PUMA Magnify nitro 2

WHAT A SHOE, simplicity at its best. This is just one way I would describe the Puma magnify nitro 2. The shoe ticks boxes and doesn’t miss much. The step-in sensation of this shoe felt worlds distant from the original, positively. The knit upper hugs the foot and offers just the perfect amount of support in all the appropriate places.

Getting a knit top right is a difficult undertaking. With the aid of their PWRTAPE overlays, the Puma crew performed flawlessly on this one. While the heel counter, collar, and gusseted tongue of the more conventional shoes securely hold your foot in place, the vamp stretches allow your forefoot and toes to move. It is a soft and flexible material that feels amazing when running. The shoe works well for my broader foot and fits according to size. This however may be the only knock as it may be a little too spacious for a slimmer width foot.

This shoe's general plushness is enhanced with additional foam around the tongue and collar, which was precisely what the previous model lacked. The updates make the second iteration unrelatable to the first, a shoe that I feel anyone can enjoy. The foam used is what I would describe as cushioned more than bouncy. It provides significant shock absorption that gives it that pillow-like feeling.

It is adaptable, flexible, and suitable for a variety of running activities, including long runs, recovery runs, and daily training. So far, I've put well over 800km into on my pair, and they still feel and look like new. This includes weekly off-road runs, anything from gravel paths to hilly mountainous trails. This is amazing durability and honesty one of the best in the market. I believe this to be due to the added foam and the outsole material used in the shoe. In a world where shoes keep creeping higher and higher in price this attribute of durability is a huge selling point for anyone looking to buy a new pair of trainers.

The splayed forefoot and widened midfoot give the shoe inherent stability. What I mean by this is having more shoes to stand on gives the shoe some light stability without adding in any additives to do so. A feature that is becoming more and more popular among runners, but one Puma has managed to nail in this model. I still however would keep it in the neutral category as over time someone who severely pronates or supernates may wear down the foam in the corresponding areas.

As Sam Tanner has described this shoe is “fricken awesome” and I think it would please several consumers.

Toms Overall rating – 8.6/10

The 3 F’s

• Fit

spacious upper with an elastic knit used to eliminate pressure points, this works in combination with pumas PWRTAPE being strategically placed in areas to add support to the upper and give the shoe a secure lockdown fit.

• Feel

With the Magnify Nitro 2, it's all about the ride, and this model has even more NITROTM. This shoe is designed for extended runs where comfort is your priority. It has our thickest piece of nitrogen-infused NITROFOAMTM in the midsole. For increased durability as you rack up the kilometres. Simple Cushion is how I'd describe this shoe.

• Function

This shoe is designed for your everyday runs, this includes easy runs, steady runs and long runs. However, due to Puma's “puma grip,” it can tackle pretty much any terrain, designed with the the McLaren F1 team they now own the outsole market, The best grip on the market allows this roady to do whatever it wants.