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When it comes to the best PUMA running shoes, track spikes may come to mind. But the brand has made significant strides in creating sneakers for all runners. Today, PUMA boasts an impressive collection of cushioned, stability, and long-distance running shoes for every type of athlete.
What’s grown more impressive in recent years is the German athletic label’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. They’ve taken admirable steps to incorporate recycled materials into their production methods, aligning with the fashion world’s growing sense of eco-cognizance. Of course, staying innovative is just as crucial as being sustainable, and the best PUMA shoes don’t falter in that department either.
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With unique, proprietary materials in its running shoe offerings — including PWRTAPE reinforcement tech for unwavering dependability or the ever-so-apparent NITROFOAM and Elite Foam that deliver maximum energy return — the brand has surely boosted its prowess in (and on) the field. Although PUMA wasn’t always prominent in the running space, the development of their nitrogen-infused PEBA foam revolutionized their catalog tenfold.
In addition, PUMA has engineered shoes and spikes that propel pro athletes: Olympic runner Molly Seidel took home the bronze medal wearing a pair of Deviate Nitro Elites, which ultimately garnered the silhouette (and material) proper recognition. And who could forget watching Usain Bolt shatter one record after another in Beijing in 2008? He did so wearing a pair of PUMA spikes.
On top of its manufacturing advancements, the brand remains dedicated to crafting shoes for all sports, be it PUMA basketball shoes or soccer shoes. With a collection of running shoes that continues to grow, narrowing down the right option isn’t easy. We’ve compiled a guide to the best PUMA running shoes across several categories.
Top PUMA Running Shoes of 2023
Colorways: Sunset Glow/Puma Black; PUMA White/Fire Orchid/Icy Blue; Fire Orchid/PUMA Black/Icy Blue
Materials: Mesh upper, NITROFOAM Elite midsole, stability PWRPLATE, PUMAGRIP ATR rubber traction
Special features: Durable outsole that’s suitable for harsh terrain
Best for: Neutral pronators
What testers say: “These shoes are so comfortable and easy to run in from the start. They barely needed any breaking in. This color is a LOT more vibrant than the online photos show, as a heads up. I love neon sneakers so it worked out!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
Colorways: Icy Blue-Ultra Blue, Ash Gray-PUMA White-Yellow Burst-Vivid Violet, Fire Orchid-Ultra Blue
Materials: Mesh, NITROFOAM, PUMAGRIP rubber
Special features: Molded heel collar, maximum cushioning
Best for: Neutral pronation
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Colorways: PUMA Black, Ultra Blue-PUMA Black-PUMA Silver, Fire Orchid-PUMA Black-Ultra Blue, Yellow Burst-PUMA Black-PUMA Silver
Materials: Mesh, NITROFOAM, PUMAGRIP rubber
Special features: RUNGUIDE, PWRTAPE, maximum cushioning
Best for: Overpronators
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
More PUMA Running Shoes to Shop
Colorways: Black/Silver Yellow Blaze
Materials: Mono-mesh, padded collar
Special features: INNOPLATE carbon plate, NITROFOAM midsole
Best for: Record chasers
Price upon publish date of this article: $200
Colorways: All Time Red/Ultra Blue; White/Ultra Blue
Materials: Mono-mesh upper, NITRO Elite foam
Special features: Signature carbon plate, immense cushioning
Best for: All types of runners
Price upon publish date of this article: $260
Colorways: Fire Orchid/Ultra Blue; Sunset Glow/Sun Stream
Materials: Engineered mesh, NITROFOAM midsole, PumaGRIP outsole
Special features: Reflective accents
Best for: Saving and speeding
What testers say: “The Velocity Nitro is a great, can-do running shoe. If you’re not sure which model to settle on, this would be your best bet because of its versatility. The shoe is true to size and comfortable.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
Colorways: PUMA Black/Cool Dark Gray/PUMA Silver; Cool Dark/Gray-Koral Ice; Eucalyptus/Alpine Snow/PUMA Black; Alpine Snow/Ultra Blue/Yellow Burst
Materials: 30% recycled mesh upper, NITROFOAM, PUMAGRIP ATR rubber
Special features: PWRADAPT lugs, PWRTAPE reinforcements
Best for: Trail and terrain running, neutral pronators
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Colorways: Sun Stream/Sunset Glow
Materials: Carbon fiber and Matryx Micro
Special features: Carbo-fiber plate and single-piece upper
Best for: Track stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $200
Colorways: Black
Materials: Engineered mesh, PumaGRIP outsole
Special features: PWRTAPE reinforcement, NITRO technology
Best for: Athleisure lovers
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
What to Look for in PUMA Running Shoes
- Cushioning: PUMA’S NITRO cushioning technology has advanced its running shoe catalog through the years: The nitrogen-infused foam provides a plush feel with high energy return, all in a lightweight package. Cushioning seriously impacts comfort and shock absorption, whether we’re talking about marathon runners or morning joggers. No matter how long you’re running, cushioning helps reduce the risk of injuries and enhances your workout from start to finish, and PUMA has options with light to max cushioning.
- Durability: PUMA crafts shoes with innovative materials and in silhouettes that consider inevitable wear and tear of running shoes. Many of these unique textiles can withstand rugged terrain and prolonged workouts, saving you the hassle of swapping them out often.
- Fit: The way running shoes fit can significantly impact your performance and overall comfort level — you don’t want your foot being suffocated with every stride you take. PUMA shoes fit true to size, which makes it seamless to find a pair that fit your feet with room for toe splay.
- Purpose: PUMA designs several options for various environments and activities, whether its their top-performing track spikes, cushioned sneakers for everyday jogs, or some of the best trail running shoes around. Of course, accounting for any recurring foot concerns or conditions is just as important as finding a shoe that suits your activity. For example, people in need of quality running shoes for plantar fasciitis should consider the PUMA ForeverRUN NITRO, which offers a maximum cushioning level that helps prevent foot pain. Those who deal with cavus foot can benefit from the Velocity NITRO 2, one of the best running shoes for high arches, thanks to its contoured midsole and arch support.
How We Chose the Best PUMA Running Shoes
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To curate this guide for the best Puma running shoes, we selected shoes for a range of price points, foot types and conditions, and levels of performance. We referenced knowledge shared by expert podiatrists, trainers, and coaches for what to look for in the best running shoes from Puma. Additionally, we compared customer reviews in order to determine the most satisfying purchases based on different needs, fits, and functions. We also took note of our own testing experience for recommendations in this guide. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Yoni Yardeni is a Los Angeles-based fashion and culture journalist who has written for publications including HiConsumption and HotNewHipHop. Through prior stints, his work ranged from pop culture-centric articles to curating buyer’s guides on top sneakers and running shoes from esteemed brands like PUMA.
