Puma Deviate Nitro 3 running shoes

The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Running Shoe is a fast, carbon plated daily running shoe that can be used by moderately fast runners in races. There are what seem to be minor changes from the previous version that make for a similar overall running experience, but it’s not the same as the previous version and many runner won’t be happy with these changes. The Deviate Nitro 3 is still a very good shoe, one of the best running shoes for fast training in terms of value for money, but it’s a little slower and a little heavier than the previous version. It’s not that Puma’s engineers don’t know what they’re doing, it’s that they want to make a bigger difference between the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 and the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 running shoe. The reason for this is simply that they want to appeal to a wider range of people and they don’t want the Nitro Elite 3to cannibalize customers from the Nitro 3. The Nitro 3 is more versatile than the previous version and more comfortable at slower speeds too, which was the engineers’ goal.

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 upper

The upper of the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Running Shoe is made of a mesh material that’s slightly stretchy and has good breathability. Puma also uses PWRTAPE strips on the Deviate Nitro 3, which are designed to provide a secure, better foot lock. Two of these PWRTAPE strips run together in the heel collar and end in an external plastic stiffener. Not only is this not to everyone’s liking, it can cause Achilles irritation for those who are sensitive to it. The heel collar is moderately padded on the inside to keep the foot comfortable, but the outer plastic strip can actually cause irritation. The tongue of the shoe is thin and firm, holding the foot in place well. The uppers are true to size and cut narrow, so those with wider feet may find the fit tight.

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 midsole

The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Running Shoe Midsole has been made 0.5mm higher and has a slightly different geometry. Like the previous version, the midsole in the Nitro 3 is made up of two layers with a carbon sheet in between. The top layer of foam is Puma Nitro Elite, a PEBA-based foam that is softer, more dynamic and lighter. Underneath the carbon sheet is a nitrogen-injected thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), a rubber-like material made lighter and softer by nitrogen injection. This midsole construction makes the shoe suitable for fast runs, but slightly slower than the precious version. The midsole has been made taller and the drop has been increased (from 8mm to 10mm), making it less tight at slower speeds, but also making it harder to maintain a fast pace. The higher drop makes the heel feel a little heavier. The carbon plate is not a carbon fiber plate, but a plate with carbon in it that’s a little more flexible, and its role is more to improve stability and get the runner used to a stiffer midfoot, so it’s not uncomfortable when racing the Deviate Nitro 3’s big brother, the Deviate Nitro Elit 3. The carbon plate at the front of the foot has a split, fork-like end that reduces stiffness. The midsole has a rocker (curved) geometry that helps make transitions quick and smooth.

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 outsole

As with previous versions, the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Running Shoe Outsole is made from Puma’s proprietary PUMAGRIP rubber compound. It’s a soft rubber compound with excellent traction. The outsole does not cover the whole midsole, so the outsole does not become heavy and stiff. The outsole has a deep tread pattern which further improves the grip of the shoe. PUMAGRIP is durable and has good wear resistance even though it is not hard.

Summary

Altogether, the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Running Shoe is a fast training shoe with good breathability, a versatile midsole, good traction and durability. Slightly slower than the previous version, but more versatile and with better cushioning. The carbon plate makes it stiff, but this improves stability and makes the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 not uncomfortable to wear in races. It’s primarily recommended for experienced, advanced runners who are preparing for a race and need a fast and durable training shoe so they don’t wear out their race shoes. It may not be the best choice for runners with wide feet and Achilles pain.