Puma Magnify Nitro 2 Performance Review

The Puma Magnify Nitro 2 is a solid improvement on the original Magnify Nitro and makes it clear Puma will continue upping its running shoe game. The improvements are smart and focus on the areas where the original needed some improvement.

The upgrades help Puma’s max cushion shoe continue to compete as the industry invests more and more technology and effort into growing the max cushion category. If you’re a max cushion running shoe fan, keep reading, because the Puma Magnify Nitro 2 needs to be on your list.

Outsole

If you’ve read any of my Puma running shoe reviews in the two years since Puma running returned full force, you know one area that’s never a problem. The outsole and its accompanying traction. The Puma Magnify Nitro 2 utilizes a proprietary Puma Grip outsole, that, like its predecessors, grips everything.

I didn’t get any slippage across various testing conditions. Wet conditions weren’t a problem. And though I tested these in summer, my previous Puma Grip experience tells me these will be among the best shoes in terms of handling ice or snow.

If traction is the most important aspect of a running shoe for you, stick with Puma.

Midsole

The Puma Magnify Nitro 2 packs a 40mm heel and this time it’s all Nitro. Puma ditched the bottom layer of Pro Foam Lite in favor of an all Nitro midsole. As we’ve seen with the Deviate Nitro 2, an all Nitro midsole is a great experience so I’m glad that carried over.

Getting rid of the Pro Foam Lite layer pays dividends in terms of bounce and responsiveness. The original Magnify Nitro is exclusively an easy day, recovery, or jogging shoe. The new version is not too squishy but still soft. It’s also fairly bouncy. Thus, while not its ideal use case, the Magnify Nitro 2 has the ability to handle the occasional uptempo session.

The Puma Magnify Nitro 2 also passes the theme park test. You get lots of cushion while maintaining a stable, soft ride. There’s no inherent instability in the foam. It’s a great shoe for being on your feet all day without having to put in extra work stabilizing yourself. And walking in it is very comfortable. If you’re just starting you’re running journey and looking for an adept run/walk shoe, look no further.

Upper

The new knit upper, integrated mesh tongue, and well-padded heel collar take the Puma Magnify Nitro 2 to a new level of comfort versus the original. The original upper was accommodating but fit sloppily. Version 2 is still accommodating but the upper material is 10x more comfortable.

At first, the stretchy knit upper is a little narrower than the original Magnify Nitro’s upper, but its flexibility makes that a non-issue as it stretches where your foot needs it most. The knit also starts to mold to your feet after a few runs making it even more comfortable than when it started.

The fit is true to size. Some people told me their pairs felt slightly long but not long enough for them to go down a half size. Stick with your typical running shoe size and the Magnify Nitro 2 will fit great.

Is the Puma Magnify Nitro 2 wide foot friendly?

Yes, the Puma Magnify Nitro 2’s knit upper is stretchy and expands to accommodate wide footers. There’s also a touch of extra room at the toe to help give wide footers more wiggle room. This shoe is wide footer ready.

Is the Puma Magnify Nitro 2 worth $140?

Yes, $140 is a sweet spot for highly cushioned daily trainers. You’ll find most of the Magnify Nitro 2’s competition at that price point or higher.

Cons

There aren’t many negatives to the Puma Magnify Nitro 2. It’s not much of a speedy shoe, but that’s why the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 exists…you can think of it as a more streamlined, plated Magnify Nitro 2.

I do have one con to be aware of. It’s for those that live in hot, humid climates. The Magnify Nitro 2 runs hot. The knit upper can also get soaked with sweat. This adds a bunch of weight to the Magnify Nitro 2 and can make the end of a summer long run less comfortable. This is a fairly common problem with knit running shoes but personally I often find the comfort trade off worth it. You can decide if you’re willing to make the same exchange.

Puma Magnify Nitro 2 Summary

The Puma Magnify Nitro 2 is the Puma running shoe with the most cushion (for now). That alone will attract a fair amount of buyers. But it’s also got superb traction, Puma’s most comfortable upper, and an accommodating fit. It’s priced right and should be on your radar as a daily trainer in which you can run a ton of miles.