ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 vs Puma MagMax Nitro
On paper, compared with the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25, the Puma MagMax Nitro is 1.6 mm more drop, 2.9 mm more heel stack, ₹11,000 pricier, Ride +1.
 ASICSGel-Nimbus 25 |  PumaMagMax Nitro | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.00 | 8.33 |
| Ride | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Value | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹6,000 | ₹17,000 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Max cushion | Max cushion |
| Weight | 289 g | 291 g |
| Heel stack | 40 mm | 42.9 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 32 mm | 33.3 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 9.6 mm |
| Foam | FF Blast Plus | Nitro |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | – | neutral |
| Fit | – | wide |
| Sizing | – | true to size |
| Recommended runner weight | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) | 70 kg to 120 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsBeginnersRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsLong runsBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ |
| Pros | Plushness I have not felt in any other shoe · Premium soft upper and heel padding · Best gusseted tongue I have used · Wide forefoot platform gives a stable ride · Foam should not go flat before 800 km · Absolute value at ₹6,000 | One of the most comfortable shoes of the year · Very soft, protective Nitro cushioning · Wide forefoot and roomy toe box · Luxurious gusseted tongue and soft padding · Best-in-class grip, wet or dry · Premium build quality · Good breathability for a max-cushion shoe · Great for walking and casual wear |
| Cons | Thick upper, poor breathability, noticeable after a half marathon · Very poor grip in wet conditions · Only a recovery shoe for fast runners | Laces too short for a runner's knot and loosen at speed · Feels heavy at faster paces · Not for fast running · Overpriced at ₹17,000 · Neutral only, not a stability shoe |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you often run in the wet or want a shoe for fast running, since wet grip is poor and it becomes only a recovery shoe for fast runners. | Avoid it if you want to run fast or need a stability shoe. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Gel-Nimbus 25
The plushness of the Nimbus 25 is something I have not found in any other shoe, and it is a joy for beginners, slow runners, heavy runners and anyone recovering from injury. At around ₹6,000 it is absolute value for money, and I give it 8 out of 10.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you often run in the wet or want a shoe for fast running, since wet grip is poor and it becomes only a recovery shoe for fast runners.
Read reviewPuma
MagMax Nitro
The MagMax is one of the most comfortable shoes I tested this year and a protective max-cushion shoe for slow, easy running, scoring 38/50. If you get it for ₹12,000, close your eyes and buy it.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you want to run fast or need a stability shoe.
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