ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 vs Puma MagMax Nitro
On paper, compared with the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26, the Puma MagMax Nitro is 12 g lighter, 1.6 mm more drop, 2.9 mm more heel stack, ₹1,000 pricier, Ride +2.
 ASICSGel-Nimbus 26 |  PumaMagMax Nitro | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 7.17 | 8.33 |
| Ride | 6.0 | 8.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| Value | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹16,000 | ₹17,000 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Max cushion | Max cushion |
| Weight | 303 g | 291 g |
| Heel stack | 40 mm | 42.9 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 32 mm | 33.3 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 9.6 mm |
| Foam | – | Nitro |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | neutral | neutral |
| Fit | narrow | wide |
| Sizing | – | true to size |
| Recommended runner weight | Suited to heavy runners; around 80 kg will find it even softer | 70 kg to 120 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsRace dayWalkingRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsLong runsBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ |
| Pros | Complete impact protection on hard roads · Very soft compared with other max-cushion shoes · Premium materials and foam · Expected to last 1,000 km · Excellent value at around ₹8,000 on sale · Suits heavy runners, walking and full marathons | 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 | Snug, low toe box · Breathability issue in the toe area · High stack can feel wobbly for beginners with weak ankles · Little energy return, not for fast running · Poor value at the ₹16,000 retail price | 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 lack ankle stability or need toe room; the Gel-Kayano is the safer choice. | Avoid it if you want to run fast or need a stability shoe. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Gel-Nimbus 26
I would not recommend it at ₹16,000, but at the ₹8,000 sale price I know of no other shoe this soft, protective, durable and premium. The snug, low toe box is its one major flaw.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you lack ankle stability or need toe room; the Gel-Kayano is the safer choice.
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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