Curious about Puma running shoes but feeling overwhelmed about what to try? Our team logged the miles to break down which models are worth a look, no matter your pace.
Puma may have started over 70 years ago with a focus on training shoes, but it’s come a long way since then. The brand has dabbled in fashion, leaned into innovation, and even created one of the first “smart shoes” to give runners feedback on the fly.
In 2023, Puma marked its 75th anniversary with the slogan “FOREVER. FASTER.”, a pretty clear sign they’re serious about chasing performance. And lately, they’ve been showing up more and more in the running scene, especially after some big marathon moments at the Olympics.
But these shoes aren’t just built for the front of the pack. Puma’s lineup is growing to offer something for every runner, and they’ve made it clear: their goal is to be a shoe for all.
Below, we’ve rounded up highlights from our reviews to help you figure out which Puma running shoe might be your next favorite.
Best Puma Running Shoes
Some of their bold designs might not be for everyone, but it’s clear from our favorites below that they’re serious about offering something for runners from the front, middle, and back of the pack.
The brand is still dialing things in, continuing to refine their designs to improve comfort, boost support, and enhance performance with every new (or updated) release.
Here’s our list of the best Puma running shoes from lots and lots of testing!
Best Max Cushioned Running Shoe – Puma MagMax Nitro
Puma MagMax Nitro is finally speaking to the middle and back of the pack that wants some cushion for long hours on the feet.
Unlike other Puma models, this one fully leans into max comfort. It’s soft without feeling mushy, so you don’t feel like you’re sinking in with every step, making it a solid pick for easy miles, long runs, or recovery days.
The wider base and flared-out heel are very Hoka-like, helping add some welcome stability despite the 46mm stack.
One thing to keep in mind is that the sizing for the MagMax Nitro is unisex! It doesn’t feel as narrow of a fit, which was a nice surprise!
- Weight: 10.2 oz Unisex
- Heel drop: 8 mm
- 7 colors available
- Not available in wide
- Available at puma.com for $180
- Check out our full review of the Puma MagMax Nitro here >>
Best Daily Trainer – Puma Velocity Nitro 3
The Velocity Nitro has earned its place as one of Puma’s go-to daily trainers, offering just the right amount of cushion to keep you logging miles comfortably. If you’ve been a fan since the early models, you know that Puma is keeping things consistent.
The Velocity Nitro has enough stability to also keep you feeling good on moderately long runs. This is going to work as a great city trail to road shoes or hitting wet roads and having no fear of sliding.
The dual-layer foam setup gives you a soft, comfortable feel up top with a bit of pop underneath, striking that nice balance between everyday comfort and a touch of speed if you want to pick up the pace.
The fit is going to be narrow, so keep that in mind when picking your size.
- Weight: 10 oz Men’s, 9.3 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 10 mm
- 10 colors available
- Not available in wide
- Available at puma.com for $135
- Check out our full review of the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 here >>
Best Stability Shoe – Puma Foreverrun Nitro 2
The Foreverrun Nitro 2 had a little upgrade with a wider midsole and dual-density NITROFOAM. Puma used this combo so that it is a shoe you’re going to want to grab for those longer miles.
When it comes to stability, they didn’t put in a hard post, but rather it’s about the design of the shoe. Like a number of brands, they’ve made the base of the shoe flare out in places, which creates instant stability. Puma also included a more rigid heel counter and uses the new foam to create a feeling of support.
The blend of a softer center foam and harder outer foam is going to give you that softness with control.
Lightweight, bouncy, and surprisingly comfortable underfoot, that’s what you can expect from this cushioned stability shoe.
It’s responsive enough to shift smoothly from easy miles to tempo efforts, making it a solid pick for interval or workout days. You probably won’t reach for it on race day, but it holds its own when you want a mix of comfort and speed.
- Weight: 10 oz Men’s, 9 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 10 mm
- 6 colors available
- Not available in wide
- Available from puma.com for $150
- Check out our full review of the Puma Foreverrun Nitro 2 here >>
Best All Arounder Shoe – Puma Deviate Nitro 3
Think of this as your do-it-all shoe: it’s got a carbon plate, but it’s versatile enough for daily miles or picking up the pace in a tempo run.
The PWRplate in this shoe goes across the full forefoot, which is an updated design from older models that had a split plate. With the wider base, you’re better able to take full advantage of the power in your big toe for pushing off. It’s also not going to be as firm as the carbon plate found in the elite racing shoe, which is part of why you can use this as a daily trainer.
Puma layered their softer Elite cushion over the plate, then added their original Nitro Foam below. That combo gives you a smooth, cushioned ride up top with just enough firmness underneath to make the most of the plate’s propulsion.
One of the other things we have to mention about the Deviate Nitro is the outsole. A lot of the faster shoes have stripped away big chunks of rubber and/or almost have a slick feel to them.
We really liked the Puma Grip on here that covers the entire forefoot and big portions of the heel. It’s not surprising to find areas of exposed foam because they are trying to cut some weight to keep it a speedier shoe.
- Weight: 10 oz Men’s, 8.8 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 10 mm
- 5 colors available
- Some colors available in wide
- Available at puma.com for $160
- Check out our full review of the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 here >>
Fastest Carbon Plated Racing Shoe – Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
The Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 offers a sleek, race-ready fit that hugs the foot in all the right places. It’s light, efficient, and streamlined, designed to disappear on your foot while keeping you locked in and confident.
