First Look at the PUMA MagMax Nitro
PUMA are rightly proud of their nitrogen infused NITRO foam, so with the new MagMax they decided to really use… all of it! In their highest stack Nitro shoe to date.
Introduction
The brand-new PUMA MagMax Nitro enters the max stack running market, for supreme cushioning and comfort, whether you use it for long runs, slow jogs or recovery runs. It’s not got the market to itself, with shoes like the HOKA Bondi and New Balance Fresh Foam More long established in the area, so let’s see what the new offering from PUMA brings to the table.
Key info
Price: £170
Foot type: Neutral
Weight: 290g (Men’s)
Stack height: 46mm – 38mm
Heel drop: 8mm
Surface: Road
Best for: Long slower runs, recovery runs and enjoyable cushioned runs.
History
Although PUMA had the fastest man on earth on their roster, beyond Usain Bolts spikes, they hadn’t really taken the road running market seriously. That is until 2021 when they launched their brand-new Nitro range, built and named around the NITRO foam in their midsoles.
Not only did they expand the foam using Nitrogen, but they created it in a super-critical state, a way of being between liquid and gas (think the steam off your kettle). This gives a super lightweight build and adds more spring and bounce underfoot.
In the last 3 years the range has grown considerably, and now includes this max stack monster.
Closer Look
Normally at this point we would talk about the upper, or the colourway, something that stands out, but with the MagMax you really need to start with that massive stack of foam under the foot. 46mm at the heel! That’s 6mm above the legal limit, which along with its weight of nearly 300g gives you the clue that this is no race day speedster, more of a recovery, comfort shoe.
However, they have also made this foam from a PEBA blend. The Nitro Elite used in their pinnacle race day shoes is full PEBA, but by blending some PEBA into the NITRO foam they lighten, and energise the foam, making this everyday shoe, a little faster than you might expect.
An exaggerated rocker in the forefoot helps to keep that forward rolling sensation going, for a smooth and bouncy ride. In fact, as Tom notes in his video, it even calls out that it is Bouncy AF in the heel.
The most surprising thing about this shoe is just how stable it feels on foot. With PWRTAPE reinforcements to the traditional engineered mesh upper, and a wide base to the shoe, the increased height does not create the instability you might expect. It also provides a comfortable feeling hold with a great true to size fit.
Right down at the bottom a healthy amount of PUMAGRIP rubber gives excellent traction and a durable looking finish.
Conclusion
Although it's not exactly a lightweight shoe, the MagMax is light for a max stack shoe, with that PEBA blend NITRO foam helping to give a smooth and bouncy feel. Add in the comfort and stability and you get a serious new contender for your rotation.
PUMA say it is for those times you don’t want to run, to give you the great feeling, extra cushioning and smooth feel that makes you want to get right back out and do it all over again, and that is a pretty good ambition to achieve.
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