It’s probably fair to say PUMA has become a serious player in the performance running shoe market. The NITRO range has been attracting plenty of attention, and the Deviate NITRO 4 is the latest addition to a line of plated trainers that seems to get better with each update.
I’ve now logged approximately 200 miles in the PUMA Deviate NITRO 4, so it’s probably about time I got my thoughts down on the blog.
I’ll get straight to the point: this is currently my favourite non-race-day running shoe. It’s a bold statement, but there’s an awful lot to like here. Easy miles, longer runs, faster sessions — I’ve been happy reaching for the same pair.
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Check out the PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 on Amazon
PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 Specifications
- Weight: 250g / 8.8oz (men’s US size 9.5 reference)
- Drop: 8mm
- Stack height: 38mm heel / 30mm forefoot
- Midsole: Dual-layer nitrogen-infused NITROFOAM
- Plate: Carbon-composite PWRPLATE
- Outsole: PUMAGRIP rubber
- Upper: Engineered mesh with PWRTAPE reinforcement
- Category: Neutral, plated road trainer
- US list price: $170 at the time of writing
Weight
At a claimed 8.8 ounces for the manufacturer’s reference size, the Deviate NITRO 4 is reasonably lightweight considering how much PUMA has managed to squeeze into it. There’s plenty of cushioning, a plate and a generous helping of outsole rubber. Not exactly a stripped-down racing flat, then.
More importantly, the shoe doesn’t feel cumbersome on the run. For something that’s comfortable on an easy day but lively enough when I pick up the pace, I’ve got no complaints.
Drop
The 8mm heel-to-toe drop is a little higher than my traditional sweet spot. I’ve enjoyed plenty of lower-drop shoes over the years, but a number on a specification sheet doesn’t tell you how a shoe actually runs.
The foam, plate and overall geometry work together to create a smooth transition, and the drop certainly hasn’t stopped me enjoying the past 200 miles.
Flexibility
As you’d expect with a carbon-composite PWRPLATE in the midsole, this isn’t an especially flexible shoe. PUMA says it has reworked the plate to improve flexibility and make the ride feel more natural.
I’ve generally liked a bit of forefoot flexibility, so it’s interesting that I’ve taken to this shoe as much as I have. The combination of the plate and responsive foam just seems to work. It’s structured without making every run feel like a race.
Comfort
Comfort is one of the biggest reasons the Deviate NITRO 4 has become a regular in my rotation. There’s plenty of protection underfoot, but it doesn’t feel like I’m running on a giant, unstable slab of foam.
The upper is nicely put together, and I particularly like the gusseted tongue. It’s just the right thickness — enough padding to feel comfortable without being bulky — and it stays where it should.
After 200 miles, I’m still enjoying the fit and feel. That’s a better compliment than anything I could have said after a quick jog around the block.
Upper
PUMA uses a breathable engineered mesh upper with PWRTAPE reinforcement in selected areas. The heel and collar are comfortably padded, and the overall construction feels thoughtfully done.
Nothing here strikes me as unnecessarily complicated. The upper does its job, holds the foot securely and has been holding up nicely so far. Sometimes that’s all you want from a running shoe.
Midsole
Here’s where things get really interesting. The dual-layer NITROFOAM midsole delivers a wonderfully lively ride, and the energy return impressed me from the start.
I’m not going to pretend I can measure exactly how much energy the foam and plate are returning with each stride. What I can say is that the shoe feels terrific underfoot. There’s a lovely combination of cushioning and bounce: comfortable when taking it easy and responsive when the pace increases.
The carbon-composite PWRPLATE adds structure and propulsion without turning the shoe into something I’d only want to wear for a hard workout. That’s the clever bit.
See the PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 on Amazon
Outsole
The PUMAGRIP outsole is another highlight. Quite simply, it’s super grippy.
I’ve been impressed with the traction across the surfaces I’ve used it on, and it’s reassuring to have a decent amount of rubber beneath the shoe. I’m all for saving weight, but not if the outsole disappears after a few weeks.
At approximately 200 miles, the shoes are holding up nicely. I’ll be interested to see what another couple of hundred miles does to them.
Performance: Easy Runs to Faster Workouts
Some running shoes seem to have one job. They’re either built for recovery days, long runs or the sessions where you’re staring at the watch every few seconds.
The Deviate NITRO 4 is a bit of an all-rounder. I’ve enjoyed it for easy and recovery runs, and it comes alive when I want to run faster. That versatility is a big part of its appeal.
It’s not my first choice for race day, but for just about everything else, it’s right at the top of my current rotation. I find myself reaching for it because I genuinely enjoy running in it, not because I feel obliged to put more miles on a new purchase.
Durability: 200 Miles Later
First impressions are all well and good, but I always think a running shoe review becomes more useful after the novelty has worn off.
With around 200 miles logged, the Deviate NITRO 4 is still providing the responsive, cushioned ride that impressed me initially. The upper and outsole are holding up nicely, too.
Two hundred miles isn’t the finish line for a daily trainer, of course. I’ll keep an eye on the foam and rubber as the mileage builds. But I’ve already decided I’ll be ordering another pair when these eventually wear out. That probably tells you more than any marketing blurb could.
Price
At a US list price of $170, the Deviate NITRO 4 is firmly in premium trainer territory. Running shoes certainly aren’t getting any cheaper.
On the other hand, you’re getting a versatile, plated trainer with excellent cushioning and grip. If one shoe can comfortably cover a big chunk of your weekly training, the price becomes a little easier to justify.
Check current PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 pricing on Amazon
Summary
I’m struggling to find much to complain about with the PUMA Deviate NITRO 4.
The cushioning is excellent, the energy return is fantastic, the upper is comfortable, and the PUMAGRIP outsole provides superb traction. I particularly like the gusseted tongue and the way the shoe can handle both relaxed running and faster sessions without feeling out of place.
Perhaps the biggest compliment I can give it is that after approximately 200 miles, it’s still my favourite non-race-day running shoe. That’s not something I say lightly.
I’ll keep running in this pair for as long as they hold up, but another pair is already on my shopping list. Highly recommended.
Shop the PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 on Amazon
Technical specifications sourced from PUMA. I’ll add my own shoe photographs to this review as they become available.