Alright friends, if you’re still sleeping on Puma running shoes, it’s time to wake up and join the pack. I have jammed with every pair I’ve tested, but none more so than the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4. Simply put, it’s one of the best carbon plated running shoes available, boasting high level performance in a superlight package.
In fact, the entire RTTF team has had good things to say about pretty much every Puma to cross our path the last few years. So seriously, if you haven’t tried them yet, the only drawback might be running a little narrow in some shoes.
Back to the Elite 4! The ride is oh so smooth, with cushioning that will keep your feet and body fresh from the start corral to the finish line.
I still fawn over the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3, but this drop offers a more accessible fit and feel that will surely be a smash with distance runners.
If you’re looking for a new speedy chariot for spring races, you could easily fall in love with this shoe.
Let’s start counting the reasons the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 lands on my Mount Rushmore of racing shoes.
Who is it Good For?
- Wide Feet: A roomy fit that’ll work for many runners!
- Heavier Runners: Soft, springy foam, but not so pillowy that you’ll sink into it.
- Long Runs:Plenty of cushion to cover a lot of miles.
- Front of the Pack:Very much designed to hit those fast speeds, though the Fast-R is their top top end.
This shoe can double as a top end training choice and race day rocket! It will shine in a half marathon or the full 26.2!
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 Overview
Like I mentioned before, I am a huge Puma fan, as they strike the difficult balance of keeping what works, while continually innovating with their new drops.
One of the common points of frustration with racing shoes is that they are too unstable, narrow, or firm for a lot of runners. The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 shines in all of these areas, bringing a smooth, comfortable, and speedy ride in a refreshingly light package.
I put this shoe through nearly 100 miles in testing, including two 18 mile long runs, multiple speed sessions, as well as a few easy runs. The more I wore them, the more I loved them.
Plus, the shoe looks fast and fresh, which always helps you run and feel the best!
A lot of testers have noted that this version feels a little softer and that lines up with what we found in the Deviate Nitro 4 as well. That version is considered a supertrainer, where this is your race day carbon plated shoe for runners from say the 3:10 to 4:30 pace group and the Fast-R is sub 3 hours.
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 Specs
- Weight: 6.5 oz Men’s, 5 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 40 mm
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- 3 Colors
- Not available in wide
- Available on puma.com for $260
The shoe comes in a few clean and vibrant colorways. When you look good, you run faster, right!?
Quick Take
Pros
- Generously sized toebox
- Extremely light-weight
- Comfortable cushion
Cons
- Not heavily rocker bottomed
- Thin tongue
- Narrower midsole
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 Fit
How well does this shoe fit??? Let me count the ways!
The shoe wraps your foot nicely, while providing just enough wiggle room throughout the entire platform. We all know our feet swell during races and long runs, so I’m happy to report the fit is just as fine at the end of a run as the beginning.
The heel has just the right amount of padding and provides a secure fit. I had zero sliding issues and was able to lock in easily.
Puma brought updated serrated laces to this party, which help maintain a solid tie, even as you speed things up. The tongue does have a dash of padding, which helps maintain a secure fit.
The midsole does narrow slightly, but is still roomy enough to accommodate larger volume feet without feeling too restrictive. The toe box is wide and tall enough for you to splay your toes. No black or bruised toe nails with this one!
The shoe also runs true to size, as I was right at home in my typical 11. But if you’re in between sizes, I’d recommend sizing down in this one.
Overall, it’s a dialed-in, race-ready fit that strikes a near-perfect balance between comfort and security.
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 Feel
Simply put, this shoe feels amazing, and a big piece of that is the midsole’s upgraded NITRO FOAM ELITE, which runs from heel to toe.
It’s soft, yet super responsive, and maintains that freshness, even during the longest of efforts. For example, during my last long run in the shoe, I knocked out a 3 mile fast-finish. The feel was on point, and I easily clipped off the miles at 10K pace.
The design is not heavily rockered, which is a welcome change from a lot of plated racers. It transitions easily (and quickly) to faster paces, courtesy of a full-length carbon PWRPLATE, but feels smooth and delightful at any speed.
The shoe isn’t overly bouncy, but pairs well with your running mechanics to maximize performance.
The ULTRAWEAVE and PWRTAPE (yes, all caps again!) upper is highly breathable, and provides the perfect dosage of stability and comfort. My ankles and feet continually felt fantastic throughout testing.
What really stands out is how well this shoe blends comfort and speed. It feels smooth and controlled early, but has plenty to give when it’s time to push.
It’s a solid excellent choice for race day, especially when you need a shoe that will stay comfortable and responsive from the first mile to the last.
Similar Shoes to the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4
We’ve tested a few carbon plated shoes that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit.
- Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 – Similar feel, but better suited for 10K-half marathon.
- Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 – A bit more bounce. Slightly less stable.
- Asics Metaspeed Sky – More aggressive ride and faster.
All right friends, that’s our take on the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4. Sending all of you good vibes for a fun and fast spring!
Our Verdict
We had a lot of great things to say about the Nitro Elite 3 and they’ve only improved with the 4. The improved fit has made this a shoe that’s going to welcome in a lot more runners. Puma really is leaning in to the learnings from a lot of big technology swings to dial in this carbon racer.
What to Read Next?
- Understanding Running Shoe Foams
- Best Marathon Shoes for Beginners
- Salomon Phantasm 3 – How aerodynamics play in your shoe
The post Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 Review | The Carbon Racer That Wants to Be Your Go To appeared first on RunToTheFinish.
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