PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite review
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn moreVerdict from 12 experts & 20 users
Pros
- Mighty fast
- Stable
- Roomy toe box
- Racer fit
- Natural ride
- Secure heel clutch
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Durable
Cons
- Scratchy upper
- Tongue doesn't stay in place







66% say it's true to size.
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Rankings
- Our 1st pick in best PUMA running shoes
- Our 1st pick in best PUMA running shoes for women
- Top 22% in PUMA running shoes
- Top 14% most popular running shoes
Comparison to similar running shoes
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Who should buy the PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite
For athletes who want to up their pace, the Deviate Nitro Elite is a killer in
- Races
- Tempo runs
- Short and long intervals
Who should NOT buy it
Everything about the PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite screams speed. If you're planning to use it for recovery runs, don't even bother. It's too bouncy; the ride will be awkward.
Run fast like a cat!
There are two distinct features of the Deviate Nitro Elite that take it to the ranks of the renowned Vaporfly, Alphafly, and Adios Pro. With this at hand, it gives you a clear picture of what the shoe is about — it will not only make you feel like an elite but will also make you run like one.
In other words, it's nothing short of fast, and here is what makes it a reliable race-day speedster:
- Carbon-fiber plate. Unlike other plated shoes, the Deviate Nitro Elite's carbon plate is flexible in the forefoot. This gives more spring during toe-off and contributes to the shoe's unobtrusive, comfortable feel.
- Nitro Elite foam. It's "soft and bouncy" and is reminiscent of Nike's ZoomX foam. It has excellent rebound, driving the runner forward.
These two components complement each other very well. Given the ample bounce from the midsole, the carbon-fiber plate is there to balance it out with its semi-rigid properties. And what makes an effective speed shoe — the optimal balance between softness, bounce, and stiffness — the PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite has perfected.
More controlled than the ZoomX
The Deviate Nitro Elite has some "solid bounce" comparable to the ZoomX but with more control. It offers a responsive yet smooth ride.
Spacious room up front
It's wide and spacious, giving enough room for toe splay and swelling.
Ride department: Not overkill
Unlike other plated super shoes, the Nitro Elite's carbon-fiber plate is not overdone. It has some flexibility, eliminating the sensation of rigidity while allowing seamless roll-through.
The Deviate Nitro Elite has a solid heel clutch!
Despite not having a heel counter, runners report that there's no heel slippage.
A reminder of what a race fit is like
It doesn't have a super snug race fit. It's accomodating, especially for runners with wide feet. For those with medium to slightly narrow feet, it has "terrific" security.
It disappears on foot
According to experts, it's one of the lightest racing flats they've ever run in.
Ready to take the heat
"It breathes insane." This is what athletes have to say about the upper. It's translucent, see-through, and very airy.
Unbelievably tough
After 40 miles, the shoe still has NO signs of wear and tear on the outsole. The foam, meanwhile, is still as responsive.
The PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite inspires confidence in your run
When taking on hard turns at high speed, testers never felt wobbly nor slipping.
Synthetic-feeling upper
Multiple experts are not fans of the upper. The plastic-like texture feels coarse and rough.
Lesson learned: Gusseted tongues make a world of difference
It's not gusseted or attached to the midfoot straps, making it flop around.