Puma Magmax Nitro 2 Review: Lighter, Bouncier, and Back on Top
- FORDY RUNS
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The original Magmax was the shoe that quietly kick-started the modern max-stack revolution. When Puma first introduced a towering 40mm+ stack of their Nitro foam, it reframed what runners could expect from high-cushion shoes—taking them from “sensible but boring” (think Nimbus-like cruisers) to something genuinely fun, energetic, and versatile. With the Magmax Nitro 2, Puma has doubled down on what made the line special in the first place while refining the formula in exactly the right ways.
Key Specs
Price: £170 (available from December 1st at sportsshoes.com)
Stack: 46mm heel / 38mm forefoot (8mm drop)
Weight: 289g (UK 9.5) — down from 320g in version 1
Midsole: Full-length upgraded Nitro foam (softer + bouncier)
Outsole: Puma Grip
Upper: Engineered mesh
Fit: True to size, surprisingly accommodating width
What’s New? The Big Story Is Weight
The headline update is simple but game-changing: Puma has cut 30g off the shoe.
That might not sound revolutionary on paper, but at mile 15 of a long run, you absolutely feel the difference. The lighter build, paired with a softer and more responsive Nitro compound, transforms how the shoe behaves at varied paces.
Design & Fit
The Magmax Nitro 2 maintains a very wide, inherently stable platform, which is impressive for a shoe sitting well above 40mm of stack. Despite Puma’s reputation for narrow lasts, the Magmax line remains surprisingly accommodating—no width issues, no hot spots, and no blister concerns.
The tongue is cushioned and comfortable, lockdown is excellent, and while the reviewed colourway may not win design awards, the upper does its job extremely well.
On-Foot Performance - This is where the Magmax Nitro 3 shines.
Lighter Feel - On foot, the weight reduction is immediately noticeable. The shoe no longer feels like a bulky max-stack cruiser. Instead, it brings a lively, almost spring-loaded feel despite the massive cushioning.
More Responsive Nitro Foam - The new foam compound adds:
noticeably more bounce,
better energy return,
and improved marathon-pace handling.
In testing—even over 15-mile efforts—hitting marathon goal pace felt easier in the Nitro 3 than in the previous version.
Versatility
This is the magic of the Magmax line:You can long run, steady run, or pick up pace in the same shoe. It offers:
super-soft protection for easy miles,
enough pop for tempo-ish efforts,
all while remaining shockingly stable for such a tall shoe.
How It Compares
Puma’s smart, subtle improvements put the Magmax Nitro 2 firmly back into the competitive mix. At £170 (with potential discounts via club affiliation), it undercuts several major rivals while outperforming them in key areas.
Beats the ASICS Nimbus 28 – significantly more responsive, more fun.
Beats the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 – lighter, better upper, better foam.
Competes with Nike Vomero Premium £200+ max-stack models – without the premium price.
Some shoes in this category have gone backwards (added weight, downgraded uppers), but Puma avoided that trap entirely.
Final Verdict
The Puma Magmax Nitro 2 is a superb update—exactly what a second-generation shoe should be. Puma improved the foam, dropped considerable weight, and kept everything that made the original shine.
Who is this for?
Runners wanting a max-cushioned daily trainer that isn’t dull
Long-run enthusiasts needing comfort + pace capability
Anyone seeking a stable high-stack shoe without feeling bogged down
Runners who typically find Puma shoes too narrow
Who might skip it?
Those wanting a firm ride (this is definitely soft and bouncy)
Those who want an ultra-aggressive performance shoe (this is versatile, not race-intended)