The Elite 3 plate is thinner and more flexible than in previous models, which makes the ride much smoother. In fact, the plate extends beyond the toe box, giving you this springboard-like sensation with every stride.
The Nitrofoam Elite midsole has enough squish to take the edge off long miles, but the ride stays responsive and quick. Paired with a rockered geometry, the entire system flows seamlessly.
Every step feels natural and forward-driving. You’re not fighting the shoe; you’re just running, fast.
- Weight: 6.0 oz. Men’s, 5.2 oz. Women’s
- Heel drop: 8mm
- 2 colors available
- Not available in wide.
- Available on Puma.com for $300
- Check out our full review of the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite here >>
Honorable Mention Carbon Plated Racing Shoe – Puma Fast-nb Nitro Elite LD
We haven’t tested this one ourselves, but it was just too wild not to include.
Puma only made 1,000 pairs of this super fast shoe. The added “LD” meaning laced is an update from the original slip-on version.
While the design still raises some questions about ankle stability, the added laces help lock things in a bit better.
The Fast-nb Nitro Elite LD is loaded with tech- Nitrofoam Elite midsole, three PWRPLATE carbon-fiber plates, ULTRAWEAVE upper, PUMAGRIP outsole, and PWRTAPE reinforcement. No wonder we saw some pretty fast times from those who have raced in it.
This shoe, however, is now banned by World Athletics because of the three plates found in the sole of the shoe.
- Weight: 12.5 oz. Men’s, 10.5 oz. Women’s
- Heel drop: 12mm
- 3 colorways
- Not available in wide.
- Only a limited amount were made and sold
Best Road to Trail Shoe – Puma Voyage Nitro 3
Puma might not be the first name that comes to mind for trail running, but the Voyage Nitro 3 proves they’ve got some solid trail-ready options.
This road-to-trail shoe is lighter than ever, dropping from 10.8 oz to 9.6 oz, which makes a big difference when you’re out climbing hills or covering long miles on tired legs!
With a mix of NITRO foam for cushioning, PWRTAPE for support, and PumaGrip for traction, this shoe is built to handle whatever terrain you throw at it. Whether you’re running or hiking, it’s made to keep you moving confidently and comfortably.
- Weight: 9.6 oz Unisex
- Heel drop: 4 mm
- 5 colors available
- Not available in wide
- Available at Puma.com for $140
Best Trail Runnning Shoe – Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail
If you’re already a fan of the Deviate Nitro, you’ll want to add this shoe to your rotation if you’re hitting the trails.
Many testers have said that this has a similar feel to the Hoka Texton X 3, with the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail (say that ten times fast) keeping your feet comfortable after many hours on the trails.
Whether you’re picking up the pace on semi-technical terrain or cruising through a race that shifts from dirt to pavement, this shoe can handle it with it’s PumaGrip outsole.
Puma gave these trail shoes a super comfortable and supportive sole made up of their NITRO Foam Elite. You’ll get that plush feel underfoot, but not so plush that you’re going to sink right into the shoe. Then, when you go to take your next stride, the PWRPlate is there to give you that energy to push forward.
We’re seeing more and more trail shoes feature a carbon plate and we’re pretty excited about it!
- Weight: 9.6 oz Men’s, 8.0 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 6 mm
- 3 colors available
- Not available in wide
- Available at Puma.com for $230
Best Walking Shoe – Puma Magnify Nitro 2
If you spend long hours on your feet or someone who takes daily walks, this is going to be a shoe you’ll want to grab for.
It’s a bit heavier, which makes it ideal for walking or even power walking, and it doubles as a comfortable daily trainer. With some updates to improve the feel underfoot, it now delivers even more of that soft, cushioned ride.
Puma kept it simple with just Nitro Foam in this model, focusing on all-around comfort, and judging by the reviews, they nailed it.
- Weight: 10.9 oz Men’s, 8.9 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 10 mm
- 3 colors available
- Not available in wide
- Available at Puma.com for $140
Puma’s Unique Design Techology
There are so many shoes in the market today, but what makes Puma stand out? No matter which pair you choose, you’ll find design technologies that are unique to the brand.
NITRO Foam
NITRO foam is used throughout Puma’s lineup of road running shoes. Infused with a mixture of nitrogen gas, this specialized foam undergoes a process that heightens its springiness and bounce. Nitrofoam Elite is what you’ll find in the next level up of running shoe, like the Deviate Elite mentioned above.
PWRTAPE
The upper of Puma shoes is made up of a stretchy, lightweight knit material that creates a fit with the goal of moving with you. It offers just enough support to keep things feeling stable, without getting in the way of performance. You’ll see this a lot on their trail shoes
PWRPLATE
This is one of the standout technologies for Puma. Some models feature a single carbon fiber layer, while the fastest options pack in up to three. No matter the shoe, it’s designed to stabilize the midsole and give you an extra boost with every step.
Ultraweave
To help with the weight of their shoes, Puma started incorporating a high-performance upper material that’s supportive and breathable.
PumaGrip
Unique to Puma, the rubber outsole on most of their running shoes delivers solid grip and traction across a variety of surfaces, especially when things get wet. It’s one of those features you don’t think about until you really need it, and then you’re glad it’s there.
We hope that this list of the best Puma running shoes has helped to narrow down some of the choices for you! Let us know what you try, we love to hear your feedback.
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