We created the Best Puma Running shoes page to highlight the best options from Puma Running’s extensive product line and to help our readers (and anyone who wants to know the best Puma running shoes) find the right choice for their feet.
Formally founded in 1948, Puma manufactured running shoes from the very beginning. The founder of Puma, Rudolf “Rudi” Dassler, is the younger brother of adidas founder, Adolf “Adi” Dassler. Puma was founded when the brothers had a falling out. Today, Puma is one of the industry leaders in running footwear. Puma running shoes are found on the feet of many runners, both novice and professional, whether they’re racing or training.
We update this page often but have reviewed even more Puma running shoes than you see here. You can see all our Puma Reviews on our Puma page.
We put each shoe in the correct category (trail, cushioned, affordable, racing, etc.). Then we highlight what makes the shoe great and any issues it may have. The idea is that you can easily read through this article, understand which of the shoes will work for your feet, and buy the best Puma running shoes for you.
Updated: 03.12.2024
Let’s get into our picks:
Best Neutral Cushioned Puma Running Shoes
Puma Magnify Nitro 2
The Puma Magnify Nitro 2 is one of our favorite daily runners. At $140, it’s priced right for a high-end cushioned running shoe and has the most cushion of any Puma shoe. The super comfortable knit upper provides an accommodating fit and molds to your foot over time. You also get lots of Puma Grip on the bottom that will provide top-tier traction. Your knees and feet will thank you for putting these shoes on for a run. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price $140
Puma Velocity Nitro 3
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is the best Velocity Nitro yet. The upper is improved and much more locked in than version 2 but still not wide footer friendly. The bounce from the Puma Nitro midsole feels great underfoot and can handle a lot of miles. The PumaGrip outsole is, as always, elite. The Velocity Nitro 3 provides great value and is a great shoe to recommend to friends and family that come to you for running shoe advice.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price $135
Best Speedy Puma Running Shoes
Puma Deviate Nitro 2
The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 is a great all-around running shoe, with the only concern being a narrower fit (though we hear there may be a wide version coming soon). The Deviate Nitro 2 doesn’t feel great in terms of the initial step-in squish but feels amazing the more you run, and the faster you run. It’s a smooth ride with a cushion/plate combo that feels great during workouts and helps the legs recover quicker.
The upper is extremely breathable and very comfortable. The outsole uses Puma Grip, the best rubber outsole compound currently available, so you’ll be 100% confident in the traction no matter the conditions. The Deviate Nitro 2 is one shoe that can do it all, and you can buy it with confidence, knowing you can use it for both training and races. See the full review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160
Best Puma Stability Running Shoe
Puma ForeverRUN Nitro
The Puma ForeverRUN Nitro is a stability-focused daily trainer that most people can enjoy. The Runguide system (a TPU guide rail and firmer foam carrier combo) adds stability without feeling like the shoe is taking too much control. Also helpful is the wide base. It’s wide in the heel but crazy wide in the forefoot. There’s no way to slide off the ForeverRun Nitro’s footbed.
The footbed/midsole is Puma’s Nitro in a dual-density setup. It’s bouncy and plush like Nitro at its best without being tipsy.
The upper is comfy but lightweight and breathable while also adding more support via the PWRTAPE overlays. The upper’s heel section can be a bit sloppy depending on your foot type. The shoe is tall so there’s an increasing amount of room towards the rear. It’s a minor complaint and some testers didn’t have an issue. And as usual, the Puma Grip outsole is ready for any conditions and continues to be best in class.
So yes, the ForeverRun Nitro is for overpronators and brings stability in multiple ways but neutral runners can enjoy the high stack and comfort without adverse consequences. Watch Kofuzi’s review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price $150
Best Puma Trail Running Shoes
Puma Fast-Trac Nitro 2
The Puma Fast-Trac Nitro 2 is Puma’s budget trail running option. Sitting at only $120, you get some great value for that price.
First, the Puma Grip ATR outsole, while not as deeply lugged as other trail shoes, grips everything. Second, a full-length Nitro drop-in surrounded by ProFoam Lite provides both a stable and cushioned ride. It’s not particularly thick cushioning, but it provides solid impact protection. Third the upper, while not premium, uses a hearty ripstop mesh that can take a beating. And finally, Puma packs in some appreciated extras like a lace garage, a quick lacing system, and a heel gaiter attachment.
The upper fits true to size lengthwise but runs fairly narrow through the midfoot and toe box so wide footers should go up a half size. The Puma Fast-Trac Nitro 2 is a lightweight trail model that has everything you need to trail run or hike on a budget.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $120
Best Puma Marathon Running Shoes
Puma Fast-R 2
The Puma Fast-R 2 is an aggressive, bold racer with fantastic traction and bouncy cushioning. It’s a fun, wild-looking shoe that performs well and gets attention. The Fast-R 2’s alien geometry also gets better the faster the pace and the more forefoot centric the stride. Heavy heel strikers will be better served by other racing shoes but anyone who wants an aggressively built super shoe should take note. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price $260
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2
The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2 is one of the least expensive shoes on this list, but that doesn’t change its performance. It’s the perfect race day complement to the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 in that it offers the same feel, just lighter and bouncier. It’s rare that a brand’s speed training shoe and race day option are so in sync.
The Puma Grip traction is some of the best available on the market making this one of the if not the best bad weather race day option. The light and minimal upper still features achilles pillows and a comfy tongue. Stability is A+ thanks to the midsole sidewalls rising at the front of the heel to help keep the foot on the footbed no matter what crazy obstacles you encounter.
And while the Nitro Elite midsole isn’t the bounciest among marathon shoes, its above-average support, awesome traction, and lower-than-average price make it a great option for any long distance run.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $200
Best Puma Casual Shoes
Puma Suede Classic
The Puma Suede Classic is what its name indicates: a classic. It’s one of the most recognizable sneakers on the market. Look around, and you’ll likely see someone wearing them. Like most popular casual shoes today, this shoe began life as a basketball shoe and eventually evolved into a lifestyle model. By today’s standard, the cushioning isn’t very good, but adding Move insoles can help with that. The upper’s lux suede comes in a ton of different colors, and the rubber cup sole is durable. This shoe is always in style.
Fit: True to size, Price: $70
Puma RS-X
The Puma RS-X is a modern take on Puma lifestyle sneakers. It has all the elements of a modern casual shoe that you’d expect, plus a few raw materials to give it some more layers and depth. The upper is mainly a breathable mesh, and there are a few pieces of leather or various other materials placed as overlays. It’s a comfortable sneaker that embraces today’s trend of chunky midsoles. See the full review.
Fit: Go up a half size, Price: $110
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best Puma running shoes list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
