PUMA Deviate Nitro 3 review

After extensively testing the eagerly anticipated Deviate Nitro 3 in our lab, we believe it's an excellent choice for:

• Runners looking for an affordable carbon-plated shoe suitable for both training and occasional races.
• Anyone looking for a versatile running shoe with exceptional traction.
• Heel strikers in search of a high-drop shoe that ensures smoother turnover without an ultra-rockered sole.
• Fans of the Deviate Nitro 2 who desired more cushioning for long runs—this update delivers just that.

We do not recommend the Deviate Nitro 3 for runners seeking stability, as its race-oriented design may not provide sufficient support, especially in the heel. For those discouraged by this problem, we suggest exploring alternatives like the ASICS Superblast 2 or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, both of which are lighter and way more stable.

Furthermore, in our testing, we found the Deviate Nitro 3 overly restrictive for anyone but those with narrow or average feet. For runners needing a roomier option, we recommend the On Cloudmonster Hyper, which provides a more accommodating upper and enhanced comfort for those with wide feet.

The most significant change in the Deviate Nitro 3 compared to the second version is the stack height. We measured a 5.7-mm increase from the DN2, reaching a substantial 37.4 mm. This higher stack is a blessing for rearfoot strikers, especially those with heavier builds.

We found that this minor weight increase is a worthwhile trade-off. In our view, the added cushioning more than compensates for the extra weight.

The forefoot features 27.3 mm of stack, providing ample cushioning for midfoot and forefoot strikers to confidently take on long runs without any issue.

After both measurements, we did the basic math and found a 10.1 mm drop—remarkably close to Puma's official 10 mm figure. It's rare that a brand's stated figure matches our lab results so closely!

But what does a 10 mm offset imply? We believe that this shoe is better suited for rearfoot strikers, yet it remains versatile for all runners. At the end of the day, this drop is similar to many daily running shoes like the PUMA Velocity Nitro 3.

The Deviate Nitro 3 maintains the same dual-foam formula as its predecessor, combining a bottom layer of Nitro with a top layer of Nitro Elite. Let's start with the former.

We discovered that Nitro, PUMA's go-to foam for training shoes, is still a winner. This nitrogen-infused foam significantly outperforms standard EVA, offering much better energy return.

That’s not exactly what we’d call subtle branding.

In terms of softness, we measured it at 18.0 HA with our Shore A durometer, which is a balanced approach for a shoe debuting in 2024. It’s not ultra-plush, but definitely on the softer side, providing a comfortable and responsive ride.

But the real gem of the shoe is above the plate: Nitro Elite. For some reason, PUMA does not brand this foam on the shoe, saving it for their top-tier models like the Deviate Nitro Elite 2 for marketing reasons. However, it’s definitely there, and we discovered it after slicing the shoe in half.

We found that Nitro Elite came in slightly firmer under our durometer at 19.0 HA, but the difference is barely noticeable. Nonetheless, the best part of this A-TPU (Aliphatic TPU) foam is the energy return—it’s off the charts. Hence, we think this incredible responsiveness makes the Deviate Nitro 3 an outstanding speed training companion for just $160.

After putting the DN3 in the freezer for 20 minutes, we tested it again with our durometer. The result was a bit disappointing, with a 29.9% increase.

The increase in the insole's thickness to 5.0 mm (up from 4.4 mm) enhanced comfort and slightly contributed to the increased stack height.

While some runners hoped for a wider fit in the Deviate Nitro 3, we found that PUMA has continued with the narrow design of its previous model. And hey, we respect PUMA’s commitment to their design philosophy—if they believe in their idea, they stick with it. 

Our measurements confirm the upper remains narrow, measuring just 95.4 mm at its widest part. This design is comparable to many racing shoes and is ideal for runners with narrow feet, offering a snug, race-ready fit. And for those who prefer a broader fit, we think that the New Balance Fuelcell Rebel v4 is an interesting alternative.

PUMA has made a slight yet appreciated change to the taper of the toebox in their latest model. The big toe area now offers a bit more room—76.3 mm compared to the previous 75.0 mm. This adjustment enhances comfort slightly in the forefoot.

However, vertical room remains somewhat restricted. Despite the knit upper being more forgiving than it looks, those who prefer uppers with higher volume may find the snug fit across the toes uncomfortable due to consistent pressure.

From our perspective, the Deviate Nitro 3 demands good running form and a neutral footstrike. Otherwise, you'll struggle with stability despite the carbon plate, which helps but cannot overcome the compromises of its narrow and tall design.

The carbon plate nestled between two big foam layers enhances the shoe's torsional rigidity. After manually twisting the shoe with our hands, we awarded it a 4 out of 5 for its stiffness.

We found the heel counter soft and pliable, similar to some competition shoes we've recently tested like the Metaspeed Sky Paris. While it reduces versatility and rear support, we liked the race-day vibe it gives—making you want to go fast and focus on your running form.

The racing vibes are born with the midsole dimensions, as this is not a wide shoe by any means.

At just 109.3 mm, it sacrifices some stability but offers an agile and swift ride. We believe that neutral runners with pristine technique will particularly love this design.

The heel narrows even more dramatically to 82.7 mm, far slimmer than typical training shoes. We found this shoe to be a blend of competition (dimensions, plate) and training (weight, upper). While it will work fantastic for some, it’s absolutely not for anyone with stability issues.

