Puma MagMax Nitro vs Saucony Triumph 21
On paper, compared with the Puma MagMax Nitro, the Saucony Triumph 21 is 11 g lighter, 3.8 mm less heel stack, ₹10,000 cheaper, Ride +0.5.
 PumaMagMax Nitro |  SauconyTriumph 21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.33 | 8.33 |
| Ride | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| Design & Comfort | 9.0 | 8.0 |
| Value | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹17,000 | ₹7,000 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Max cushion | Max cushion |
| Weight | 291 g | 280 g |
| Heel stack | 42.9 mm | 39.1 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 33.3 mm | 28.6 mm |
| Drop | 9.6 mm | 10.5 mm |
| Foam | Nitro | PWRRUN+ |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | neutral | – |
| Fit | wide | wide |
| Sizing | true to size | true to size |
| Recommended runner weight | 70 kg to 120 kg | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsLong runsTempoRace dayRunners 90 kg+ |
| Pros | 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 | Balanced softness with energy return at any pace · Same pep after 500 km · Outsole shows no wear after 500 km, great wet and dry traction · Wide forefoot and spacious toe box · True to size · Fully attached gusseted tongue and secure heel counter · One shoe for easy runs to the full marathon |
| Cons | 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 | Extra lacing eyelet causes discomfort if laced too tight · Breathability drops above 25 km, more so in hot weather · High stack may feel unstable for absolute beginners · Online only, in limited numbers · Price could come down further |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you want to run fast or need a stability shoe. | Avoid it if you are an absolute beginner, since the high stack can feel unstable; I would pick the Ride 17 instead. |
My verdicts
Puma
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.
Read reviewSaucony
Triumph 21
After 500 km it still has the same pep, and I expect another 500 km from it. At ₹7,000 to ₹9,000 it is real value for money for anyone running six months or more who wants one non-plated shoe for everything up to the full marathon.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you are an absolute beginner, since the high stack can feel unstable; I would pick the Ride 17 instead.
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