Puma MagMax After 100 Miles: My Honest Review of the Supermax Cushion Shoe

After logging more than 100 miles in the Puma MagMax, I’m finally ready to share my in-depth thoughts. From the moment I unboxed them to the final stretch of long-distance road testing, this shoe has been both surprising and solid in many ways. If you’re considering the MagMax as your next long-distance trainer, here’s everything you need to know about its comfort, performance, and durability after 100 miles.

First Impressions: Bold, Cushioned, and Confident

Out of the box, the Puma MagMax looks and feels like a serious max-cushion shoe. With an ultra-high stack height—46mm in the heel and 38mm in the forefoot—it’s clear this shoe is built for comfort and shock absorption. But what surprised me was how lightweight and responsive it felt despite all that foam.

The MagMax is not your typical bulky cushioned trainer. It has a sleek silhouette, aggressive rocker geometry, and a wide, stable base that gives you a sense of balance right away. I immediately noticed the signature NITROFOAM midsole, which Puma is known for, delivering a plush ride that’s soft without feeling mushy.

Comfort and Fit: Secure, Stable, and Smooth

After 100 miles, the comfort level of the MagMax has remained consistent. Here’s what stood out:

• Upper Construction: The engineered mesh upper with PWRTAPE reinforcement feels breathable and adaptive. It hugs the foot without restricting movement.
• Tongue and Collar: The thick knit tongue is soft but could be thinner for better ventilation. The collar provides excellent ankle support, especially on long runs.
• Fit: The fit is true to size for me, with enough room in the toe box for natural splay. The lockdown is solid, and I never experienced heel slippage.

Whether I was running slow recovery miles or moderate-paced efforts, the upper kept my foot secure and supported.

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Ride Quality: Soft Yet Snappy

One of the biggest surprises of the Puma MagMax is how well it blends plush cushioning with responsiveness. Most max-cushion shoes feel either too soft or too stiff, but the MagMax hits a rare balance:

• NITROFOAM Midsole: Even after 100 miles, the foam hasn’t packed out. It still feels soft underfoot but offers decent energy return, especially at mid to faster paces.
• Rocker Geometry: The shoe’s aggressive rocker helps you roll through your stride naturally. It minimizes the effort during toe-off and keeps your cadence smooth.

Overall, the ride feels effortless—ideal for high-mileage training, long runs, and recovery days.

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Durability: Mostly Good, But with Some Surprises

I’ve taken the MagMax through a mix of surfaces—mostly road, a bit of light gravel—and here’s what I noticed after 100 miles:

What Held Up Well

• Midsole Foam: The cushioning and bounce are still intact.
• Upper Materials: No fraying, tearing, or noticeable stretching. The mesh is holding up beautifully.

What Showed Wear:

• Heel Collar: I started noticing some minor breakdown in the padding around the heel collar. It’s not critical yet, but it’s worth monitoring.
• Outsole (PUMAGRIP): The outsole grip is solid, but I saw more wear than I expected—especially under the forefoot and lateral heel. For a shoe marketed as durable, this was a bit of a letdown.

That said, the shoe still performs well. I expect to get at least 300-350 miles before significant performance decline.

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Use Cases: When and Where I Reach for the MagMax

Here’s where the Puma MagMax really shines in my rotation:

• Long Runs: The cushioning is ideal for 10+ mile efforts. I didn’t feel beat up the next day.
• Recovery Runs: The softness and smooth transition help reduce joint fatigue.
• Walking and Casual Wear: Its comfort and sleek design also make it great for walking or everyday wear.

It’s not my top pick for speed work or races, but it wasn’t designed for that. This shoe lives in the easy-to-moderate mileage zone, and it does so impressively.

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Comparisons: How It Stacks Up to Other Shoes

If you’re curious how the MagMax compares to other popular cushioned trainers, here’s a quick breakdown:

The MagMax fills a unique niche. It’s more cushioned than the Velocity Nitro 3, yet more stable than the Invincible 3. It might not be as fast as the Superblast 2, but it provides a smoother and more forgiving ride.

Pros and Cons After 100 Miles

Below we will learn together the Pros and Cons After 100 Miles:

Puma MagMax After 100 Miles: Pros

• Luxurious cushioning with no loss in responsiveness
• Smooth rocker for efficient transitions
• Lightweight feel for a max-cushion shoe
• Secure and breathable upper
• Stylish enough for casual wear

Puma MagMax After 100 Miles: Cons

• Heel collar showed early signs of wear
• Outsole durability is average at best
• Thick tongue may trap heat during hot runs

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Final Verdict: A Reliable Max-Cushion Workhorse

After 100 miles, the Puma MagMax has proven to be a dependable and comfortable max-cushion shoe. It delivers excellent shock absorption without feeling sluggish, making it perfect for long, easy miles. While there are some minor durability concerns, they don’t overshadow the shoe’s performance.

If you’re a neutral runner looking for a plush, rockered ride for daily mileage and recovery runs, the MagMax deserves a spot in your rotation. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about sustained performance with a surprising edge of responsiveness.