Puma Deviate Nitro 4 running shoe test – review, price, comparison, who it’s recommended for

The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 running shoe is a fast, carbon-plated neutral running shoe. It is primarily designed for speed workouts, race preparation, or even racing. The upper is lightweight and breathable, providing good lockdown and foot hold. The midsole is both soft and stiff at the same time, offering strong propulsion and responsiveness. The outsole delivers excellent grip, is thicker than average, and has very good durability.

What is it like to run in the Puma Deviate Nitro 4?

Cushioning and midsole

The cushioning of the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 running shoe is high, not because of the midsole stack height (38 mm is not considered extremely high), but due to the materials used in the midsole. The lower layer is moderately firm, while the top layer is softer. Between the two foams sits a carbon plate, which improves both the stability and the propulsion of the shoe.

Stability and guidance

The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is a neutral running shoe. The midsole is slightly narrower than average, yet overall stability is above average. Both the forefoot and heel sections of the midsole are rockered, and the carbon plate supports these curves well, resulting in smooth and fast transitions throughout the gait cycle.

Upper and comfort

The upper of the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is moderately padded, with a thinner tongue. Breathability is better than average. The toe box is spacious, while the midfoot is narrower and provides secure lockdown. The fit is true to size. The upper strikes a balance between maximum comfort and lightweight, performance-oriented design.

Ground contact and traction

The outsole of the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 offers excellent grip, thanks partly to the deep grooves and partly to the medium-soft PUMAGRIP rubber compound. It holds well in corners and does not slip during accelerations.

Speed and responsiveness

The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is a fast shoe. Its weight is average, but thanks to the carbon plate and the highly responsive top foam, it delivers strong propulsion and energy return, making it suitable even for racing.

Long runs vs tempo vs training

The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is a daily trainer, primarily designed for workouts, but it is also suitable for racing up to marathon pace around ~4:00 min/km. Thanks to its effective cushioning, it is recommended even for marathon distances.

Who is the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 recommended for – and who is it not?

The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is recommended for advanced runners, for speed workouts and even racing. If you are looking for a durable, carbon-plated shoe with excellent value for money, the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 can be a very good choice.

The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is not recommended for low-intensity easy runs. It is not suitable for beginners, and it is also not a good option for walking, as it is stiffer than average.

What has changed compared to the previous version? Puma Deviate Nitro 4 vs Puma Deviate Nitro 3

The Deviate 4 has changed significantly compared to the previous version, resulting in a weight reduction of 15 grams, which makes the shoe faster.

The upper is now made from a thinner mesh material. It has become wider, especially in the forefoot, making it feel more comfortable, while maintaining the same level of foot lockdown.

The material of the top midsole foam has also changed. In the Deviate Nitro 3, the top layer was a PEBA–EVA blend, while in the Deviate Nitro 4 the top foam is made entirely of PEBA, making it lighter, more responsive, and more durable. The shape of the carbon plate has also changed: while the Deviate Nitro 3 featured a split forefoot plate with two prongs, the Deviate Nitro 4 uses a fully continuous plate.

Puma Deviate Nitro 4 alternatives – comparison

The category of daily, fast carbon-plated or plated running shoes is very popular, so the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 has many alternatives. Similar shoes include:

• Adidas Adizero Boston 13, which has a slightly lower midsole
• ASICS Sonicblast, which has a higher but firmer midsole
• Hoka Mach X 3, which is heavier with a higher midsole
• Mizuno Neo Vista 2, which has a higher and softer midsole
• New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3, which is very similar but has a lower drop (6 mm)
• Nike Zoom Fly 6, which is slightly heavier with a slightly higher midsole
• Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, which is lighter, has a slightly lower midsole, but a more aggressive rocker with faster transitions

Is there a difference between the men’s and women’s Puma Deviate Nitro 4?

According to official data, the women’s Puma Deviate Nitro 4 has the same midsole stack height as the men’s version, and at the same size, the weight is also similar. I personally bought the women’s version as a male runner, because the women’s EU 42 size was cheaper.

Puma Deviate Nitro 4 running shoe upper

The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 upper is made from a thin mesh material with better-than-average breathability. It offers an excellent balance between comfort and performance-oriented uppers. It is lightweight, provides good lockdown, yet has enough padding to remain comfortable. The upper is medium width, with ample toe room, while the midfoot is narrower for secure foot hold. The tongue is thin like in racing shoes, but includes padded zones to prevent lace pressure. It is wide, wraps around the foot, and is fixed on both sides. The laces are more elastic than average and can be tightened well. The heel collar is moderately padded, with a firmer lower section and a softer, more flexible top. The fit is true to size.

Puma Deviate Nitro 4 running shoe midsole

The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 midsole consists of three layers. The top foam is an updated nitrogen-infused PEBA foam that is lightweight, responsive, and bouncy, providing a soft step-in feel. The bottom layer is firmer and stiffer than the top foam, but not harder than average, contributing to both stability and cushioning. Between the two layers sits a curved, spoon-shaped carbon plate called PWRPLATE, which differs from the previous version. In earlier models, the plate was forked in the forefoot with two prongs; in the Deviate Nitro 4 it is a single continuous plate, yet it does not feel stiffer, likely due to the softer top foam. The shoe makes it easy to pick up the pace, supports fast running, but is not overly stiff, remaining comfortable even at slower speeds. The midsole features a mild rocker in both the forefoot and heel, providing smooth and quick transitions. The midsole is slightly narrower than average, but not as narrow as typical race shoes.

Puma Deviate Nitro 4 running shoe outsole

The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 outsole uses Puma’s proprietary PUMAGRIP rubber compound, offering above-average durability and grip thanks to its large coverage area and deep tread pattern. Durability is further enhanced by the outsole being thicker than average, significantly thicker than what is typical for racing shoes. A long cut-out in the outsole exposes the carbon plate; small stones can get trapped here, which may be distracting during runs, so it is best to avoid such surfaces. The longitudinal segmentation does not run the full length; instead, the forefoot features two narrow lateral cut-outs to reduce excessive torsional rigidity. The heel area has a split outsole design, and combined with the longitudinal cut-out, it provides support in both directions.