Comparison:
ASICS Nimbus 28 vs PUMA MagMax 2
The Nimbus is a max-cushioned trainer from ASICS. The MagMax is PUMA'S max-cushioned trainer. Here we'll be comparing these two juggernauts.
Comparison:
The Nimbus is ASICS’ softest, plushest trainer. It's incredibly popular and is already on its 28th iteration. It costs $170.
The MagMax is PUMA'S plushest trainer. It's a relatively new trainer and is only on its 2nd iteration. It costs $180.
This comparison will tell you which trainer is better for you.
Similarity and differences: Gel Nimbus 28 vs PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
Expert score
7/10
8/10
Weight
9.6 oz
9.4 oz
Heel Drop
8 mm
8 mm
Verdict
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 is a comfortable, firmer-than-average, max-cushioned trainer. Version 28 is significantly lighter than version 27 however, it has the same FF Blast+ midsole that lacks energy return considering its high price. This is the best Nimbus version to date but I crave more excitement and more liveliness whenever I run in it.
The PUMA MagMax 2 is a good max-stack daily trainer with deep cushioning and a moderately bouncy ride. Version 2 gets rid of the annoying poking arch and has a tweaked midsole that’s more energetic. I was impressed with the updates made to the MagMax 2; however, there are similarly priced competitors with even more energetic rides.
Recommended for
Daily training, long distance racing
Daily training
Cushioning type
Balanced/plush
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
medium
Stability
some stability
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$169.95
US$179.95
Sole unit: Gel Nimbus 28 vs PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
The Nimbus has a midsole made of FF Blast+. It’s an EVA blend with a soft ride but it doesn’t have much energy return. It’s best suited to slow, relaxed runs where pace doesn’t matter.
The MagMax has a midsole made of NITROFOAM. It’s a PEBA blend with a medium soft ride and it has decent energy return. It has a versatile ride and can handle slow runs up to moderately paced runs.
There’s a silicon gel unit in the heel of the Nimbus that helps to absorb shock but there’s no gel in the MagMax. Both trainers have single-density midsoles.
Both of these trainers have tall midsoles with wide bases but the MagMax has the better stability. It has a firmer midsole which results in better support so if you need more stability, the MagMax is the better choice.
The MagMax also has a more prominent forefoot rocker than the Nimbus due to its midsole being firmer and its forefoot being stiffer. The more prominent rocker makes it easier to pick up the pace.
On the outsoles, the MagMax has more rubber than the Nimbus. The MagMax rubber is thicker and covers a greater surface area so the MagMax has the more durable outsole. The MagMax also has better traction thanks to its PUMAGRIP rubber.
Upper unit: Gel Nimbus 28 vs PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
Both these max cushioned trainers have comfortable uppers with moderate amounts of padding. The Nimbus has a softer, plusher upper which is more comfortable but the MagMax upper feels cooler and more performance oriented.
They both have thin, stretchy tongues which are gusseted and don’t move around during runs. Foot lockdown is excellent in both.
The MagMax has a more spacious interior that’s better suited to high volume or wide feet. The Nimbus has a narrower upper that’s better suited to narrow or low volume feet. Both fit true to size.
Which one to buy: Gel Nimbus 28 vs PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
If you’re looking for a highly cushioned trainer for mainly slow, easy runs, the Nimbus is the better option. It has a plusher ride and a more comfortable upper. The Nimbus has a more narrow fit and it feels more luxurious thanks to its soft upper. It’s also $10 cheaper.
If you prefer a more versatile max cushioned trainer that can pick up the pace, the MagMax is the better shoe for you. The MagMax has a more energetic midsole but it feels firmer than the Nimbus. It has a more spacious upper and it has a more durable outsole with better traction.
Best price online: Gel Nimbus 28 vs PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
This expert review is written by
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Brandon is a South African marathoner based in Malaysia, where the humidity is high and his shoe rotation is even higher. He’s a runner with a full-blown addiction to running shoes. Most people buy shoes to run—Brandon runs to justify buying more shoes. If there’s a new drop, he’s probably already logged 100km in them.
