Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 vs PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
We haven't tested PUMA MagMax Nitro 2 yet, so its role suitability is estimated from published specs.
These do different jobs: Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is a race shoe, PUMA MagMax Nitro 2 a max-cushion trainer. The question is which fits your rotation, not which is better.
Puma
Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
Check priceReview Pulse · Strongly positive · 88/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning, criticise the stability and durability and split on the upper and value.
PUMA
MagMax Nitro 2
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 71/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning and split on the upper and value.
The differences that matter
- Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is 105 g lighter.
- PUMA MagMax Nitro 2 has 6 mm more foam under the heel.
- Only Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 has a carbon plate.
- PUMA MagMax Nitro 2 costs $70 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
Praised
An explosively fast, rockered ride that feels best at 5K to marathon pace; it is awkward and unstable at easy speeds.
PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
Praised
A soft, bouncy and comfortable cruiser that floats through easy miles; it lacks the spring and versatility for faster running.
Cushioning
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
Praised
The Nitro Elite foam is very bouncy and protective for its weight, with enough cushioning for long races.
PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
Praised
A massive Nitro stack provides excellent impact protection for long and easy runs without feeling mushy.
Upper
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
Divisive
The Ultraweave upper is light and secure for some, but it has little structure and can pressure the toes over longer efforts.
PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
Divisive
The knit upper and padded heel are comfortable for many, but the toebox is narrow and limits toe splay for wider feet.
Durability
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
Criticised
The outsole and upper wear quickly, with testers seeing wear after about 30 to 50 miles and Puma quoting a 200-mile lifespan.
PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
Praised
PumaGrip and the foam hold up well, with little wear after 25 miles and solid long-term durability.
Grip
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
Praised
Puma-Grip holds well on dry and wet roads and the track, though the exposed midsole and plate make it unsuitable for trails.
PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
Praised
PumaGrip gives reliable traction on wet and slushy roads, one of the shoe's strongest points.
Stability
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
Criticised
The decoupled heel, narrow base and soft foam make it extremely unstable, especially for heel strikers and late in a race.
PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
Praised
The wide foam cradle and broad platform make it stable for its height, though it remains a neutral trainer.
Value
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
Divisive
At $300 it is priced with the top racers and delivers elite speed, but the short lifespan and instability make it hard to justify for most runners.
PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
Divisive
At $180 it is fair for the stack, but reviewers say the cheaper Magnify Nitro 3 or livelier rivals offer better value.
Which one to choose
Choose Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- you want a carbon plate
Reviewers recommend it for
- 5K to marathon racing for efficient runners
- Midfoot and forefoot strikers
- Runners chasing a personal best
Choose PUMA MagMax Nitro 2 if…
- you want more foam under you
- price matters
- its stability is what you care about most
- its durability is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Easy and recovery runs
- Long runs at relaxed paces
- Runners who want maximum cushioning
Specifications
- Category
- Race shoe
- Max-cushion trainer
- Price
- $250
- $180$70 less
- Weight
- 170 g105 g lighter
- 275 g
- Drop
- 8 mm
- 8 mm
- Stack
- 40 / 32 mm
- 46 / 38 mm6 mm more stack
- Plate
- Carbon plate
- Not reported
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- Nitro Elite
- NITROFOAM
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE