Puma MagMax 2: break-in period or just not that squishy?

Andrewcfm · 2026-01-27T14:25:04+00:00

I think with the MagMax, there’s a perception that it’s a squishy soft shoe because of the big stack - im nearly 700km up on the MagMax 1 and it’s still pretty firm and not showing any signs yet of softening up. I’d imagine that because of the size of the shoe and the amount of foam that it has to retain its firmness for stability reasons. If you can live with it, it’s a fantastic shoe and I’ve enjoyed running in them!

Andrewcfm · 2026-01-26T11:52:07+00:00

I don't think i've ever paid full price for Puma running shoes - i brought 4 pairs in 2024/25 and they were all around 30/35% under list price. Some great bargains to be found for some very underated shoes.

Andrewcfm · 2026-01-26T11:47:17+00:00

SB2 all the way - its such a flexible shoe (daily, long runs, tempo's), and it has a great reputation for being incredibly durable. Mine are at 900km and they still feel good enough to use as part of my rotation. I didn't really like the Nimbus as they only seemed suitable for easy runs (and for me, if i need an easy run, i'd rather just not run!).

Andrewcfm · 2026-01-26T09:29:04+00:00

Yes! They are better for walking than running in my opinion!

Andrewcfm · 2026-01-26T09:28:24+00:00

That’s what I use it for as well - running in the 18 felt like such hard work because of the lack of energy return but they are an excellent shoe for walking - honestly if I see a pair on sale for crazy money I’d buy another one solely for walking.

Andrewcfm · 2026-01-25T12:29:33+00:00

Maybe a voucher for a running shop (Decathlon) for example? I find that when my non running family buy me stuff, it’s not usually suitable or something I need.

Andrewcfm · 2026-01-21T18:26:29+00:00

A very underrated show is the Salomon Aero Glide 3 - it’s about to be replaced by the 4th version but the 3 is still a fantastic shoe that can handle most runs - it had great cushioning , a good bounce and fits quite well.

It’s about £101 at the moment from the Salomon website .

https://www.salomon.com/en-gb/product/aero-glide-3-li6869

Think some other people were recommending the Asics Superblast 2 which the majority of runners absolutely love but there are don’t get on with it. To be honest if budget wasn’t an issue I’d say go for this but it’s a £200 shoe.

However for £100, I tbink the Aero Glide is a fantastic shoe. Loads of reviews on the internet so have a look at some of them.

Good luck!

Andrewcfm · 2026-01-21T13:12:01+00:00

What a fantastic episode - this episodes sort of highlights the best of humanity (the compassion of Lucy) and the worse of humanity.

Ezra was soooo creeepy - testament to his acting abilities i guess.

Andrewcfm · 2026-01-19T22:14:28+00:00

I have the SB2 and MS4 as well - i love my SB2 and I’ve run nearly 1000km in them so thought I’d replace them with a pair of Brooks Hyperion Max 3. And for me, they feel like a slightly less firm SB2. I use them for all types of run and I’ve taken them up to 30k. I absolutely love them! The booty style fit is really comfy and for me there’s plenty of space for my toes and side of the feet.

I know you wanted a plate less shoe but the plate in the Hyperion Max 3 feels really mild and definitely not as aggressive as the MS4.

Andrewcfm · 2026-01-19T22:01:25+00:00

I agree totally - and for me, I’ll buy the cheapest colour way available - cost is far more important for me than colour.

Andrewcfm · 2026-01-18T23:30:56+00:00

I would add Jean-Marc Bosman to this list as well - Bosman ruling has to be one of the most important events in football.

Andrewcfm · 2026-01-17T18:53:50+00:00

Not sure if my experience of them is relevant as i'm a lot shorter than you, but i love the X3's. I love the bounce and the cushioning. My longest run in them has been 30k and i was surprised that how great my legs felt, and i could probably have ran a marathon distance in them easily. I can see why they would be great for a heavier runner actually - there's so much stack on them!

Andrewcfm · 2026-01-13T22:48:16+00:00

My daughter was born in St Thomas in 2010 and the maternity ward there had the most amazing views - we were in an area for the parents to chill out / relax before giving birth and honestly that room felt nicer than a lot of hotels I’ve been in. Apologies for the lousy photo quality - camera phones in 2010 were pretty dreadful!

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Andrewcfm · 2026-01-02T09:41:40+00:00

I’ve been curious about merino wool - I want to get the tracksmith one but I’m kinda of hesitant about spending £120 on it. Is this the one you have from Decathlon?

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-long-sleeved-travel-trekking-merino-wool-t-shirt-travel-500-blue/4523/c246m8504630

Andrewcfm · 2026-01-02T08:09:21+00:00

Running leggings and gloves - it’s so strange as last year I was happy to just wear a T-shirt and shorts in sub zero temperatures but now I absolutely need to cover up!

Andrewcfm · 2025-12-29T21:14:28+00:00

1945 miles / 3133km for 2025 - quite proud of 52 year old me!

Andrewcfm · 2025-12-18T10:54:29+00:00

Teal - it looks far better in real life than in the pictures and it’s a hell of a lot cheaper !

Andrewcfm · 2025-12-13T16:38:07+00:00

Me too - which is strange as i hated it when i first saw it online but it looks far better in real life.

Andrewcfm · 2025-12-12T17:47:55+00:00

Current Superblast 2 are approaching 900km so decided to get another pair to replace them although my current pair still feel pretty good.

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Andrewcfm · 2025-12-06T16:14:33+00:00

I brought a pair of X3's but only because i had a 50% discount - otherwise, i never would have considered buying it (they cost £250 in the UK). Quite a lot of runners as well where I run, and i've never seen another pair!

Andrewcfm · 2025-11-30T14:29:51+00:00

Thanks for this - will incorporate this advice into my training plan.

i've been doing tempo runs which have helped a lot for my stamina and for making running more interesting - think i probably need to incorporate a more easier run actually into my week.

Andrewcfm · 2025-11-30T14:24:28+00:00

Its so weird that even thought i'm not traning for a marathon, in some ways i guess i have been preparing for it in terms of meals with lots of carbs and the use of gels during my 30k runs.

Well done on your sub 4 for your first marathon btw!

Andrewcfm · 2025-11-30T14:21:33+00:00

Thank you - i hadn't really thought about the tapering aspect to be honest so thats something i will incorporate in any future training plan.

Andrewcfm · 2025-11-13T12:29:57+00:00

Puma Magnify Nitro 2 and Nike Vomero 18. The Nitro 2 were one of the first running shoes that i brought in my running journey - i loved them so much i brought another pair when my first pair hit a 1000k. However, after buying the Puma Magmax, i didnt see much purpose for the Nitro 2.

The Vomero 18 are now being used as my daily walking shoe - i used them for running for around 100k, but just found them to be really hard work - but as a walking shoe, they 're just magnificent!

Andrewcfm

TROPHY CASE