With the 2024 Paris Olympics recently wrapping up, Puma’s name brings to mind sleek and fast footwear dominating the track and roads. Over the years, our reviews of Puma shoes have consistently highlighted their speed and agility. The new Puma MagMax NITRO, however, was a bit of a departure from our usual experiences, but one we’ve enjoyed exploring.
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Looks:
The MagMax NITRO introduces a bold new look for Puma. Departing from their typical orange and yellow colorways, this model features two pretty straightforward colorways – black and white. Obviously, the design is less vibrant compared to other Puma shoes. However, it’s possible that other colorways will be released in the future. Given the shoe’s substantial stack height, its cooler, more relaxed vibe suits its intended purpose of slower, more relaxed runs.
Fit & Construction:
Upper:
The upper of the MagMax NITRO is quite impressive. It features a reinforced mesh that provides excellent breathability and cushioning. The collar, reinforced with foam, adds an extra layer of comfort and ensures a snug fit. While many Puma shoes tend to fit snugly, which works well for my feet, this model seems to accommodate wider feet better due to its broader base.
The upper, excluding the tongue, is a standard engineered mesh similar to Puma’s other offerings, with a narrower midfoot and ample room in the forefoot. The tongue feels exceptionally comfortable, resembling an additional layer of a sock rather than a traditional running shoe tongue.
Midsole:
The standout feature of the MagMax NITRO is its impressive stack height—46mm (!) of NITROFOAM. Despite its substantial height and weight, the shoe offers a surprisingly bouncy ride. It lacks the extreme squishiness that can sometimes be uncomfortable, yet it allows for some speed despite its size.
Stability can be a concern with such a tall shoe, but the PUMA PWRTAPE helps maintain a stable feel. The shoe also features a wide platform, which helps mitigate the sensation of height and provides ample room for the foot to spread out.
Outsole:
Puma continues to excel in outsole design with the MagMax Nitro. The PUMAGrip outsole is robust, providing excellent traction and full coverage. There’s not much to say except it’s great.
Overall:
In conclusion, while the MagMax NITRO’s colorway might come off as a bit basic and straightforward, don’t let that fool you. This shoe is a prime choice for anyone looking for a super-stacked option this fall. Its impressive cushioning, comfortable upper, and solid grip make it a standout despite its muted looks. If you’re in the market for a shoe that balances high performance with a cushioned ride, the MagMax NITRO is definitely worth a try.
Puma MagMax NITRO $180
Specs & Socials:
- Weight: Men’s 10.2 oz (M10)
- Stack: 38mm forefoot / 46mm heel
- Drop: 8mm
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Thank you to Puma for providing us with test items. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.