I crafted a lofty list of goals at the top of the year that will no doubt leave me equal parts proud and exhausted by the time December 2025 rolls around. First, I knocked out Dry January with delicious booze-free mocktails. Then, I focused on cutting back on screentime, even snagging physical instead of reading rom-coms on my Kindle. Running a half-marathon was next on my list. I was gifted the Puma MagMax Nitro sneakers, and after seven weeks of training, I completed the Brooklyn Half-Marathon in late April.
I’m already plotting my next big adventure, but I can confirm without confidence: I won’t be running another long-distance race in anything other than the MagMax Nitros.
In February, I swung by a Puma flagship store to determine which sneakers would fit best, thanks to a free, in-store gait analysis. The test lasted less than five minutes, and I learned I had a flat arch type, average forefoot pressure and overpronation when I walk or run. The store clerk I worked with recommended the MagMax Nitro, and it was almost like love at first sight.
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As soon as I slid my feet into the sneakers, I was impressed by the cushioned heel because it felt so plush and soft. Plus, it added a few inches to my 5’5” height, which I loved on a vain level. The clerk let me know the cushion I obsessed over came courtesy of Puma’s Nitrofoam technology, which delivered exhilarating bounce while striding from mile to mile. And the love didn’t end there — the same shoes were made of a breathable mesh fabric and had a deluxe knitted tongue. A durable rubber outsole also provided multi-surface traction, which was a huge selling point for me as I’d be training in diverse running conditions.
As a lover of vibrant running sneakers, I was instantly drawn to the bold, fizzy apple-Puma silver colorway. However, the same design comes in five other shades, ranging from fiery hues to more neutral palettes.
Puma’s 30-day test run was also an appealing perk. Weather and distance often play a role in how running sneakers fit and feel, so I enjoyed the option of testing them out for an extended time. I completed weekly runs on everything from wet, unpaved gravel at a hiking trail to soft planks on a lengthy pier with ease. When race day came around, I felt confident pounding the pavement through various Brooklyn neighborhoods without slipping and sliding.
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The hype around the MagMax Nitros is real. Puma shoppers left detailed comments proving just how comfortable they are.
“These shoes are incredibly comfortable, fit well, it’s like walking on a squishy cloud,” one customer shared in a five-star review.
“They definitely make me run faster,” another shopper titled their five-star review. “These shoes are awesome! They’re like walking on little trampolines.”
Take it from me, running a half marathon is no easy feat. However, these sneakers that shoppers compared to a trampoline got me through 13.1 miles with very little discomfort on my feet (my lower back, however, is a totally different story). Whether you’re gearing up for marathon season or looking to replace your favorite walking sneakers, you can’t go wrong with the Puma MagMax Nitro.
See it: Get the MagMax Nitro sneakers at Puma!
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