Disclaimer: The Run Testers sometimes use affiliate links. This means that we may receive payment if you buy products on our website or YouTube. Our use of affiliates supports the channel and does not affect how we review shoes, tech or gear.
The Puma Magnify Nitro 3 is a cushioned daily trainer that stands out from its peers by virtue of the excellent Nitro foam in its midsole, which delivers a comfortable and springy ride.
This makes the Magnify Nitro 3 more versatile than most of the best cushioned running shoes, and it also has an outstanding outsole. It’s one of our top picks for runners who want a comfortable all-rounder, or a shoe to add to a rotation to pick up the bulk of your daily training.
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £130/$160
- Weight: 280g/9.9oz (men’s UK 9 / US 10)
- Drop: 10mm
- Stack: 40mm heel, 30mm forefoot
- Upper: Engineered mesh with PWRTAPE overlays
- Midsole: NitroFoam
- Outsole: PumaGrip
Puma Magnify Nitro 3 review
How’s The Fit
Nick tested the Puma Magnify Nitro 3 for our review and found that it had quite a long and narrow fit. If you’re in between sizes, it might be worth going for the smaller one, but it did fit well enough around the toes in our normal size. The narrow midfoot will be a concern for runners with wide feet though, and there doesn’t seem to be a wide option available on the Puma website.
Check out more of the best running shoes
The Run Test: Likes
The Magnify Nitro 3 is comfortable cushioned shoe that’s mainly designed for easy daily training, and it does that job well, with a soft feel at the heel and enough comfort under the forefoot for long runs.
It then offers more versatility than most cushioned shoes in its category thanks to the springy Nitro foam in the midsole, which we believe is made from PEBA. This bouncy foam gives the shoe a lively ride at easy and faster paces, and we found we could roll through tempo runs in the shoe comfortably.
The outsole is also excellent, with the PumaGrip rubber offering reliable grip on wet pavements and light trails, and also being very durable in our experience.
In the UK, the Magnify Nitro 3 is also great value when compared to other cushioned daily trainers, which tend to cost over £150, and in the US it’s also at the cheaper end of the scale for shoes of its type.
The Run Test: Dislikes
The Magnify Nitro 3 has quite a thick and hot upper, with the stretchy material in the forefoot not breathing all that well in hot conditions. It’s not a major problem, but if you are always running in the sun then it will be noticeable.
It’s also quite a narrow shoe, especially around the midfoot, and this makes it a less stable in that area than many cushioned shoes which have wider bases. If you’re a neutral runner, this shouldn’t be a problem, but if you need a stability shoe or at least a stable neutral shoe, then the Magnify Nitro 3 probably won’t suit you that well.
Verdict And Alternatives
The Puma Magnify Nitro 3 is an excellent cushioned running shoe and one that’s worth considering for your training if you’re not put off by its narrow design. It’s also good value, and offers a more enjoyable ride than most thanks to the Nitro foam midsole.
Some rivals to consider that have a lower drop and a slightly more rockered and stable ride are the Asics Novablast 5 and Hoka Clifton 10, both of which are also reliable daily trainers, though they have less impressive midsole foams than the Puma.
There is also the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 to consider, which is lighter and nimbler than the Magnify Nitro 3 while still being cushioned enough for long and easy runs in our opinion. It’s also cheaper and a bit more versatile, though even narrower than the Magnify Nitro 3.
Puma Velocity Nitro 4 vs Puma Magnify Nitro 3
Puma has two great cushioned shoes in its line-up, with the Magnify Nitro 3 being a little more cushioned and a little more expensive than the Velocity Nitro 4. It’s also heavier and more focused on easy runs than the versatile Velocity 4, but the Magnify 3 will serve runners looking for a cushioned all-rounder well.
Puma Magnify Nitro 3 vs Asics Novablast 5
We rate both of these shoes highly as cushioned daily trainers that can handle a variety of runs. The Novablast 5 is a little more cushioned and rockered and has a wider fit, while the Magnify Nitro 3’s midsole foam is more energetic and impressive.