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Best Puma Running Shoes (August 2024)

Written on 28th August by Brandon Law Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
180 other reviews
puma running
Puma is a German multinational corporation that designs and manufactures athletic and casual footwear, apparel, and accessories, headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany.

The company was founded in 1948 by Rudolf Dassler (Adidas' founder's brother). Puma's earliest logo consisted of a square and beast jumping through a D, which was registered, along with the company's name, in 1948. Puma's shoe and clothing designs feature the Puma logo and the distinctive "Formstrip" which was introduced in 1958.

It's not always easy for runners to choose the best Puma running shoe for them. Here is Puma’s lineup, with our selection of the best shoes for different runners and usage.

Our favorite Puma running shoes

Keep scrolling or click on a shoe to find out why we chose it and what other shoes you should consider.

Puma Deviate Nitro 3

Best Daily Trainer
Weight: 9.5oz Drop: 10mm Carbon plate
Our Rating
9.0
Users Rating
9.0
The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is a do it all shoe. There are not many flaws found in the Nitro 3. A comfortable ride that is meant for the miles both in training and on race day! ...
MSRP $160 $160 Best price today this will redirect you to RunningWarehouse.Com

Puma ForeverRun Nitro

Best Supportive Trainer
Weight: 9.6oz Drop: 10mm
Our Rating
10
Users Rating
7.5
The PUMA ForeverRun Nitro is a joy to run in: the perfect combination of softness, spring and support in the sole and a comfortable feel, particularly underfoot and around a generously padded heel....
MSRP $150 $149 Best price today this will redirect you to Zappos

Puma Magnify Nitro 2

Best Max Cushioned
Weight: 10.7oz Drop: 9mm
Our Rating
9.0
Users Rating
9.0
The Puma Magnify Nitro is a max cushioned shoe that can be an all-around shoe for most runners. It’s not the softest or most plush shoe in the max cushion category but it is a very smooth shoe that...
MSRP $140 $150 Best price today this will redirect you to RunningWarehouse.Com

Puma Velocity Nitro 3

Best Lightweight Trainer
Weight: 9.17oz Drop: 10mm
Our Rating
8.0
Users Rating
8.3
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is a do it all type of shoe with the benefit of having a very affordable price point. Light enough for speed work, cushioned enough for long runs, and nothing extraordinary...
MSRP $135 $134 Best price today this will redirect you to Zappos

Puma Voyage Nitro 3

Best for Trails
Weight: 9.6oz Drop: 4mm
Our Rating
8.0
Users Rating
0.0
The Voyage NITRO 3 are redesigned, lighter and filled with Puma technology. They are an optimal all-weather, all-season trainer with plenty of cushion and grip to tackle any type of terrain you may...
MSRP $140 $140 Best price today this will redirect you to Zappos

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3

Best Racing Shoes
Weight: 6.9oz Drop: 8mm Carbon plate
Our Rating
8.0
Users Rating
9.0
The PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is a good racer which performs a variety of distances and paces well. It has a new TPU midsole that allows it to retain its cushioning over long distances however it...
MSRP $230 $230 Best price today this will redirect you to RunningWarehouse.Com

Table of content

  Our Top 6 picks for all categories
 
 
What to consider
 
 
Best Daily Trainer
 
 
Best Supportive Trainer
 
 
Best Max Cushioned
 
 
Best Lightweight Trainer
 
 
Best for Trails
 
 
Best Racing Shoes
 
 
Quick questions you might have
 
 
Comments
 

An overview of Puma technology

While looking into Puma running shoes, you’ll bump into a series of materials and technologies with bold but unclear sounding names. Here are the most important ones for you to know:

PUMAGRIP
Lightweight rubber outsole provides grip for your most powerful toe-off
INNOPLATE
Innovative plate designed to act as a lever for maximum energy transfer at toe-off
PWRPLATE
Running carbon plate designed to provide support and power for running efficiency.
Ultraweave upper
Single-piece upper infused with carbon fibre threads.
PWRTAPE
Targeted reinforcement for upper durability, strategically placed in high-pressure areas.
NITRO™ ELITE
Puma’s premium racing foam which is a blend of EVA and PEBA. It’s infused with nitrogen for increased energy return in a lightweight package.
NITRO™
A TPEE foam for training which is infused with nitrogen to make it lighter and more bouncy than regular TPEE.

