Quick Answer: The Puma MagMax NITRO 2 is Puma’s max-cushion road shoe for runners and walkers who want a tall, soft platform for easy miles, recovery runs and long days on hard surfaces. Puma lists a 46 mm heel, 38 mm forefoot, 8 mm drop and 275 g weight for the men’s UK 8 reference size. It uses NITROFOAM and a PUMAGRIP outsole. Choose it if cushioning matters more than speed. Jump to the verdict.
The MagMax NITRO 2 is Puma’s answer to the modern max-cushion trainer. It gives you more foam than the Velocity line and a much softer, more protective feel than the Deviate family. That makes it better suited to easy running, recovery days and long steady mileage than fast workouts.
Puma MagMax NITRO 2 Specs
| Type | Max-cushion road running shoe |
| Midsole | NITROFOAM |
| Stack height | 46 mm heel / 38 mm forefoot |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Weight | 275 g, men’s UK 8 reference size |
| Width | Regular |
| Outsole | PUMAGRIP |
| Best for | Easy runs, recovery, long runs and cushioned walking |
| Launch price | $180 | Check latest price |
Gender-specific buy links: Men’s version | Women’s version
Pros
- Very high NITROFOAM stack for easy and recovery miles
- Soft, protective ride for longer efforts
- PUMAGRIP outsole gives dependable wet-road traction
Cons
- Too tall and soft for runners who want strong ground feel
- Not a natural choice for fast workouts
- Current U.S. version is regular width only
Who Should Buy the MagMax NITRO 2?
Buy the MagMax NITRO 2 if you want cushioning first. The tall NITROFOAM stack takes the edge off pavement and gives the shoe enough depth for easy running, recovery days and longer efforts where comfort matters more than sharp speed.
It also makes sense for runners who like a soft shoe but still want good road grip. Puma’s PUMAGRIP outsole is one of the brand’s consistent strengths and gives the MagMax a more dependable wet-road feel than many soft max-cushion shoes.
Who Should Skip It?
Skip it if you prefer a low, flexible or fast shoe. A 46 mm heel stack gives you a lot of material underfoot, and that can feel excessive if you like strong ground feel or quick transitions.
It is also only offered in a regular width on Puma’s U.S. product page. Runners who routinely need a wide or extra-wide shoe should compare New Balance, Brooks or Hoka options with broader size ranges.
Fit and Comfort
The engineered mesh upper is designed to keep the shoe breathable while holding the foot securely on top of a very tall midsole. The toe shape is rounded and the fit is intended to be regular rather than aggressively narrow.
The height is what you notice most. Some runners love that deep layer of foam immediately. Others feel better in something lower and more controlled. If you have never used a max-cushion shoe, try it at walking and easy-running pace before assuming more foam will automatically feel better.
Cushioning and Ride
The MagMax NITRO 2 uses Puma’s highest current stack of NITROFOAM. The ride is soft and protective, but there is enough rebound that it does not feel completely flat or dead. It is happiest when your pace is relaxed and consistent.
The 8 mm drop is familiar to runners coming from conventional daily trainers. That makes the geometry less radical than the stack height may suggest.
Stability and Support
Puma lists the MagMax NITRO 2 for overpronation on its U.S. product page, but the shoe does not use a traditional medial post. Its support comes mainly from the broad platform, tall foam geometry and the way the foot sits over the base.
If you want a more obvious guidance-focused Puma, the ForeverRun NITRO 3 is the better first comparison. If you simply want a cushioned neutral-feeling ride with a stable base, the MagMax is the softer choice.
Is the MagMax NITRO 2 Good for Walking?
Yes, especially for walkers who spend a lot of time on pavement or hard floors and prefer a soft underfoot feel. The cushioning and grip are useful for long walks, travel and recovery days.
If you prefer a firmer or lighter walking shoe, though, the Velocity NITRO 5 or another conventional trainer may feel less bulky.
MagMax NITRO 2 Alternatives
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 is a strong alternative if you want a broad max-cushion road shoe. The Hoka Bondi 9 is better if walking is a major use. The New Balance 1080v15 offers several width options. The Puma ForeverRun NITRO 3 is the better Puma choice if you want more guidance.
See more options in our best cushioned running shoes and Puma running shoe comparison.
Puma MagMax NITRO 2 Verdict
The MagMax NITRO 2 is the current Puma to buy when cushioning is the priority. It is tall, soft and protective, with the kind of outsole grip Puma does particularly well.
It is not the fastest or most versatile shoe in the lineup, and runners who need wide sizing may have to look elsewhere. But for easy miles, recovery running and cushioned walking, it fills a clear role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Puma lists a 46 mm heel stack and 38 mm forefoot stack.
The heel-to-toe drop is 8 mm.
Puma lists 275 g for the men’s UK 8 reference size.
Yes. Its high NITROFOAM stack makes it well suited to easy and steady long runs where cushioning is the priority.
Yes. Walkers who prefer a soft, tall platform may like it for long walks and hard surfaces.
Puma’s U.S. product page lists the shoe in a regular width.
The MagMax prioritizes maximum cushioning, while the ForeverRun NITRO 3 is the better Puma option when you want more guidance and stability structure.
Compare this model with the rest of the current lineup in our Puma shoes hub and Puma running shoes comparison.
