7 Best PUMA Running Shoes

We found a super trainer that graced our runs with insane responsiveness, a foam that spoiled our feet, and an outsole that grips like there’s no tomorrow. Unbeatable in the all-rounder game, the Deviate Nitro 3 is our top PUMA running shoe.

Housing a carbon PWRPLATE in the midsole, we felt the shoe’s consistent energy return in our runs! The lab backed this up, but it was our feet that cherished it the most. In our 90° bend test, it emerged 22.3% stiffer than average, explaining why we could push our boundaries with less effort.

Speed doesn’t come at the expense of comfort, as the soft yet responsive foam ensures our legs stay fresh and energized. We found a dual-density set-up with softer-than-average measurements of 19.0 HA and 18.0 HA, delivering silky-smooth strides.

Another highlight is the PUMAGRIP ATR outsole, clinging to the surface with such magnetic power. Our durometer reveals it’s 10.4% softer than average, explaining its unmatched traction even on wet roads.

However, its 9.5 oz (268g) weight feels way too bulky for race day. Those eager to set new personal bests should find another option.

After rigorous lab tests and runs, Magnify Nitro 2 stood out as PUMA’s best daily trainer. We simply enjoyed its all-around performance—handling any run effortlessly regardless of pace or distance. It boasts an energetic ride and sails through all road conditions with its one-of-a-kind traction.

This trainer is the best companion to burn daily mileage with its pleasant in-shoe experience. We measured a generous 37.1/27.8 mm stack, which means it has exceptional cushioning for long miles. The PUMA Nitro midsole feels very responsive, offering a lot of bounce in our runs. It has a steady and comfortable feel, which led to zero instances of bottoming out. Our durometer confirms a balanced 19.3 HA measurement.

MN2 has a world-class PUMAGRIP outsole to boast, which translates to exceptional grip and durability in our experience. We trained on dirt roads, wet pavements, and even icy conditions, and it delivered top-notch traction. We have no worries about premature wear as PUMA provides a solid 4.2 mm of rubber vs. the 3.2 mm average.

However, its knitted upper feels like a sauna on summer days. With a low 2/5 rating on our breathability test, this trainer is better off in colder seasons.

The PUMA Deviate Nitro 3 redefines what it means to be a supershoe. It’s a light speedster with an exceptional gravitational force to the ground and a highly comfortable stack. Our lab numbers and trial runs wholeheartedly agree that it’s our top PUMA racer.

The shoe feels insanely responsive in our runs and works wonders on short to long races. Its rocker geometry and stiff carbon plate launch us forward effortlessly. Our flex test confirms it’s 78.5% stiffer than average, explaining the pop of energy we experience. The midsole is composed of state-of-the-art Nitro Elite foam that feels exceptionally bouncy underfoot.

Speed doesn’t sacrifice comfort with its luscious heel rising to 39.2 mm and the main foam measuring 28.1% softer than average. This cushioning saves our legs from feeling tired and beaten up. Despite its height, it feels ultra-light and our scales agree with a 7.2 oz (240g) figure.

The PumaGrip rubber feels remarkably grippy too! Our durometer shows a soft reading of 72.6 HC, confirming its focus on traction. At 2.6 mm, it's thicker than typical sub-2.0 mm racers to avoid premature wear.

However, the shoe’s streamlined midsole makes it more susceptible to instability. Those in need of more pronounced support should look elsewhere.

With impressive scores across the board, the Velocity Nitro 3 not only proves its reliability but exceeds expectations in real-world tests. Its unwavering traction, well-balanced cushioning, and lightweight, agile feel at any pace solidify its position as PUMA's most versatile shoe.

PumaGrip, known for its remarkable grip on many surfaces, proves its effectiveness once more. Our durometer reveals it’s 9.3% softer than average, boasting its adhesive power even on sharp corners we tested. 

Further boosting our nimbleness is its flexible midsole that gives a natural and forgiving feel. Our bend test confirms it’s 13.6% more malleable than average, making it versatile enough for walks and gym workouts. Lightweight by feel and reality, our scales confirm its airy 9.3 oz (264g) construction.