Best Daily Trainer

Puma Deviate Nitro 3

merchant logo
$160.00
$160.00
See deal   >
In short
The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is a do it all shoe. There are not many flaws found in the Nitro 3. A comfortable ride that is meant for the miles both in training and on race day!
Pros
  • Outsole coverage
  • Smooth ride
  • Do it all shoe
Cons
  • Tight around the forefoot
Who should buy it

Everyone and every type of runner should consider buying this shoe. A runner who is consistently logging miles each and every day would benefit from the Nitro 3. Many shoes say “meant for daily training” well I tell you what the runner who daily trains and does it well will throughly enjoy them!

Who should not buy it

The only runner who should not buy it are those who have wider feet. The shoe does run a touch slim around the toe box.

Main Specs
Type
Lightweight
Weight
9.5 oz
Heel
44 mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
10 mm
Toe
34 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
Read full review

Best Supportive Trainer

Puma ForeverRun Nitro

merchant logo
$150.00
$149.00
See deal   >
merchant logo
$150.00
$150.00
See deal   >
In short
The PUMA ForeverRun Nitro is a joy to run in: the perfect combination of softness, spring and support in the sole and a comfortable feel, particularly underfoot and around a generously padded heel. This is a top option for daily training, short or long.
Pros
  • Buoyant midsole, smooth transition
  • Breathable, cleanable, comfortable upper
  • Tongue is thin yet dense (at the top) for protection
  • Stability by wide heel, dual heel counter, midsole bevel
  • Superb heel loop to aid entry
Cons
  • Picks up an occasional rock
Who should buy it

Runners with cushion to neutral to light stability needs who are ramping up their miles will benefit from the support and cushion in this PUMA. Wear it for a wide range of daily training from speedwork to long run to recovery miles.

Who should not buy it

Skip the ForeverRun Nitro if you want a firm midfoot that resists twisting and bending under pressure—in which case, look at the adidas Boston as the ENERGYRODS hold that midfoot stiff. If you are hard on forefoot uppers this might not be your best shoe as the two thin layers of mesh may not wear well against a persistent big toe.

Main Specs
Type
Stability
Weight
9.6 oz
Heel
36 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
10 mm
Toe
26 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
8.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
10
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
10
Traction
9.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
Read full review

Best Max Cushioned

Puma Magnify Nitro 2

merchant logo
$140.00
$150.00
See deal   >
In short
The Puma Magnify Nitro is a max cushioned shoe that can be an all-around shoe for most runners. It’s not the softest or most plush shoe in the max cushion category but it is a very smooth shoe that helps make paces feel faster while also having awesome grip on the road. The redesigned upper in this shoe helps wrap your foot around some softness, although it’s still not as plush as other max cushioned shoes on the market.
Pros
  • Smooth, fast ride
  • Great traction
  • Noticeable upgraded upper
Cons
  • Narrow toe box
Who should buy it

Any runner of any ability would do well with this shoe as a daily trainer. I really recommend the Magnify Nitro 2 to anyone who wants a comfortable shoe for long runs.

It will also help those who like to pick up the pace on some runs while still getting that cushioned support underneath.

Finally, if you happen to live in an area that gets a lot of rain, the traction underneath will keep you upright at any speed.

Who should not buy it

Don’t buy this shoe if you’re looking for a soft, plush feel in a max cushioned shoe.

This shoe doesn’t exactly make you feel like you’re running on a cloud.

