSOLE of NITRO™ FOAM
The recurring theme for PUMA's shoe line is their NITRO foam in the midsole. The foam is lightweight compared to foam in other training shoes. In fact, this particular type (Nitrogen-infused TPEE) is often found in tempo shoes, precisely because of its light weight and energy return.
In 2023, PUMA introduced their NITRO ELITE foam, which you find in the DEVIATE ELITE and FAST-R series. This type (Aliphatic TPU) provides top-notch energy return, and it's one of the main reasons PUMA's elite shoes are as relevant as they are.
You thus get a high-quality midsole, regardless of the model you choose.
PUMAGRIP OUTSOLE
Whether you need a warrior shoe to take 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 choice of shoe.
PUMAGRIP ensures durability and good grip in all weather conditions. But since it also adds significant weight, it's often here that the crucial grams are saved on fast running shoes. The faster the shoe, the less outsole, and hence lower durability.
PUMA VELOCITY NITRO 4
- Most versatile running shoe
is PUMA's all-round training shoe for the neutral runner. The shoe balances a light feel with adequate shock absorption. VELOCITY NITRO 4 is a very light training shoe, and it can also be used for progressive and fast runs.
If you want to make the safe choice, VELOCITY is an excellent option with lots of miles in it – both fast and slow.
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 recent years' focus on max-cushioned running shoes (maximum shock absorption). The shoes shorten recovery time by delivering such a soft feel that your legs don't take the same strain they do with regular shoes. However, this comes at a compromise: The weight is higher with these shoes compared to traditional ones.
For days when recovery and comfort are prioritized, PUMA MAGMAX NITRO 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. Perhaps the most important category of shoes overall. Because this is where the base is built. Without the wildest technologies and ideas. Here, PUMA challenges with their trainers, where you still find midsoles you usually find in tempo shoes.
MAGNIFY NITRO 3 is a shoe most lack: Plenty of comfort, mileage, and stability.
PUMA FOREVERRUN NITRO 2
- Best stability shoe
Would you like to benefit from both stability and a light feel, there are few shoes that combine the two like does. The midsole is made of 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 additional stability.
FOREVERRUN is a shoe for those wanting a stable running experience, ideal for rehabilitation or new runners.
PUMA DEVIATE NITRO 3
- Best shoe for interval training
When you need to train speed, endurance, or just want an 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 a reinforcing for your lift-off. The shoe helps you maintain intensity while training towards your next goal.
The shoes still focus on comfort and durability, making them excellent for training.
PUMA DEVIATE NITRO ELITE 3
- Best shoe for racing
is the shoe for those pursuing new personal records. The shoe is equipped with a PWRPLATE carbon plate in the midsole, providing energy for each take-off. Moreover, DEVIATE NITRO ELITE 3 is very light, mainly due to the use of NITRO ELITE foam material. Not only that, but the foam is also among the most energy-returning on the market.
In other words: If you're looking for a fast shoe to break a personal record, DEVIATE NITRO ELITE is hard to overlook.
PUMA FAST-R NITRO ELITE 3
- Most innovative running shoe
PUMA's new running shoe line has been known for innovation since its inception. Especially series has shifted what a running shoe is and looks like. The high midsole consists of ultra-responsive and lightweight NITROFOAM ELITE foam. The shoe looks distinctive with its extended PWRPLATE carbon plate: An exclusive PUMA technology. Although the shoe appears large, it weighs significantly less than its predecessors (262 grams in US9).
If you feel fast and brave, ready for a new running experience, you'll find nothing wilder than FAST-R ELITE 3.
PUMA DEVIATE NITRO ELITE TRAIL
- Best shoe for trail
Everything you find great on the road – comfort, responsiveness, and pop – PUMA also delivers for trail:
. With NITRO ELITE foam and PWRPLATE carbon plate, the TRAIL version resembles DEVIATE NITRO ELITE 3, but here the fast combination is spiced with a PUMAGRIP ATR outsole, allowing you to pass through terrain, no matter how technical it is.
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