Run Puma Deviate Nitro 3, Reviewed

It’s only been a couple of years since Puma relaunched its performance running shoe range back in 2021.

But the rapid rate of today’s product development cycles sees us already looking at the third edition of its flagship Deviate Nitro carbon-plated performance trainer.

And the characteristics we enjoyed in the original Deviate Nitro – comfort, grip and buoyant sense of propulsion – returns with greater finesse to delight runners looking for a performance-focused shoe they can train fast in, and race even faster with.

Deviate Nitro 3 Highlights

Consistent improvements in Puma’s Deviate Nitro 3 have finessed the best parts of its predecessor to ensure that it doesn’t just continue to fit well, but enhances the sensation of speed with greater propulsion.

More NITROFOAM

At the base of it all, Puma has packed in more nitrogen-infused foam midsole into this neutral trainer. This latest iteration now features a stack height of 29mm up front, 39mm at the heel, with a full 10mm drop for ample cushioning and excellent ground feel when worn underfoot. Compared to its predecessor’s 30mm forefoot stack, 38mm heel stack and 8mm drop, the geometry tweaks have refined the experience while packing in more NITROFOAM to better meet the needs of runners while shaving off weight!

This update continues to offer a soft and springy, cushioned ride, with a literally ‘kick’ by way of a rebound after the cushioning soaks up impact with each footfall. This propulsive effect is best felt when you hit your stride and get into the rhythm of your effort.

When momentum begins to take over, we found that the shoe doesn’t just feel quick, but its snappy, energetic character would naturally lead to achieve a quicker stride.

Updated PWRPLATE

At 265g (UK 8 size), the Deviate Nitro 3 is lighter than its predecessor, but it still feels supportive with an agreeable nature to do everything you ask of it.

Contributing to this confidence, is the new forked carbon PWRPlate sandwiched between the Nitro+ midsole which adds a degree of stiffness. Said plate also offers greater structure to the shoe which allows it to offer a distinctive propulsive effect, complete with a sharper, enthusiastic response when pushing off on each stride.

Comfortable Engineered Knit Upper

A shoe is only as good as how it feels. Comfort was immediately experienced the moment we laced on the Deviate Nitro 3 and felt the Fireglow bright orange and yellow engineered knit upper with PWFTAPE snugly wrap our feet to allow us to get the most enjoyment out of the shoe’s snappy, responsive ride. Improving on the mono-mesh upper used in the Deviate Nitro 2, this knit upper is soft and airy when worn, with a rolled foam-padded collar enhancing the overall fit and comfort especially when the distances add up over time in our balmy tropical weather. Worn with cushioned socks, we didn’t experience hot spots or chaffing.

PUMAGRIP Outsole

Where it matters, the Deviate Nitro 3’s PUMAGRIP outsole delivers excellent traction across a variety of surfaces and conditions. We might have only put a modest amount of distance in the shoe, at various paces, but it has been holding out very well with hardly any visible wear and tear. With all these features complementing each other, it’s little wonder that the Deviate Nitro has established itself as a firm fan favourite amongst runners and athletes keen on a quick everyday do it all for running and training. While we’re sure it’ll excel is on race days as mind and body get pushed on to new personal bests, it’ll perform just as exceptionally when tackling the demands of cross-training endeavours such as Hyrox.

Biggest Impressions

Top marks for comfort as we enjoyed how the soft yet snug knit upper wrapped comfortably around our feet. The ride felt plush, with an edge to the experience – it’s snappy and intuitive, allowing us to really get on with our runs confident that the shoe will deliver on everything we ask of it. It’s great for going fast over distance, but will gladly oblige an easy recovery effort.

The best of all, you can expect an excellent ground feel and plenty of grip, even when it unexpectedly rains on you. Two thumbs up for this excellent do-it-all performance trainer.

The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is available at $239 from PUMA 313@somerset Flagship Store, VivoCity, Bugis+, ION, Takashimaya and PUMA.com

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