PUMA MagMax Nitro 2 vs Saucony Paramount Max
We haven't tested PUMA MagMax Nitro 2 or Saucony Paramount Max yet, so their role suitability is estimated from published specs.
PUMA
MagMax Nitro 2
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 71/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning and split on the upper and value.
Saucony
Paramount Max
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 80/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning, criticise the grip and split on the upper and stability.
The differences that matter
- PUMA MagMax Nitro 2 has 3 mm more foam under the heel.
- PUMA MagMax Nitro 2 has the higher drop (8 mm vs 6 mm).
- PUMA MagMax Nitro 2 costs $20 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
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.
Saucony Paramount Max
Praised
A very soft, springy ride makes easy and long runs its strong suit, but the tall shoe feels less nimble when pace changes.
Cushioning
PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
Praised
A massive Nitro stack provides excellent impact protection for long and easy runs without feeling mushy.
Saucony Paramount Max
Praised
Reviewers agree the deep, responsive foam offers substantial protection and rebound for long mileage.
Upper
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.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
The padded mesh and broad fit feel comfortable to many, but reviewers also report low toe volume, heel movement, a minimally padded collar and heat retention.
Durability
PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
Praised
PumaGrip and the foam hold up well, with little wear after 25 miles and solid long-term durability.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
Lab and retailer assessments are optimistic about outsole life, while one runner noticed early wear in exposed midsole foam.
Grip
PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
Praised
PumaGrip gives reliable traction on wet and slushy roads, one of the shoe's strongest points.
Saucony Paramount Max
Criticised
Grip is average on roads and can be unreliable on loose gravel, so it is best kept to smooth surfaces.
Stability
PUMA MagMax Nitro 2
Praised
The wide foam cradle and broad platform make it stable for its height, though it remains a neutral trainer.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
A very broad base and sidewalls help some runners feel stable, but the soft, bouncy platform feels unpredictable to others.
Value
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.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
The $200 price is steep, though reviewers see a case for it in the unusual foam, protection and orthotic accommodation.
Which one to choose
Choose PUMA MagMax Nitro 2 if…
- you want more foam under you
- you like a higher drop
- price matters
- its stability is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Easy and recovery runs
- Long runs at relaxed paces
- Runners who want maximum cushioning
Choose Saucony Paramount Max if…
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- you like a lower drop
Reviewers recommend it for
- Easy and recovery runs
- Long runs and high-mileage weeks
- Runners seeking very soft, bouncy cushioning
Specifications
- Category
- Max-cushion trainer
- Max-cushion trainer
- Price
- $180$20 less
- $200
- Weight
- 275 g
- 272 g3 g lighter
- Drop
- 8 mm
- 6 mm2 mm lower drop
- Stack
- 46 / 38 mm3 mm more stack
- 43 / 37 mm
- Plate
- Not reported
- Not reported
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- NITROFOAM
- incrediRUN
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE