If the Velocity wasn’t enough cushion for you, then PUMA decided to take it up a notch with the new Magnify NITRO. We honestly didn’t realize we needed more until we had a chance to take a ride in the Magnify and we are happy to say while it is a little heavy, they run really well and can make those long run and recovery days all the more tolerable.
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- Massive levels of NITRO cushioning make for a plush ride, solid distance shoe.
- A bit heavy, but still runs well and performs faster than expected.
- Weighs in at 10.4oz or 295g for a US Men’s 9.
- Features 38mm of cushion and has a 9mm heel/toe drop.
- Retails at $140.00 USD and comes in 2 colors for Men and Women.
Run Test
We were really surprised to get our hands on the Magnify NITRO and with a lot of manufacturers out there offering a higher cushion shoe, it was good to see Puma jump on board. Maintaining the use of NITRO, but combining it with their ProFoam EVA technology was also a great idea because it gives the shoe plenty of cushion while remaining relatively responsive. It also really rounds out the NITRO line up from top to bottom meaning you can truly find something for any type of run.
On the foot, the shoe feels very different from the Velocity. While the last is very similar, this upper feels more robust and structured and even a little warmer than some of the other NITRO shoes. The heel counter locks you in place in a much tighter way and cradles that rear foot nicely. Honestly, the shoe actually feels better on foot than a number of the other NITRO models. They do look gigantic though but don’t let that get to you because it’s all about how they run.
And running-wise, they are just awesome. Having long been fans of brands like HOKA who have really leaned into high cushion long-run shoes, this feels like a very natural progression for someone like PUMA. The Magnify has a lot more pop in them than you might expect so even on those easy days, you get a little extra that you weren’t expecting out of them but you are still able to run comfortably and save the legs a bit.
In the line-up, they work really well shared with other NITRO models given the consistency of the upper design. Using something like the Liberate or Deviate on your speed and tempo days, this becomes a really nice counterpart for recovery. It’s also a much easier to shoe to take for distance and you’ll really enjoy the extra amount of structure up top as you just feel like you’ve got more control.
Construction: Upper
While the upper on the Magnify looks like it could be just a takedown from the Velocity, there is more here. It’s actually a bit more structured which helps stabilize the foot and the molded heel and external TPU counter keeps you locked in place. The tongue and color are well-padded and if you are familiar with any of the other NITRO models, then the linear last will feel similar.
Breathable mesh upper 
Robust lacing column a la the Velocity 
Nice big heel TPU counter
Construction: Midsole
The midsole features 38mm of buttery soft foam blending their nitrogen-infused NITRO foam along with their high-rebound EVA called ProFoam. This leads to an up-tempo ride on even your easy days and definitely aids in leg recovery. We have been fans of NITRO since they launched it and more of it is making us very happy.
Lateral midsole view 
Medial midsole view
Construction: Outsole
The outsole uses their proprietary PUMAGRIP rubber compound given you ample control and traction while on the roads. They split the rubber on decoupling line allowing it to work for any type of stride while still allowing the outsole to be flexible.
Plenty of PUMAGRIP rubber on that outsole for durability
Style and Aesthetics
PUMA has only given us a few color options across most of the NITRO line, but they all worked pretty well and the Spectre colorway on our Magnify demo unit looks great. We’re hoping they’ll broaden the pallet as they move the lines forward.
Overall Conclusion
What PUMA has done here has really challenged us because we can decide if we like Velocity or the Magnify better for those long easy runs. Giving us that little extra cushion while still remaining responsive and comfortable, we are definitely leaning toward the Magnify NITRO. If we had to give it one gripe, then it would be that that toebox can skew a little narrow and that will definitely depend on individual foot, PUMA should open that up just a touch. More color variety would be a huge win as well.
Learn more on the Puma website
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Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
