PUMA is a well-known sportswear and footwear brand offering a wide range of running shoes designed for various types of runners and running conditions. PUMA running shoes often feature innovative technologies, like Nitro nitrogen-infused foam and the PWRPLATE carbon fiber plate, to provide comfort, support, and performance.
Whether you’re searching for a running shoe with a carbon plate for speed training or extra cushioning for your daily walks, there’s a PUMA running shoe for your wants and needs. Our expert reviewers and Marathon Sports team members set out to find the best running shoes for 2024 and help you discover the best PUMA running shoe for you.
The 5 Best PUMA Running Shoes for 2024
- PUMA Velocity Nitro 3
- PUMA Magnify Nitro 2
- PUMA ForeverRun Nitro
- PUMA Deviate Nitro 3
- PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite
PUMA Velocity Nitro 3
The PUMA Velocity Nitro 3 is a standout. This year PUMA refined the beloved features of its predecessor, the Nitro 2, offering runners an unparalleled blend of comfort, versatility, and performance.
With an additional 4 mm of NITRO foam, the midsole of the PUMA Velocity Nitro 3 gives a plush yet responsive ride, perfect for daily training sessions of any intensity. The distribution of EVA foam ensures a smooth transition through each stride, while the shoe’s narrow profile enhances agility and speed.
The updated upper enhances breathability without compromising lockdown, ensuring a secure fit from heel to toe. The laces resist slippage, while the heel fit minimizes rubbing. While the toe box may feel snug for some runners, the overall comfort and stability of the Velocity Nitro 3 make it a top choice for long-distance runs or speedy track workouts.
Despite its slightly higher weight than other competitors, this shoe offers a remarkable weight-to-comfort ratio for runners of all levels. Whether tackling daily training runs, speed workouts, or exploring new terrains, the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 stands out as one of the best running shoes, delivering responsive cushioning, exceptional grip, and unbeatable value for runners seeking performance and versatility.
PUMA Magnify Nitro 2
The PUMA Magnify Nitro 2 is all about comfort. This cushioned running shoe features NITROFOAM nitrogen-injected foam for optimal impact protection and responsiveness. The PUMAGRIP rubber outsole offers optimal grip on wet or dry terrain.
Our reviewers appreciated the comfort of the maximum cushioning on long runs and the durability of the outsole. The Magnify Nitro 2 also offers a breathable knit upper, rubber heel placements, and a molded heel collar for optimal fit.
PUMA ForeverRun Nitro
The ForeverRun Nitro hails as PUMA’s best stability running shoe for 2024. The midsole includes Nitro nitrogen-injected foam and PUMA’s RUNGUIDE stabilizing technology. This firm rail guide keeps feet centered stride after stride. The firmness of the guide rail is accompanied by soft midsole foam for a comfortable ride and soft impacts. The upper offers more stabilization with PWRTAPE reinforcement.
The overpronators on our Marathon Sports team praised this shoe for its ability to combine stabilization with performance and cushioning. A flared rubber outsole and engineered mesh upper add to the shoe’s comfort and versatility.
PUMA Deviate Nitro 3
The Deviate Nitro 3 is a responsive daily trainer made to move fast. Maximum cushioning combines with PUMA’s PWRPLATE carbon fiber plate for comfort, an energetic ride, and optimal propulsion. The nitrogen-infused foam offers a balanced, highly-responsive ride while maintaining a lightweight feel.
The Deviate Nitro 3 features PUMA’s multi-terrain PUMAGRIP rubber, designed for harsh weather and more diverse terrain. Heel-to-toe transitions are smooth and fast due to the Nitro 3’s rocker shape. It’s a fast-paced super shoe that can easily go offload to the track, on a treadmill, or any daily run. Our reviewers appreciated that the Nitro 3 is versatile enough for multiple types of running workouts.
PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite
The PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite is one of the hottest and most innovative running shoes on the market. It’s a race day super shoe designed to be faster than all the competition with a cutting-edge carbon fiber PWRPLATE, NITRO Elite nitrogen foam cushioning, PWRTAPE upper support, and a high-traction rubber PUMAGRIP outsole.
