Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Review
By Matthew Klein
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3Price: $229.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 6.9 oz, 195 g (men's size 9 / women's size 10.5)
Stack Height: 40 mm / 32 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Shoe Purpose: Super Distance Racing Shoe
Pros: More/Upgraded Nitro Elite Foam, Fast/Snappy Ride, Light, Secure Upper
Cons: Rearfoot Outsole Comes off Easily, Slightly too Firm/Stiff for Longer Distances
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is a super distance racing shoe for those who want a maximal amount of superfoam with one of the stiffest rides on the market for faster 5k to half marathon efforts for most. A new upper provides a lower volume and secure lockdown. An improved formula and larger amount of Nitro Elite foam sits in the midsole with an aggressive carbon plate that provides a firm, bouncy and extremely stiff ride. Although there are some challenges with the outsole rubber staying attached, the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 returns as the most aggressive version of this series, making it an excellent option for those who like stiffer rides, elite runners up to the marathon and recreational to sub elite runners wanting a lighter super shoe for 5k to half marathon racing.
SIMILAR SHOES: ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris, Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
PAST MODEL: Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 fits me true to size in my normal men's US size 10. The fit is normal in width with a with a little extra volume especially in the forefoot. The toe box is slightly tapered but the light ULTRAWEAVE provides a little adjustability. This transitions into a normal width forefoot with a little extra volume that makes it feel wider than it is. This transitions into a normal width midfoot with a thin non-gusseted tongue. Despite the tongue not being gusseted, the external PWRTAPE holds the foot down well when the laces are tightened. The upper is secure enough for the laces to only be tightened slightly when running in a straight line but there is some slight foot translation with tight turns. The midfoot transitions into a normal to slightly snug heel. There is a little bit of padding around the top of the heel collar but the upper is thin like the rest of the top. There is a thin, mild to moderately stiff heel counter at the rear most portion of the heel that provides plenty of structure. This with highly sensitive heels will still need to be cautious but I have had no issues. The inner aspect of the ULTRAWEAVE is a bit scratchy, so socks are a must with this upper. Overall, despite being thinner, there is a surprising amount of structure and security to this upper - although most motion should be kept in a straight line.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: Saucony Guide 17, ASICS Kayano 30, Hoka Gaviota 5, Saucony Endorphin Elite, Nike Ultrafly
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Saucony Kinvara 14
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Altra Timp 5
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: No
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: No
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
How Flexible is the Shoe: Extremely Stiff
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Below Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is an aggressive super racing shoe. It features a maxed out amount of Nitro Elite foam with an incredibly stiff carbon fiber PWRPLATE. The midsole features bouncy, protective but slightly firm. The firmness comes partially from the foam but mostly from how stiff the plate is. The weight is extremely low with this shoe coming in under 7 oz, sitting in similar weights to the Nike Vaporfly and ASICS Metaspeed Paris series. There is an 8mm drop and this is exactly what it feels like. The heel bevel is the one of best I have seen from Puma as it is centered with a slight posterolateral bias. Additionally. the split heel allows the lateral side to collapse separately, creating a smooth transition at heel strike. This transitions into a stiff midfoot where the carbon plate is really prominent. This is good because it stabilizes the otherwise narrow midfoot but can be challenging as the stiff plate can cause some midfoot irritation with longer miles. This transitions into a stiff but quick transitioning forefoot. There is no flexibility in this shoe at all especially in the forefoot. There is some mild toe spring, but those with toe mobility issues should be fine with this shoe. The rocker forefoot rocker is just right but the stiff plate makes this shoe feel best when running faster. I have been able to do some easy runs but the plate puts a ton of pressure into the bottom of my foot with slower speeds.
When the pace picks up, the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 shines most. I have used this shoe for two tempo runs, a fartlek and a faster track session. While there is plenty of cushioning for longer uptempo efforts, the stiffness of the plate is a bit much. That same stiffness works extremely well during faster track efforts and 5k-10k efforts, which makes me think this shoe will do better for most people over 5k-10k distances half marathons. Those who are incredibly fast and/or like really stiff rides may be able to take this for marathon distances. The faster you go, the more aggressive bounce happens from the Nitro Elite/PWRPLATE combo. I personally would not go over a half marathon given how aggressive the plate is but there is enough efficient bounce for some people to do that. The fact the ride works best going really fast, even into mile-type paces, suggests that most people will do a bit better using this over short to moderate distances. So this can be an extremely fast ride for the right person.
While the ride is a massive improvement speed wise over the prior versions, the durability is not. While the outsole and exposed midsole are holding up mostly well, I ripped off one of the rear outsole pieces of PUMAGRIP within 10 miles of running. I was able to cement/glue it back on without issue, but given my rearfoot scuffing, those who land lighter will do better in this shoe. I currently have 25 miles on my pair, the cement has kept the rearfoot piece on and there has not been any other significant wear so despite that mild initial bump, the durability is mostly fine. Traction-wise the PUMAGRIP does extremely well on both wet and dry road/track. This is not a trail shoe given the exposed Nitro Elite midsole, but any solid road surface will get eaten up by this fast shoe.
