Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Racer review

An ultra-light racer that doubles as a cushioned daily trainer

Jul 24, 2022

Shoe Category: Neutral

Experience: Speed and distance 

Surface: Road

Suits Foot Arch Type: Flat, Medium, High

Midsole Technology: NITRO FOAM midsole

Upper Technology: Lightweight mono-mesh upper

Weight (g): 172g

Midsole Drop (mm): 8 mm

 

What Puma says 

When you’re eyeing that extra mile to run, Deviate Nitro Elite will come to your aid. Power up your running with these elite, tech-enhanced, lightweight shoes. Equipped with countless performance-propelling features, including PUMA’s ultra-responsive NITRO FOAM cushioning, the INNOPLATE for maximum energy transfer, a high-grip outsole and a stability-boosting heel piece, these running shoes are a lightweight ally that will inspire you to go the distance.

Features:t

  • NITRO FOAM: PUMA’s advanced technology providing superior responsiveness and cushioning in a lightweight package
  • INNOPLATE: PUMA’s innovative plate designed to act as a lever for maximum energy transfer at toe-off
  • PUMA GRIP: PUMA’s durable rubber compound that provides all-surface traction.

 

What I say

Ever since Molly Seidel took bronze at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic women’s marathon, I’ve been keen to run in a pair of Pumas. Typically, it’s not a brand that comes to mind when I think of running shoes, but Puma has a long and successful history of helping athletes break records. And lately, Puma has caught people’s attention – launching a range of innovative running shoes built on their new Nitro Foam, which are all reasonably priced.

Fun fact: In 1985, Puma developed the first computer shoe – the RS-Computer – which translated data and gave runners the ability to compare past runs with future goals, learning and understanding on how to become faster, more efficient, and competitive.

So, fast is in Puma’s DNA, and recently I got to test my pace in the Deviate Nitro Elite during a speed session. 

The second thing I notice (after the eye-catching fluro yellow colour) is how ridiculously light this racer is. Weighing in at 172g – or about the weight of an apple – this shoe is featherlight, especially when you consider it has a 100% carbon plate. 

The shoe’s sole is stiff, in part because of the carbon plate. It’s an interesting shoe to pick up and play with because the sole is so rigid, whereas the upper is very flexible (more on that later). Despite it feeling stiff to handle, it’s surprisingly springy underfoot and has plenty of propulsion from the carbon plate. It does feel a little stiff initially, but not as much as the first Carbon X from HOKA ONE ONE. The midsole is very soft and bouncy due to the impressive Nitro Elite Foam, which retains its softness over middle to long distances. 

Right out of the box, this shoe is comfortable to run in, with no break-in period required. The upper is made from lightweight mono-mesh upper. It’s basically see-through, so choose your socks wisely, and the thin material means it’s ultra breathable. This is ideal if you’re planning on running for a while. Until my feet warmed up, the toe box was really roomy and the shoe felt a little too big. There’s soft ankle padding on the sides of the shoe, but none at the back and I found that the ankle collar loosened on the run, so that by the time I got home it was noticeably loose. On the flipside, I really liked the secure feel through the mid-upper. 

There’s plenty of colour and pop to like in this springy race shoe. It’s a versatile racing shoe with a stable ride, soft cushioning and a breezy upper. If you want an ultra-light racer that you can also wear as a cushioned daily trainer then this is worth trying on. Tip – try a half size smaller to compensate for the really roomy toe box.

 

Price

$300

 

Where to buy 

Online or instore.