Puma Deviate Pure Nitro Review
By Matthew Klein
Puma Deviate Pure NitroPrice: $149.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 7.5 oz, 213 g (men's size 9), 6.6 oz, 187 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 37 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot
Drop: 9 mm
Shoe Purpose: Performance Trainer
Pros: Balanced cushioning, great durability, secure adaptable fit, stable midfoot
Cons: Takes a while to break in, tapered/snug toe box, less responsive than expected
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is a performance trainer that brings simplicity into a complex world. A full-length amount of Nitro foam provides balanced cushioning that isn't too soft or firm. An engineered mesh upper provides a snug and low-volume fit in the forefoot that breaks in slowly, providing a close fit for those who want it. A less rockered geometry paired with a solid heel bevel provides a closer to traditional ride that isn't overly bouncy but still provides some versatility over a variety of paces. The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is best for those with normal-to-narrow sized feet wanting a simple do-it-all performance trainer.
SIMILAR SHOES: Hoka Mach 7, Saucony Endorphin Azura, Adidas Adizero Evo SL, New Balance Rebel v5
PAST MODEL: New Model
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro fits me mostly true to size in my normal men's US size 10. The full-length engineered mesh is soft with some stretch. The fit is slightly snug, especially in the forefoot. The toe box is tapered and low volume, providing a fit more consistent with a racing shoe. This does open up over time, but will work best for those with narrow feet who don't want a ton of toe box room. The midfoot is normal in width with a thin, strategically padded and gusseted tongue. The tongue has not slipped at all and tightening the laces easily locks the shoe down. The heel fits snug with plenty of padding and a moderately stiff heel counter that only comes 3/4 of the way up. I weirdly have not had any issues with the counter, which I suspect is due to the slight flexibility and almost full height padding. Those with mild heel sensitivities should be fine but those with more serious sensitivities should be cautious. The overall security is good and I have not had to lace lock this shoe. Even with some flexibility in the upper, the lockdown is good even while turning. I would not wear this shoe sockless as the inner aspect of the upper is a little scratchy, but with at least a thin pair of socks it is quite comfortable. Overall, those with narrow feet or who want a close fit will do best in the Pure Nitro.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Hoka Gaviota 6, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Saucony Azura, Salomon Aero Glide 3
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Somewhat
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Somewhat
How Flexible is the Shoe: Not Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No (but works?)
Is This Shoe Orthotic Friendly: Yes, but upper low volume
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: High
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is a lightweight performance trainer. Unlike many in this category in today's age, it does not have a plate (supposedly) and has a less rockered geometry compared to others. The midsole is full-length NITROFOAM, which initially is a bit stiff but breaks in after 40-50 miles to create a balanced ride. The weight is light at 7.9 oz in my men's size 10. There is an 8 mm heel drop at that is exactly what it feels like. There is a large centered heel bevel with the medial and lateral sides separated. Initially, like the midsole, the heel transition is a bit stiff. As the midsole breaks in, the lateral column compresses nicely for a smooth transition. The wider midfoot is a bit stiff at first but it breaks into a more stable neutral ride. The forefoot has mild to moderate flexibility with a fairly normal forefoot rocker. Those with toe mobility problems will not find the shoe stiff enough while those wanting some flexibility will enjoy it. The heel is a little softer than the forefoot but both heel and forefoot strikers will do fine in this shoe.
As a lighter performance trainer, the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro can do a variety of paces. It handles easy and long runs extremely well as the cushioning stays consistent throughout the run. It did take some time for the foam to break in as mentioned above but once it did, the NITROFOAM provides a pleasant mild bounce underfoot. The weight is low enough that picking up the pace is also well within this shoe's wheelhouse. I have done several fartlek and track workouts in this shoe and it does fine at these efforts. It is not the fastest shoe and not something I personally would race in. I found the NITROFOAM to lack the bounce I am used to from other shoes in this category and instead I have to rely more on my own body. This is not a bad thing and for those that want a shoe that allows them to get more out of themselves, the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro will fit. However, those who want a more responsive and bouncy ride should look at similar options like the Puma Velocity Nitro 4. The Deviate Pure Nitro feels better at uptempo efforts, such as tempo runs, fartleks and strides. It feels like there is a little barrier when I try to run really fast in these, but that also might just be me getting used to running hard in non-super shoes again.
