It’s been a long while since we’ve had the Magnify NITRO line on our feet. In fact, the last time was way back in 2021 with the original version—hard to believe it’s been that long. Since then, we’ve run through plenty of Puma models, but the Magnify has been sitting quietly on the sidelines.
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Now, the Magnify NITRO 3 is here, and it feels like Puma has built a proper bridge between its daily trainer (the Velocity NITRO 4) and the skyscraper MagMax.
Looks:
Puma has kept things pretty clean with the Magnify NITRO 3. There are five colorways available right now, all living in that black/white/blue family. The design looks sharp and crisp, as we’ve come to expect from Puma—simple but stylish enough that you won’t mind wearing them casually when you’re not running.
It’s not the most adventurous lineup, but the polished look matches the shoe’s more cushioned, comfort-first personality.
Fit & Construction:
For a shoe with such a tall platform (40mm/30mm stack), I was expecting a more generous fit. Instead, the Magnify feels a bit on the slimmer side—especially through the midfoot. It wasn’t uncomfortable for me personally, but I can see higher-volume feet feeling boxed in. My guess is that the additional overlays are partly responsible, designed to provide some extra stability for a shoe this high off the ground. It makes sense in theory, though in practice it left the upper feeling a touch tight.
The heel collar is well-cushioned, and the upper overall feels thicker than what you get on something like the Velocity 4. That padding adds comfort, but it also means breathability takes a step back. This is a shoe that leans into plushness more than ventilation.
Specs:
- Stack: 40mm / 30mm
- Drop: 10mm
- Weight: 9.78oz (M9)
Upper:
The engineered mesh upper is supportive, with plenty of padding around the heel for a locked-in feel. It’s not the lightest or airiest construction, but it does provide that “comfort first” vibe Puma is going for here.
The overlays reinforce stability but add a slightly snugger sensation than you might expect. It’s a design that will work well for runners who value security, but it may feel restrictive to those who like a roomier fit.
Midsole:
This is where the Magnify makes its case. The full-length NITROFOAM midsole delivers the cushioned, soft ride that the line is built around. Compared to the Velocity NITRO 4, the Magnify carries an extra 4mm of stack height across the board, which gives it more underfoot protection and makes it feel more purpose-built for long, easy efforts.
It’s not a shoe designed for speed days—you won’t mistake it for a tempo trainer—but that’s not what it’s here for. It’s here to absorb miles, keep you comfortable, and lean into that plush side of Puma’s lineup. In many ways, it feels like a toned-down precursor to the MagMax: still stacked, still soft, but not quite as extreme.
Outsole:
No surprises here—PUMAGRIP continues to shine. The design looks a little different than the Velocity 4 (just barely though), and the coverage and traction are just as reliable. Grip won’t be an issue, whether you’re logging long road miles or mixing in some light weather. As with most Puma models, the rubber does lean soft, so if you’re hard on your outsoles, durability may vary.
Overall:
The Magnify NITRO 3 sits in an interesting spot in Puma’s lineup. It’s not flashy or built for pushing the pace, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a soft, cushioned, reliable ride for long runs or recovery miles. If the Velocity NITRO 4 is your daily workhorse, think of the Magnify 3 as its bigger, more comfort-driven cousin.
This is a solid high-stack trainer that provides comfort, stability, and plenty of cushion mile after mile.
