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Best Puma Running Shoes in 2024
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.
Table of content
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.
Best Max Cushioned Trainer
Best for Daily Training
Best Supportive Daily Trainer
Best for Speed Training
Best for Road Racing
Best for Trail Running
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 Max Cushioned Trainer
These thickly stacked trainers are designed to be the plushest, most luxurious feeling in the range. They are designed to provide maximum impact protection with very little ground feel.
The winner
In short
The Puma Magnify Nitro is a highly cushioned shoe that can be an all-around shoe for most runners. While it’s not the softest or most plush shoe in the max cushion category, it makes up for all of this with a smooth ride that makes all paces feel easier while providing great traction with it’s outsole.Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Great tration
- Versatile
Cons
- Not plush feeling
- No bounce from midsole
- About 1/4 size too long
Who should buy it
Any runner of any ability would do well with this shoe. I really recommend this shoe to anyone who is looking for a versatile daily trainer that gives you plenty of cushioning for all different types of runs.
Who should not buy it
Don’t buy this shoe if you’re looking for a soft, plush feel in a max cushioned shoe. If you need a lightweight shoe, this will not do the job either.
Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
10.7 oz
Heel
38.5 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
9 mm
Toe
29.5 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
10
Landing
9.0
Transition
10
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
10
Durability
10
Value / Price
10
Team review
This is the softest, most cushioned trainer in the Puma range and it’s designed for long runs where comfort is the top priority. Read full reviewBest for Daily Training
Designed to be durable, comfortable, and versatile. If you were to only own one running shoe, it should be a daily trainer that can perform a variety of runs well.
The winner
In short
The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is an exceptional, versatile daily trainer. With a responsive ride and comfortable fit, it is a nearly perfect package. A great daily trainer that can handle a number of distances, workouts, and surfaces.Pros
- Versatile ride.
- Exceptional grip.
- Comfortable fit.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Upper mesh can overheat.
- Shoe lace length.
Who should buy it
This is ideal if you are looking for something for every day running. Anything from easy runs to longer efforts.
Who should not buy it
While it can go fast, I wouldn’t use this for workout and race day.
Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
8.8 oz
Heel
33.5 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
10 mm
Toe
23.5 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
10
Upper
10
Sole unit
10
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
10
Traction
10
Durability
10
Value / Price
10
Team review
This all-in-one neutral trainer has a cushioned NITRO midsole for a smooth ride and excellent energy return. Read full reviewBest Supportive Daily Trainer
These trainers are designed to help runners who overpronate excessively by providing guidance or support.
The winner
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
This trainer features a dual-density midsole with a soft core and a firmer rim for a higher level of stability. Read full reviewBest for Speed Training
These uptempo trainers are designed to be fast and durable at the same time. This includes being as lightweight as possible and often having responsive foams and plated technology in the midsole.
The winner
In short
The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2 is a soft-riding, plated training shoe which can be used for everything from easy runs to uptempo runs, to races. It has a high level of cushioning, decent stability and first-class grip. In version 2 of the Deviate Nitro, they’ve fixed the uncomfortable heel tab issue which was present in the first version. It’s also been given a softer ride due to the new Nitro Elite foam in its midsole.Pros
- Excellent foot lockdown
- Improved heel tab
- Outstanding grip
- Durable outsole
- Softer ride
Cons
- Snug toe-box
Who should buy it
If you’re looking for a more durable training companion for the Deviate Nitro Elite or you want a versatile speed shoe for training/racing, the Deviate Nitro 2 is an excellent choice. The Deviate Nitro Elite 2 is softer and more lively than most of the plated trainers on the market.
Who should not buy it
If you like a firm ride or you have high volume feet, the Deviate Nitro 2 might not be for you. The Deviate Nitro 2 is also a relatively rigid shoe so if you like a very flexible trainer, don’t buy it.
Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
9.2 oz
Heel
30.5 mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
38.5 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
7.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
10
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
9.0
Team review
This uptempo trainer has NITRO foam and NITRO ELITE foam in its midsole for increased energy return. It also has a carbon composite PWRPLATE for more speed assistance. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
The Puma Liberate Nitro 2 is the first Puma running shoe I’ve ever worn, and I’m a fan! It’s the kind of shoe that doesn’t necessarily stand out for any reason, positive or negative. It simply ticks every box for a quality road shoe, which is why this is a shoe that is now entrenched in my regular shoe rotation.Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable Upper
- Responsive Sole Unit
Cons
- Occasional Tongue Rub
Who should buy it
The Puma Liberate Nitro 2 is ideal for a runner that wants to go fast!
The shoe is lightweight and has a minimal amount of cushion, yet is still quite responsive. Whether you’re wearing the PLN2s for speed work or on race day, you won’t be disappointed.
The shoe also works as a daily training for a runner that is ok with a shoe without a lot of cushioning to it.
Who should not buy it
The Puma Liberate Nitro 2 isn’t necessarily for everyone. If you prefer a supportive shoe, or a shoe with more than a minimal level of cushioning beneath your feet, you might want to take a pass on the Liberate Nitro 2.
And while I wouldn’t call this shoe exceptionally narrow, if you prefer a wide shoe or one with a foot-shaped toe box, the LN2 is also not for you.
Main Specs
Type
Lightweight
Weight
6.5 oz
Heel
26 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
18 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
10
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
A lightweight and flexible trainer with a NITRO midsole that’s designed for tempo runs and distances up to the half marathon. Read full reviewBest for Road Racing
Built to be lightweight and propulsive, racing shoes contain the most cutting-edge and innovative technologies that brands have to offer. They are designed to make you run as fast and efficient as possible.
The winner
In short
The Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 2 is a soft, durable and versatile super shoe which can perform many different roles from intervals, to long runs, to marathon races. It doesn’t provide as much speed assistance as other top-tier super shoes but it’s the most durable and grippiest on the market.Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Improved comfort
- Excellent grip
Cons
- Not as propulsive as competitors
- Heavier than the Deviate Elite 1
- Much more expensive than v1
Who should buy it
If you’re looking for a super shoe that you can both train and race in, the Deviate Elite 2 is first in class. It has lots of thick, durable outsole rubber and its midsole foam is incredibly resilient. It also has stable transitions because its stack height is far below the limit.
Who should not buy it
If you’re looking for a really propulsive racing shoe which offers a high level of speed assistance, the Deviate Elite 2 is not your shoe. Its relatively flexible carbon plate and soft midsole prevent it from being a top-tier racer.
Main Specs
Type
Racing
Weight
7 oz
Heel
mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
6 mm
Toe
mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
7.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
7.0
Traction
10
Durability
10
Value / Price
7.0
Team review
Built for speed and breaking records, this long-distance racer has a NITRO ELITE midsole with a thermo-formed INNOPLATE. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite is a uniquely designed super shoe which is best suited to races up to the half-marathon, intervals and short threshold runs. It has an aggressive sole design which encourages fast heel-to-toe transitions but its firm EVA heel makes transitions feel disjointed at slow paces. The Fast-R Nitro Elite isn’t as versatile or durable as the Deviate Nitro Elite 2 however it does feel faster during short bursts.Pros
- Aggressive sole setup
- Comfortable upper
- Good stability
Cons
- Not as durable as the Deviate Elite
- Doesn't feel smooth at slow paces
- Doesn't excel at long distances
Who should buy it
If you’re looking for a 5K/10K/half marathon racer, the Fast-R Nitro Elite is a good option due to its stable ride and midsole geometry which encourages a fast turnover. It has great foot lockdown and an energetic ride.
Who should not buy it
If you’re looking for a long-distance racer which feels highly cushioned, comfortable and efficient, look elsewhere because the Fast-R does not excel at slower paces or smooth transitions.
Main Specs
Type
Racing
Weight
7.9 oz
Heel
38 mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
30 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
6.0
Landing
7.0
Transition
6.0
Toe-off
7.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
6.0
Team review
A unique racer with a unique design. This super shoe has NITRO ELITE foam in the forefoot and an EVA rearfoot, joined by a stiff PWRPLATE which is exposed. Read full reviewBest for Trail Running
Trail shoes have protective uppers, tough outsoles and lugs to help with traction. They are built to withstand the elements that runners encounter on uneven terrain.
The winner
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