As brands experiment with rockered designs, it's refreshing to find one that offers a more natural running experience. 

We appreciated how the Deviate Nitro 3 maintains a somewhat traditional feel with its subtle rocker. It gently aids in turnover without being overly aggressive—a balanced approach we really liked!

PUMA deserves praise for pioneering the integration of a carbon plate into training shoes, effectively creating the supertrainer category.

The third iteration of the Deviate Nitro retains this innovative approach—featuring a carbon plate (PWRPLATE) nestled between two layers of foam. The design maintains a slight curve in the plate, distinguishing it from the more extreme spoon-shaped designs found in racing shoes like the PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite 2.

We've noticed a welcome change from the previous version—the Deviate Nitro 3 is less stiff. While it still incorporates a carbon plate and delivers a stiff feel, it's a gentler ride when compared to the DN2. This modification makes sense for a training shoe, so we fully endorse this adjustment.

In our 90-degree bend test, the Deviate Nitro 3 recorded a force of 35.6N, which confirms its more forgiving nature.

After subjecting the Deviate Nitro 3 to another 20-minute freeze test, we observed a concerning change—the shoe's stiffness noticeably increased. The rigidity jumped by 41.7%, a disappointing result that raises some questions about its consistency in varying conditions.

Weighing 9.5 oz (268g), we noticed a minor increase of 0.4 oz from its predecessor—likely due to the increased stack height we'll discuss next.

Despite this, the shoe felt light and agile, not cumbersome at all during all of our runs.

Knit uppers commonly show reduced breathability in our smoke tests, and the Deviate Nitro 3 is no exception. While exceptionally comfortable, its airflow does suffer somewhat.

We assigned this model a 3 out of 5 rating—a respectable score for those planning to use these shoes throughout the year but not in excessively hot conditions, where they might fall short.

Our light test revealed focused ventilation in the toebox area—thankfully, since this is crucial for preventing overheating and a 1/5 score.

Under the microscope, we found a thin structural layer beneath a denser knit—this is typical for knit uppers. We also discovered that instead of incorporating specific ventilation holes, PUMA opted for a highly breathable design throughout the top part of the toebox.

One significant benefit of knit uppers is their ability to stretch and mold to the foot's shape, and the Deviate Nitro 3 excels in this aspect. It really hugged our feet.

Additionally, it incorporates PUMA's PWRTAPE technology, enhancing the upper's durability and adding stability.

Having lab tested hundreds of shoes, we often brace ourselves for low scores with knit uppers—particularly those with abundant ventilation holes. However, PUMA has exceeded our expectations in this area with the Deviate Nitro 3.

And that's because achieving a 3 out of 5 in our Dremel test is a rare feat for an upper like this one. While it's not the highest possible score, it's a fantastic achievement that truly deserves praise from us.

This is possible due to the layer we previously mentioned in the microscopic images. Without this secondary structural mesh, the result would have been a 1/5 for sure.

After being satisfied with the toebox, we shifted our focus to the heel padding of the Deviate Nitro 3.

Although it also scored a 3 out of 5, we feel it didn't quite meet our expectations in this area. While this score isn't alarming and doesn't suggest premature wear for most runners, a rating like 4 or 5 would have left us more pleased.

Many runners hate rainy days—some even think it's worth driving an hour or two with the windshield wipers at full blast just to avoid them and train in dry conditions. But with the Deviate Nitro 3, you can embrace any weather thanks to its exceptional grip.

In its latest iteration, the Deviate Nitro 3 features the evolved PUMAGRIP ATR technology, now softer at 72.0 HC, and it continues to offer top-tier traction, rivaling the best on the market like Continental or Vibram. On the negative side, we've observed that although it grips well on every surface, the midsole cutout design tends to trap stones on gravel roads.

While testing with the Dremel tool, we noticed the PUMAGRIP ATR rubber did not meet our expectations for durability.

Our test results revealed a concerning 1.5 mm indentation—larger than what we'd expect from top-tier outsoles. This could be concerning for runners who quickly wear down their outsoles, as this shoe's exceptional grip comes at the cost of some durability.

However, our measurements show that PUMA employed 3.2 mm of rubber in the outsole—a standard strategy that should guarantee at least a decent mileage for this shoe, despite its quicker wear.

Unfortunately, PUMA overlooked adding reflective elements to the design of the Deviate Nitro 3. We hope they'll reconsider for future editions—it would be dope if those large NITRO letters were made reflective!

The tongue of the DN3, at 4.7 mm thick, offers impressive padding for a lightweight uptempo trainer—we think it's brilliantly designed for this type of shoe.

The tongue sits slightly higher than usual, but it's not a major concern..

We've observed that the padding is smartly placed to minimize weight, focusing the foam where the laces deliver the most pressure and keeping the rest of the tongue exceptionally thin.

In our testing, we found the semi-gusseted design of the tongue—which means that it's partially attached to the shoe's sides—really good.

Why? Well, it prevents sideways movement at faster paces, ensuring a secure fit that is essential for tempo and interval workouts.

The Deviate Nitro 3 lacks a heel tab, though we noticed a plastic piece designed for both aesthetic appeal and structural support. We're on the fence about this addition.

We found that the insole is removable—as it's not glued down—and offers nothing extraordinary that would stop someone from swapping it out if necessary. It's essentially just a standard sockliner.