Runners will appreciate the ultra-breathable mono-mesh upper and reactive heel and forefoot for unrivaled propulsion. The carbon fiber propulsion plate is visible in the Fast-R Nitro Elite, making it one of the most unique-looking shoes on the market. Our reviewers commented it was one of the fastest running shoes they’ve ever worn.
Our Review Process
When it comes to enhancing your running experience, the importance of the right pair of running shoes cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, a casual jogger, or someone just beginning their running journey, having the right shoes can make a world of difference.
Our expert Marathon Sports reviewers test the industry’s latest and greatest running shoes to help our customers choose the ones that will work best for them. We assess a variety of factors, including the following:
- Fit and Comfort: The shoe should fit snugly but not be too tight or too loose. There should be enough room in the toe box for the toes to wiggle. Our experts laced up and logged miles in numerous PUMA running shoes to test their fit and comfort.
- Arch Support: Determine if the shoe provides adequate arch support for your foot type (neutral, overpronation, or supination).
- Cushioning: Our athletes and reviewers pay attention to the level of cushioning in the shoe. Some runners prefer more cushioning for long-distance running, while others prefer a firmer feel for speed or stability.
- Pronation Control: If you overpronate or underpronate, you need a shoe with appropriate features such as stability or motion control to correct your gait. Our reviewers test numerous stability shoes to find the ones in the industry.
- Terrain and Running Style: Certain shoes are made for specific terrain, such as the road, trail, or track. We test numerous styles to help you find the one that suits your desired terrain. We also analyze shoes for different running styles (e.g., forefoot strike, heel strike) and note which ones are best for different types of runners.
- Weight: Lighter shoes are ideal for speed and racing, while heavier shoes may provide more durability and cushioning for long training runs. We test shoes to ensure they remain lightweight while offering plenty of cushion and support.
- Breathability: We log countless miles in all conditions to test the shoe’s upper for breathability. We prefer shoes that offer plenty of air circulation and keep sweat at bay.
- Flexibility: We test the shoe’s flexibility by bending it at the forefoot. An excellent running shoe will flex where your foot naturally bends.
- Heel Counter: A sturdy heel counter can improve stability and prevent excessive heel movement.
- Durability: Our reviewers check the outsole and upper materials for durability before running and after logging numerous miles. Durable running shoes assist with safety, are more sustainable, and are more cost-effective.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for You
The right running shoe can help you reach peak performance. However, it’s not always easy to know which one is best for your needs. Follow these steps to help make the right decision, and don’t forget to contact our Marathon Sports experts for any additional guidance.
- Know Your Foot Type: Determine your foot arch type. You may have a low arch, medium arch, or high arch. Knowing your foot type can help you select shoes with the right level of support.
- Get Your Gait Analyzed: Visit a Marathon Sports location for a free gait analysis via our The Right Fit process. Our experts will evaluate your running gait to identify issues such as overpronation (foot rolling inward), supination (foot rolling outward), or neutral pronation.
- Consider Your Running Surface: Think about where you’ll be running most often. Different shoes are designed for various surfaces, such as road running, trail running, or track running. Choose a shoe that matches your primary running environment.
- Understand Cushioning and Support: Running shoes come in various levels of cushioning, ranging from minimal to maximal. Choose cushioning based on your comfort preference and the type of running you do. Many runners prefer more cushioning for longer distances, while others prefer a minimalist, closer-to-the-road feel for shorter, faster runs. If you overpronate or have other stability issues, look for shoes that offer appropriate support, such as stability or motion-control running shoes.
- Shop for the Right Fit: Make sure your running shoes fit properly. Our Marathon Sports experts can help with this, too. Your running shoes should have enough room in the toe box to allow your toes to wiggle without being too loose. They should also provide a snug fit around the heel and midfoot to prevent slippage.
- Consider Your Running Goals: Your running goals can affect the type of running shoes you choose. If you’re training for a marathon, you might prioritize comfort and cushioning. If you’re focusing on speed, you may opt for a lighter, more responsive shoe, such as a super shoe.
Shop Marathon Sports Today
Marathon Sports offers all the top running shoes from the best running shoe brands. Stop by one of our locations or log online to shop our complete selection of performance-driven running shoes, clothing, gear, and more.