Velocity 3 boasts a dual-layered foam design underfoot. Upon landing, we experience a plush sink-in sensation transitioning seamlessly to a supportive base to enhance stability. Our durometer unveils a softer 17.9 HA top layer and a firmer 36.0 HA bottom layer, a blend that proves effective across our various paces from recovery to tempo runs.

However, we discovered a narrow 107.7 mm forefoot that may cause blistering and discomfort to wide-footed runners. Those who thrive in wider forefoot areas should try other shoes.

Highly competitive and daring on all fronts, Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 is a uniquely designed shoe that creates an unusual and dynamic ride that’s not for the faint-hearted. Combined with its maximum cushioning, breathable upper, and resilient PUMAGRIP outsole, it’s the ultimate marathon racer among PUMA running shoes we tested on foot and in the lab.

This racer's standout feature is its decoupled heel and extended PWRPLATE, delivering a uniquely fast experience alongside the energetic Nitro Elite foam. Our lab tests show the shoe is a remarkable 187.1% stiffer than average, ensuring seamless propulsion for long distances.

Beneath lies a tower of plush foam that delivers a protective ride from miles 1 to 26. Our caliper reveals the heel maximizes the race-legal limit with its 39.7 mm heel. The forefoot doesn’t fall far behind and rises to a massive 31.9 mm. 

The Ultraweave upper is highly breathable, with our light test revealing its ultra-thin nature around the shoe, leading to a ventilation score of 5/5. Underfoot, is one of the best in the industry and this shoe proves it. The PUMAGRIP delivers excellent traction in all types of conditions, giving us the advantage of just focusing on our race.

If a heavy supershoe is a deal-breaker, better to look elsewhere. At 9.3 oz (264g), this racer is too heavy for modern standards.

We felt like we could run forever in the best stability PUMA running shoe: the ForeverRun Nitro. It exceptionally has a combination we rarely see in the lab—comfort, responsiveness, and surefootedness into one. Plus, its PUMAGRIP enhances our control over a variety of surfaces!

The RunGuide System takes center stage in ForeverRun Nitro, which is composed of non-intrusive support elements such as the PWRTAPE reinforcements, dominant sole flare, and hard plastic heel counter. Moreover, it provides us with a massive landing base to find our balance securely. Our caliper confirms this with 121.1/101.8 mm measurements vs. the 113.9/90.6 mm average.

ForeverRun Nitro goes against traditional stability shoes with its light 9.7 oz (274g) build and its stacked and bouncy foam. Our measurements show it rises to 36.1/26.6 mm and feels very responsive underfoot thanks to the nitrogen-infused foam.

Even as we ran through slippery streets, we maintained graceful and confident strides thanks to the soft PUMAGRIP outsole. Our 75.3 HC durometer reading indicates a higher focus on traction, which felt undeniable during testing. However, the rubber is 5.9% softer than average and has exposed foam on the inner medial side, leaving us with durability concerns. Those who prefer long-lasting trainers should check alternatives.

The PUMA MagMax Nitro is all about exceeding boundaries: extra cushioning, extra support, and extra grip. We forgot about the ground with its mega stack and cruised comfortably on auto-pilot mode since the stable ride and outsole’s traction kept things in control. Among PUMA running shoes in the lab, MagMax Nitro is the ultimate supertrainer.

Wearing the shoe elevated us off the ground. Our caliper confirms a solid 42.9/33.3 mm under our feet, one of the highest we’ve encountered! It erased ground impact almost completely with its light and balanced 18.3 HA Nitro foam.

To our surprise, we never had the feeling of losing balance or toppling over. MagMax Nitro adds stiffness to its structure to keep us centered, evidenced by its 5/5 torsional rigidity score in our assessment. It also includes sidewalls and a massive sole flare for extra support. This trainer went all out on stability by even widening its base to a mega 126.9/105.8 mm, 12.9/15.1 mm more than average.

The PumaGrip’s adhevise force boosts our confidence and surefootedness by keeping us steady regardless of surface conditions. Our durometer reveals why: the rubber measures a soft 74.0 HC.

However, because of its size, it still lacks agility compared to other trainers. Those who prefer a speedy or weightless experience should check elsewhere.