Which Puma Products Are Actually Worth Buying? A Breakdown of Their Best Sellers
Puma's current lineup offers something for every budget, from ultra-affordable entry-level trainers at £24.95 to mid-range performance runners and practical everyday carry. The real value lies in the Puma Men's Axelion Refresh Running Shoes at £79.99, which balances performance features with a reasonable price point—but the cheaper Aviator option works if you need a basic gym shoe, and the Strategy Laptop Backpack is genuinely useful if you're commuting.
Why Puma?
Puma was founded in 1948 in Germany and has spent over 75 years building a reputation for blending athletic performance with accessible pricing. Unlike premium rivals, Puma doesn't assume you need to spend £150+ for decent running shoes; their strength is offering functional sportswear without the luxury markup. They specialise in running footwear, training gear, and lifestyle products—and critically, they've maintained a focus on real-world durability rather than chasing the latest trend.
What sets them apart is their mid-market positioning: they're trusted by serious runners but priced for everyday athletes who want quality without paying for heritage or hype.
Top Picks
Puma Aviator Running Shoes — £24.95
Best for: Budget-conscious gym sessions and casual training. At under £25, this is a throwaway price for a wearable trainer. You're not getting premium cushioning or advanced tech, but you're getting a functional shoe that won't embarrass you on the treadmill. Ideal if you're testing whether you'll actually stick with running, or if you need a spare pair for your gym locker.
Puma Men's Amplifier Running Shoes — £59.98
Best for: Runners on a tight budget who want more support than the Aviator. This sits in the sweet spot between the budget and premium tiers—proper cushioning without the £80+ price tag. Good if you run 2–3 times a week and need something reliable that won't fall apart after three months.
Puma Men's Axelion Refresh Running Shoes — £79.99
Best for: Serious recreational runners wanting a daily trainer. This is Puma's flagship offering in the current range—proper midsole cushioning, responsive feel, and the kind of shoe you'll actually want to wear for half-decent distances. At £79.99, it undercuts premium brands by £40–50 whilst delivering comparable performance. Best all-rounder in the range.
Puma Strategy Laptop Backpack, Medium, Black — £48.00
Best for: Commuters and students who need organisation without excess bulk. A medium capacity (typically 20–25 litres) keeps it compact enough for daily carry but roomy enough for a 14–15 inch laptop, books, and a water bottle. At £48, it's cheaper than most branded tech backpacks and the black colourway is genuinely versatile—works in the office or on weekends.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Aviator Running Shoes | £24.95 | Entry-level gym use | Throwaway price point | | Amplifier Running Shoes | £59.98 | Budget-conscious runners | Mid-tier support, genuine durability | | Axelion Refresh Running Shoes | £79.99 | Daily-use trainers | Premium cushioning at accessible price | | Strategy Laptop Backpack | £48.00 | Work commutes & travel | Fits 14–15" laptops, multiple compartments |
What to Look For
- Midsole cushioning: The Axelion Refresh uses responsive cushioning tech (ask the retailer for specs on the compound)—this matters if you run more than twice weekly. The Aviator has basic padding; fine for occasional gym sessions, not for distance.
- Laptop compartment sizing: The Strategy Backpack is medium capacity, which typically holds 20–25 litres. Check your laptop's actual measurements (most 14–15 inch models are 35–38cm wide) before buying.
- Weight per shoe: Running shoes under £60 often cut weight by reducing materials—not necessarily bad, but know that the Aviator (~250g per shoe) will feel lighter than the Axelion (~300g), which adds comfort on longer runs at the cost of slightly more weight.
- Strap design on backpacks: Padded shoulder straps matter if you're carrying your laptop and books daily. The Strategy Backpack's straps are designed for 2–3kg loads; check reviews for real-world comfort feedback before committing.
The Bottom Line
Buy the Puma Men's Axelion Refresh Running Shoes at £79.99 if you want the best all-rounder—they deliver performance comparable to trainers costing £120+ whilst remaining genuinely affordable. If you're budget-strict, the Amplifier at £59.98 is the next-best option with solid middle-ground support. Add the Strategy Laptop Backpack (£48) if you commute and actually use a laptop daily; it's practical, not flashy, and better value than premium alternatives from specialist brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Puma good value for money?
Yes—Puma positions itself between budget and premium, so you get genuine performance and durability without heritage markup. The Axelion Refresh at £79.99, for example, competes with trainers costing £120+ at other brands. Their weakness is that they don't make niche or ultra-specialist products; they excel at solid, everyday gear.
Are Puma running shoes good for long-distance running?
The Axelion Refresh can handle long-distance work (10+ miles), but serious marathoners often prefer premium brands with more advanced midsole tech. The Amplifier and Aviator are better suited to gym sessions and casual 5K runs. Check reviews for your specific distance before buying.
How does Puma compare to Nike and Adidas?
Puma is cheaper on average but offers less variety. Nike and Adidas both have wider ranges and more heritage appeal, but Puma wins on value-for-money at the mid-tier price point (£50–£100). All three are reliable; it comes down to budget and style preference.
Is the Strategy Laptop Backpack waterproof?
Most Puma backpacks use water-resistant (not fully waterproof) materials, which is sufficient for daily commutes but won't survive heavy rain or submersion. If you need full waterproofing, look for packs explicitly marketed as waterproof or use a rain cover.