I had some issues with the width of the shoe as well. If you have wide feet, you’re going to want to look for this in wide version.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
10.7 oz
Heel
39 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
9 mm
Toe
29 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
10
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
10
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
10
Traction
10
Durability
10
Value / Price
10
Team review
Read full review

Best Lightweight Trainer

Puma Velocity Nitro 3

merchant logo
$135.00
$134.00
See deal   >
merchant logo
$135.00
$135.00
See deal   >
In short
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is a do it all type of shoe with the benefit of having a very affordable price point. Light enough for speed work, cushioned enough for long runs, and nothing extraordinary for easy runs. The fit is a bit narrow but yet it is quite comfortable.
Pros
  • Price
  • Responsive
  • Versatile
Cons
  • Narrow
Who should buy it

The runner who should buy the Velocity Nitro 3 are those who need a safe choice. A runner who does not necessarily need anything specific but rather a do it al shoe. Especially runners who can appreciate a good price when they see one. The ideal running scenario that would make the Velocity Nitro 3 shine is a 10 mile run with a few tempo miles thrown in the mix.

Who should not buy it

Runners with wide feet should not buy the Velocity Nitro 3.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
9.17 oz
Heel
36 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
10 mm
Toe
26 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
7.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
7.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
9.0
Team review
Read full review

Best for Trails

Puma Voyage Nitro 3

merchant logo
$140.00
$140.00
See deal   >
merchant logo
$140.00
$140.00
See deal   >
In short
The Voyage NITRO 3 are redesigned, lighter and filled with Puma technology. They are an optimal all-weather, all-season trainer with plenty of cushion and grip to tackle any type of terrain you may encounter.
Pros
  • Ultra durable
  • Superior quality
  • Great for winter conditions
Cons
  • Narrow toebox
  • Not breathable for hot conditions
Who should buy it

Anyone looking for a stylish trail shoe that checks several boxes should consider the Voyage NITRO 3s. Whether you’re training, racing, hiking or just enjoying outdoor adventures, this shoe will not disappoint.

Who should not buy it

I’d steer clear of these sneakers if you’re looking for a firm, low profile, racing shoe. Also, due to the all season upper material, they might be a bit warm for hot summer days.

Main Specs
Type
Trail
Weight
9.6 oz
Heel
34 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
4 mm
Toe
30 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
6.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
7.0
Toe-off
7.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
Read full review

Best Racing Shoes

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3

merchant logo
$230.00
$230.00
See deal   >
merchant logo
$230.00
$230.00
See deal   >
In short
The PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is a good racer which performs a variety of distances and paces well. It has a new TPU midsole that allows it to retain its cushioning over long distances however it doesn't feel as fast as other racers due to its lack of rebound and a prominent forefoot rocker. Version 3 has a thicker midsole but is still lighter than version 2. It also has a steeper carbon plate that makes it feel faster but its price has risen sharply by $30.
Pros
  • Significantly lighter than version 2
  • Outstanding outsole durability
  • Thicker midsole stack heights
  • Amazing traction
  • Improved upper
Cons
  • Midsole foam doesn’t feel as energetic as PEBA foams
  • Big price increase
  • Bad build quality
Who should buy it

If you want a racer that you can use for training too, the Deviate Elite 3 is a great choice.
If you’re a heavier runner and you need a firm racer, the Deviate Elite 3 is the shoe for you.

Who should not buy it

If you have wide feet, the narrow fit of the Deviate Elite 3 will feel uncomfortable.
If you like a very aggressive forefoot rocker, this racer is not for you.

Main Specs
Type
Racing
Weight
6.9 oz
Heel
40 mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
32 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
4.0
Upper
7.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
7.0
Traction
10
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
Read full review

Quick Questions you might have

Are PUMA good running shoes?

Yes! Puma stepped up their game in true running shoes in the past 5 years or so. They work with top level athletes and their NITRO foam has been proved extremely well received by runners all around the world.