6 Best PUMA Running Shoes in 2023

Unbeatable in all fields, the Deviate Nitro 2 is our ultimate pick from PUMA’s arsenal. This do-it-all kick boasts a divine comfy lockdown coupled with a spicy plate, all while oozing an otherworldly traction game standing as the icing on the cake.

What an exhilarating ride! Constantly urging us to clutch up, the full-length plate nestled within the midsole is the star of the show. Following the supershoe formula, it adds a firm and stiff feel to our toe-offs, acting as an insatiable power source. We locked the Deviate 2 by its tip to assess its 90º pliability. Our force gauge measured a vigorous 58.8N resistance, ranking this shoe as 91.5% stiffer than our average data. 

Its foot feel is where the magic truly unfolds. The ethereal midsole preserves the spring-off momentum on top of a lovely and silky-smooth stride. Pushing our durometer against it confirmed the foam’s gentle nature, placing it as 32.5% softer than average. Remarkably, it doesn’t feel all over the place, greatly thanks to a 92.3 mm wide heel platform, 2.4 mm above average, that ensured a stable ride - numbers checked with our caliper.

Another highlight of the Deviate 2 is the Pumagrip, the underfoot rubber that grips the ground with gravitational force. Testing at a near-average 77.0 HC hardness on our durometer, it remains phenomenally sticky for ages.

However, we do not recommend this PUMA as a personal best obliterator. We found its 257 grams (9.1 oz) way too bulky and uninspiring for race day.

The Eternity Nitro from PUMA became a true surprise for runners. From the look of it, it's not a very promising trainer, but it changes your mind the moment it's on your feet. It is a well-cushioned stability trainer that doesn't feel like one. Be it a long slow run or a full day of walking, this PUMA shoe has got you covered.

Great scores all-around implied its reliability, but our workouts proved it. With flawless traction and unwavering stability across all paces, the Velocity Nitro 2 takes the title of best versatility from PUMA.

Noticeable even to the distracted eye, there is an unusual dual-layered foam setup underfoot. Upon landing, our feet would primarily sink into a plush layer, seamlessly transitioning to a supportive firmer base that ensured a safe and sound stride. Delving into the science, our durometer revealed a midsole with a softer 35.5 HA layer over a firmer 43.5 HA one. We gotta say it works! From recovery pace to tempo runs, the Velocity 2 kept on delivering.

Pumagrip proves its mettle once more. With a 68.5 HC score in our durometer, the rubber of the outsole sits as 14.4% softer than average, adhering to the asphalt with the style of a quick F1 tire. The aggressive lug pattern and the 4.9 mm thick outsole seal the deal, effortlessly gripping even light trails.

While an excellent all-rounder, the Velocity Nitro 2 might not be the perpetual daily trainer some seek. Its upper construction feels cheap and untrustworthy, with some pieces easily torn by hand.

The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2 has shown us it's not only a good racing shoe, but also a standout for tempo runs. We think that this is a well-thought-out redesign from 1, featuring an enhanced, comfortable upper and substantial PumaGrip rubber on the outsole that gave us excellent traction and durability. Regrettably, we encountered a slight increase in weight as the trade-off.

The Fast-R Nitro Elite is an elite racing shoe from PUMA that takes the original PUMA Nitro Elite's stability and overall performance to new heights. A new addition to the super shoe scene, this shoe offers a quick and agile ride in half to full marathons. One-upping the Nitro Elite, the PUMA Fast-R continues Puma's momentum in the running world.

The Fast-FWD Nitro Elite from PUMA is a short-distance super shoe that doesn’t only go fast, it looks fast as well. Its performance-oriented lockdown, full-length carbon plate, and very aggressive geometry provide a punchy, propulsive, “falling off a cliff” feeling that’s best for blasting past current 5K PBs and fellow racers.