Puma MagMax Nitro Review: Max Nitro, Max Fun

What You Need To Know

Introduction to the Puma MagMax Nitro

MEAGHAN: There’ve been a couple shoes that debuted in 2024 that have been quite a surprise, and the Puma MagMax Nitro might be on the top of that list. For starters, I didn’t even know this shoe existed until it showed up at our front door. We never saw a sneak peak at TRE and didn’t even see any leaks online.

As the name suggests, the MagMax Nitro is Puma’s new super max cushioned trainer. It features Puma’s Nitrofoam, and a very thick layer of it, sitting at 46mm in the heel and 38mm in the forefoot for an 8mm drop. The upper is designed with an engineered mesh and reinforced with Puma’s classic Pwrtape while the outsole features their signature Pumagrip. On paper, this shoe checks all of the boxes, but how did it feel out on the roads? Let’s get into it.

THOMAS: Like Meg, I didn’t see this one coming. Honestly, though, that’s not a bad thing. When we get so many shoes in through the door it can be easy to build up an expectation in your mind as soon as you find out that something is on its way. With this one, I knew nothing up until the point I had the shoe in hand and then on foot.

Also, like Meg, I have come to enjoy the max cush cruisers. I’m not quite as young as I once was, so anything that puts distance between my feet (fat pad and all) and the ground is welcome. Some shoes and foams are better than others, though, so I didn’t want to let a big stack of Nitro lull me into a sense of security. I wasn’t sure if the surprise arrival was all the MagMax Nitro had in store, but I was ready to find out. With my optimism outweighing the stack of running shoes still surrounding me, let’s get into it.

What we like about the Puma MagMax Nitro

MEAGHAN: Based on looks alone, I was pretty confident the MagMax Nitro was going to be a fast favorite. While my preferred colorways tend to be all-or-mostly white, the light blue mesh with lime green accents is a nice look. This shoe’s step-in feel is really plush, the wide platform is stable, and the stretchy knit tongue adds a premium feel to the upper.

Beneath the foot is a very, very thick stack of Nitro foam, which is even more fun than it looks — and it looks pretty fun. It’s impressively bouncy out on the road, even with so much of it underfoot. Somehow, Puma managed to nail a good mix of comfort and responsiveness in the MagMax Nitro. It feels super cushioned but also bouncy enough that you could pick up the pace if you wanted. While most max cushioned shoes fall into that recovery-only category, the MagMax feels much more versatile, and I found myself lacing this one up day after day.

It also costs $180, which seems very reasonable given the miles you’ll log in a pair.

THOMAS: I can agree with basically everything that Meg said. The upper on the MagMax Nitro does an excellent job of locking the foot down over such a generous helping of Nitro foam, which is a relief — especially if you have ankles like Robbe’s. On top of that, the Nitro itself feels surprisingly stable, adding even more reassurance for your ankles. While I’m on the topic of that Nitro foam, it’s worth mentioning that it’s a good one. It’s soft enough but resilient through the course of a run. It squishes nicely but pretty much launches you into your next stride.

Also, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, but PumaGrip is the stuff. It remains one of the best outsole compounds on the market, and it kept me feeling even more secure on the MagMax Nitro’s large platform.

Thank you, Puma, for a max cushion shoe that keeps me feeling fresh but doesn’t have to be reserved for recovery days.

What we don’t like about the Puma MagMax Nitro

MEAGHAN: I guess if I had one negative thing to say about the shoe, it’s that it’s heavier. My US W7.5 weighed 8.7 oz (246 g), so while I find it comparable to the Superblast in its use case, it’s a full ounce heavier.

THOMAS: This year has been the year of heavier trainers, and the MagMax is no different. That said, I’m either getting used to the extra weight, or the midsole foams are responsive enough that I don’t notice it as much as I used to. Anyway, my US M10.5 came in at 11.4 oz  (324 g), which is pretty hefty for any kind of shoe.

Final thoughts on the Puma MagMax Nitro

MEAGHAN: The Puma MagMax Nitro has quickly become one of my favorite shoes of 2024. It’s comfortable, bouncy, and fun — what else do you need? This shoe will definitely stay in my rotation throughout the fall, and it’s been one of my go-to choices when I’m not actively reviewing another shoe. If you’re looking for a high-stack, stable, and responsive ride, this one should be on the top of your list.

THOMAS: It’s hard to quantify fun, just like it’s hard to describe why one shoe sometimes has the x-factor while another doesn’t. This one has most of the x-factor, at least. Puma’s MagMax Nitro is fun to run in, and I like it for daily miles and long slogs alike. I’d probably opt for something lighter for properly fast efforts, though.

Inevitably, it’ll get compared to the Hoka Skyward X, New Balance More v5, Asics Superblast 2, and the Brooks Glycerin Max. Of the bunch, I think the Glycerin Max is probably the closest, but either way, it’s a great time to be a fan of bouncy, cushioned trainers.

You can pick up the Puma MagMax Nitro for $180 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.