Durability-wise, this shoe has been fantastic. I have 100 miles on my pair and have only a tiny bit of wear on the outsole rubber. Despite the outsole not being full-length, it travels far enough forward that I have not torn it off. The ride is improving as the shoe continues to break in, so I expect a high number of miles out of these. With the smooth outsole, this is not a shoe I would use for anything but road and track. There is a decent amount of exposed midsole and I have had rocks and bark chips get stuck. The traction is fine on road but not for anything else, so I would keep this shoe on human-made surfaces.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is a mostly neutral, borderline stable neutral shoe. There are no traditional stability measures but there are a few subtle guidance measures. The midfoot is filled in and wider, which creates some additional stiffness that makes the shoe a bit more stable there. There are also small sidewalls that are most present in the midfoot. This initially makes the midfoot a bit stiff, but after the shoe breaks in it becomes more noticeably stable neutral in this area. Like the heel, the midfoot is also wider thanks to the sole flare on both the medial and lateral sides. This also takes time to break in but the small central groove in the heel allows the medial and lateral sides to compress separately. While the bevel is centered and a good size, the heel transition improves as the shoe breaks in (taking about 30-40 miles) and there is slight lateral bias when that lateral heel column starts to soften. This will be more applicable for people that land hard on the lateral like I do, whereas those who land more centered will not be impacted by this. The forefoot is more neutral with the lack of major sidewalls and not having an massive rocker. Overall, the Pure Nitro is neutral with a stable neutral midfoot for those who need mild guidance.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: I have really enjoyed running in the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro. It is a solid performance trainer that isn't fancy but holds up extremely well. It has versatility to handle a variety of training and workout paces, making it a versatile shoe. It does take 40-50 miles to fully break this shoe in, but the outsole and midsole durability make up for this at the price point.
My biggest suggestions for this shoe revolve around the upper and midsole. While the snug forefoot does break in, I would highly suggest rounding this more to provide a bit more appropriate and anatomic fit for the toes. The feet generally function best when the toes aren't cramped and while this does break in, it would be nice to have a touch more room. The lack of a massive rockered sole is great alternative to the many highly rockered options on the market. However, I expected far more bounce in this Nitro foam compared to what I experienced. I would love a touch more responsiveness from this shoe, which should improve its versatility into faster efforts a bit more. However, that might encroach on the Velocity Nitro 4's space, so perhaps keeping it where it is may be best for the "Pure" name. Outside of those things, this is a solid new entry.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is for those who want a versatile performance trainer with a snug but slightly stretch fit. With the snug/low volume toe box, this shoe will work best for those with normal to narrow width feet. With the less rockered geometry and mild to moderately responsive ride, this will work best for newer runners or those wanting a simple shoe that allows them to do a bit more work. This is an excellent do-it-all type shoe that will work great for high schoolers or those who do not want a rotation of shoes. While less responsive than other Puma models in this weight class, it emphasizes the "Pure" name by keeping things simple. The wider shape does take time to break in but once it has, it is one of the best heel bevels and most stable midfoot designs of any non-stability Puma thus far. The $150 price tag is great for how durable it is and may serve as a great addition to someone's rotation who wants to work on getting a little more out of themselves.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B+ (Snug, low volume fit especially in forefoot. Upper does break in with time but best for those wanting a close fit)
Performance: B+ (Versatile ride that takes time to break in. Can handle everything from easy to faster miles but not the fastest shoe)
Stability: B+ [Stable Neutral Midfoot] (Borderline stable neutral with a stable midfoot from the wider shape and sidewalls. Once heel breaks in it is better)
Value: A (High durability and decent versatility at $150 make this a great value shoe)
Personal: A- (A simple shoe I have enjoyed once it broke in. Wish there was a bit more room in the toe box and had a bit more bounce but great outside of those things)
Overall Design: B+
SHOP | SUPPORT DORPuma Deviate Pure NitroPrice: $149.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
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FURTHER READING
ASICS staple stability trainer.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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