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| Note: The stuff on the lateral outsole is Matt repairing the outsole for more use. |
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is a neutral racing shoe but there are some surprisingly stable elements to this shoe. The stiffness from the aggressive plate is one of the most prominent stabilizing features given there is no torsional flexibility to this shoe at all. There are also large medial and lateral sidewalls in the midfoot that do a solid job offsetting the narrowed midfoot sole during running. During standing/walking the midfoot feels less stable but the plate and sidewall combination do a decent job of keeping the foot centered. The forefoot is on the wider side and features sole flare both medially and laterally. The heel is more neutral but the split design does allow for the lateral side to compress more if you hit that side. This may be good if you are someone that rolls inward but may not be great if you land on the outer side of your heel AND roll outward (supinate). This makes for a somewhat neutral heel, a neutral but stiff/slightly stable midfoot and a slightly stable forefoot. Those with neutral mechanics will still do best in this shoe while those with mild guidance needs will still be able to use it.
Thoughts as a DPT: The Impact of Shoe Stiffness on Running
By Matthew Klein
We have discussed frequently that despite more shoes adding stiffening agents including plates, more aggressive geometries or taller stack heights, different people respond differently to stiffer or flexible shoes (Ortega et al., 2021). Some people do better with stiffer shoes while others do better with flexible shoes. Additionally, those running faster may benefit from stiffer shoes, while those running slower may benefit from slightly less stiff shoes (Mcleod et al., 2020). This variation in responses both individually and across speeds may explain some of the confusing literature on stiffening agents and midsole foams improving running economy. Some research has suggested these individually or combined will improve running efficiency (economy) while others have reported they do not (Flores et al., 2019).
All this to say that shoes like the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 do have their place, just not for everyone. The incredibly stiff ride will do best for faster runners who may land farther back who already respond well to stiffer shoes. Those who like a more flexible or softer ride may not do as well in this shoe and as always, the best shoe for you is the one that typically is most comfortable and works best for you as an individual.
McLeod, A. R., Bruening, D., Johnson, A. W., Ward, J., & Hunter, I. (2020). Improving running economy through altered shoe bending stiffness across speeds. Footwear Science, 12(2), 79-89.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: From a performance standpoint, the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is the best version by far. The midsole stack height is FINALLY maxed out, the Nitro Elite Foam is bouncier than ever without being mushy and the aggressive PWRPLATE makes this shoe feel incredibly snappy. Outside of rounding the toe box a little, my major feedback is to consider making the plate a little less aggressive. The stiffness feels great over shorter distances but becomes harsh over longer distances.
If the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is to be a marathon racer, then it needs to be a little more forgiving. Right now, it may be too aggressive for recreational runners trying to go long. I might suggest reducing the stiffness of the plate as the large amount of midsole material may already add stiffness. It may also be helpful to further reduce the durometer of the midsole for a little extra bounce and less stiffness. If this was done, a longer strip of outsole material could be used to avoid someone like me ripping into it. However, extra outsole length will add stiffness, so the plate needs to be reworked first prior to adding more midsole material.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is a stiff aggressive super racing shoe for 5k to half marathon racing for most and up to the marathon for elite/faster runners. The upper fits normal to slightly snug and while a little extra volume keeps it comfortable, there is enough PWRTAPE to keep it mostly secure. The midsole features a ton of Nitro Elite foam, which provides a slightly firm but bouncy ride. The plate is extremely stiff and will do best for those who want a stiffer, bouncy, highly cushioned ride that is not mushy. It will still work for short to moderate distance workout / race distances for most people, which it will do well in given the lighter and snappier ride. At $230, this is a great faster racing option for someone looking for the features above. However, caution must be taken with the easily ripped rear outsole pieces and those that are hard on shoes like me may want to pre-purchase some shoe cement. For a >$200 I would expect a little better durability but the rest of the shoe is doing fine. This type of shoe does need to exist as it greatly contrasts the increasingly softer rides we are seeing on the market. As outlined above, some people do better with stiffer and firmer rides, so if you are not hard on shoes and happen to find these (there appears to be a limited stock), the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 may be a great option for race day.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B+/A- (Secure fit with slight toe box taper but a little extra volume that holds the foot well going in a straight line)
Performance: A- (Stiff, snappy, firmer, bouncy ride that excels at faster running and races from 5k to half marathon. A little too stiff for longer distances and some mild durability issues that I was able to mostly fix)
Stability: B+/A- [Neutral] (Mostly neutral ride with high level of stiffness and midfoot sidewalls that do offset the narrow midfoot. People that respond well to stiffness may find this to be a stable neutral ride)
Value: B+ (Good price for an aggressive super shoe if you are light on outsoles)
Personal: B+/A- (Aggressive ride that works well for me over shorter distances. Outsole piece getting ripped is disappointing but easily fixed. One of my top 5k-10k racers given the aggressive ride)
Overall Design: B+/A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORPuma Deviate Nitro Elite 3Price: $229.95 at Running Warehouse
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