PUMA MagMax Nitro Review
Published: August 13, 2024
PUMA MagMax: Max-Stacked, Nitro-Boosted Protection and Performance
Likes
- Highly protective and efficient ride
- Good cushion-to-weight ratio
- Comfortable and secure fit
Dislikes
- Huge stack is a little bulky underfoot
- Could be more responsive
What's New
The PUMA MagMax Nitro is built to deliver comfort and performance in a max-cushioned running shoe. Designed for runners who crave plush support without sacrificing responsiveness, at its core is the innovative NITROFOAM™ midsole, a nitrogen-infused supercritical foam that strikes the perfect balance between soft cushioning and energetic bounce. With a towering stack height of 46mm in the heel and 38mm in the forefoot, the MagMax Nitro delivers exceptional underfoot protection, making it an ideal choice for long-distance runs and recovery days.
The upper of the MagMax Nitro is crafted from engineered mesh, providing a breathable and comfortable fit that adapts to your foot during long miles. PWRTAPE overlays add extra support and structure, ensuring a secure lockdown, while a padded ankle collar enhances overall comfort.
The upper of the MagMax Nitro is crafted from engineered mesh, providing a breathable and comfortable fit that adapts to your foot during long miles. PWRTAPE overlays add extra support and structure, ensuring a secure lockdown, while a padded ankle collar enhances overall comfort.
The Bottom Line
If you are a runner who loves long-distance, max-cushion shoes that combine comfort with energetic performance, then the PUMA MagMax Nitro could be your next max-stacked, long-run trainer. Our testers found that this shoe delivers on several fronts, offering a towering and protective NITRO foam midsole, a secure and sporty engineered mesh upper, and a reliable and grippy PUMAGRIP outsole. Both testers found the fit comfortable and secure, though it might not be ideal for runners with wider feet. The black-and-white colorway stood out, giving the shoe a sleek, sporty look that does not feel clunky despite the massive stack height.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.3 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.8 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 47 mm (Heel), 39 mm (Forefoot) | 8 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Kaleb: "The MagMax Nitro’s upper was very comfortable and secure. While it is not the most spacious, and the fit may not be ideal for runners with wider feet, I found it comfortable with my average foot. The engineered mesh is not the most breathable—I have tested cooler shoes—but I did not experience any hot spots or irritation from heat.
What stands out to me most about the PUMA MagMax upper is that, despite the shoe's wide base and huge stack, the upper looks sporty, especially in the black-and-white colorway that I tested. Honestly, the other colorways of the MagMax do not appeal to me, but the simple black and white looks sharp and does not feel or appear clunky, even with the shoe’s massive stack."
Risa: "The upper is a standard engineered mesh, and I had no issues running in it. The breathability was sufficient, and I did not experience any irritation. The shoes fit my narrow feet impressively well, and the PWRTAPE overlays provided the security I needed."
Midsole
Kaleb: "This is the type of midsole I look for in a long run or recovery shoe. The MagMax’s Nitro foam midsole is super protective with a fun, responsive bounce that makes cruising mileage feel effortless. Now, the MagMax is not speedy, and it definitely will not be the best option for faster-paced efforts, but in terms of protection and comfort, you truly have everything you need."
Risa: "Overall, the MagMax Nitro is a soft shoe, but it was firmer than I expected. I would use this shoe for cruising on easier runs. That said, the midsole delivers a dose of responsiveness that could pair well with slightly faster daily efforts."
Outsole
Kaleb: "PUMA outsoles have never let me down, and the MagMax’s PUMAGRIP outsole did its job, providing a secure, slip-proof grip that adapted well to sections of loose, gravelly terrain and uneven surfaces. This shoe is most definitely a road shoe meant to be on the pavement, but if you encounter a dirt or mulch path, there is no need to hesitate."
Risa: "The PUMAGRIP rubber outsole is always really grippy. I had no issues with grip on the roads, and I expect the shoe to hold up for many miles."
Comparable Shoes
PUMA MagMax Nitro vs. Saucony Triumph 22
Kaleb: "Honestly, both models provide smooth, efficient, and comfortable rides that make you want to keep running. However, the Triumph feels clunkier underfoot and heavier overall. In contrast, the PUMA MagMax maintains a relatively sleek feel that doesn’t weigh you down. While it’s not as spacious as the Triumph, I preferred the on-foot feel of the MagMax."
PUMA MagMax Nitro vs. HOKA Skyward X
Risa: "The MagMax Nitro and Skyward X feature super foam midsoles and have similarly high stack heights. Between the two, I prefer the Skyward X midsole. It’s softer and offers a bouncier ride, while the MagMax Nitro has a firmer, snappier midsole. The Skyward X also includes a carbon fiber plate, which isn’t too aggressive and helps deliver an ultra-smooth ride. In contrast, the MagMax Nitro is non-plated and doesn’t feel quite as effortlessly smooth as the Skyward X."
Individual Thoughts
KalebOverall Score: 9/10
The PUMA MagMax Nitro offers a protective and efficient ride paired with a sporty and comfortable upper. The engineered mesh upper, while not the most breathable, ensures a secure hold without irritation. Furthermore, I got the black and white colorway, and I thought the shoe felt and looked super sporty, especially given the midsole's bodacious stack.
The Nitro foam midsole excels during long and recovery runs with its responsive bounce and ample protection, though it may not be ideal for faster-paced efforts. Complemented by the reliable PUMAGRIP outsole, which performs well on various surfaces, this shoe is perfect for road running with occasional ventures onto loose terrain. Overall, the MagMax Nitro stands out with its sleek design and superior comfort.
RisaOverall Score: 8/10
I love running in max-cushion shoes, so I was eager to test the MagMax Nitro. This is one of the highest-stack shoes I’ve ever worn, and I was impressed by how lightweight it felt, considering the substantial amount of foam packed underfoot. That said, the MagMax’s super foam midsole didn’t quite meet my expectations during testing, and I didn’t experience the level of responsiveness I had initially hoped for. The underfoot is highly protective, with a slightly firmer feel and a subtle snap at toe-off that becomes evident when picking up the pace.
If you want a max-stack shoe and prioritize a lightweight feel with a slightly firmer underfoot experience, then the MagMax Nitro will be right up your alley. However, if you’re looking for a more plush max-cushion shoe, I would recommend something like the ASICS Nimbus 26. For now, I’ll be sticking with my current rotation of the HOKA Skyward X, ASICS Gel Nimbus, and New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 for my long and recovery runs.
PUMA Men's MagMax Nitro
The PUMA MagMax Nitro magnifies cushioning to the next level. This max cushion running shoe is stacked high with a plush and bouncy supercritical foam for all your daily training, long runs, and recovery miles.
PUMA Women's MagMax Nitro
The PUMA MagMax Nitro magnifies cushioning to the next level. This max cushion running shoe is stacked high with a plush and bouncy supercritical foam for all your daily training, long runs and recovery miles.
