PUMA Deviate NITRO 3   Review

The PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 and PUMA Deviate NITRO 3 are two iterations of the same super trainer, but the newer version does a better job defining itself as the faster, more performance-focused option. The Deviate NITRO 4 is lighter, feels more energetic underfoot, and pairs its moderate drop with a snappier forefoot, making it better suited to workouts and even shorter races. The PUMA Deviate NITRO 3, by comparison, sits a bit higher and feels more protective, giving it a slightly more cushioned character. If you want the more efficient plated trainer, the Deviate NITRO 4 makes more sense, but if you prefer a bit more buffer and protection underfoot, the Deviate NITRO 3 still has its appeal.

The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 and the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3 are both high-stack cushioned trainers that perform similarly despite some key differences. They both return a similar amount of energy, but the ASICS offers a more cushioned ride, making it a better choice for longer efforts and for those seeking plush comfort. The PUMA, however, feels more controlled, with a carbon fiber plate and firmer foam.

The PUMA Velocity Nitro 4 and PUMA Deviate Nitro 3 serve different roles in the German brand's lineup. The Velocity Nitro 4 is an unplated daily trainer: light and built on a lower and more traditional platform. It actually uses the more energetic midsole compound of the two, giving it a lively rebound. The Deviate Nitro 3, by contrast, is a full carbon-plated super trainer with a higher stack and more structure, which also unfortunately makes it noticeably heavier. Ride-wise, both shoes end up offering similar overall cushioning underfoot, but the plate and geometry give the Deviate a more performance-oriented feel suited for workouts and long uptempo runs, while the Velocity remains the better choice for relaxed daily mileage, easy days, and runners who prefer a more pliable ride without the rigidity of a plate.

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3 both offer a similar level of cushioning, but they serve slightly different purposes. The Puma is a super trainer with a carbon plate, making it great for high-performance training, while the Saucony is a versatile super shoe primarily built for race day. Despite their similarities in cushioning, the Saucony is the better option for most runners since it is lighter, more stable, and more energetic, providing a snappier, race-ready feel. The Puma, while still capable of fast efforts, leans more toward durability and daily versatility rather than outright speed.

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3 are both plated super trainers, but they offer different rides. The PUMA is a higher-stack shoe, with a steeper heel-to-toe drop and more absorbent heel cushioning, making it a better fit for heel strikers. The Saucony, on the other hand, is notably lighter and more responsive, making it more efficient for speedwork despite using a nylon plate rather than a carbon fiber plate like the PUMA.

The PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 3 and the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3 cater to different types of runs despite their shared lineup. The Deviate NITRO 3 is a versatile tempo trainer, well-suited for daily miles and structured workouts, and features a firmer ride. In contrast, the Deviate NITRO Elite 3 is lighter, snappier, and more race-tuned, thanks to its full-length NITROFOAM ELITE midsole and more aggressive geometry. It's built for race-day speed, offering a more responsive and energetic feel with each stride. While the NITRO 3 can handle a variety of paces and is better for training durability, the Elite 3 is clearly the more performance-oriented option.

The PUMA MagMax NITRO and PUMA Deviate NITRO 3 occupy largely different ends of the spectrum of run types, with only some overlap. The MagMax is primarily intended for casual, everyday runs, with some variation in pace. The Deviate NITRO 3 is built for faster tempo and interval workouts, so the only overlapping use case for these two shoes would be strides or fartleks. Even there, the experience these two shoes provide is quite different: where the MagMax is soft, the Deviate NITRO 3 is snappy. While the MagMax attains stability through a wide platform, the Deviate NITRO 3 puts a carbon plate in a much narrower midsole. The two shoes are thus good training companions for runners who like PUMA's fit and ground feel.

The PUMA Deviate NITRO 3 and Brooks Hyperion Max 2 are both plated super trainers built to handle faster training sessions. The Puma has a carbon plate, which is superior for racing short distances. This plate offers a stiffer, more aggressive feel. The Hyperion Max 2, meanwhile, uses a nylon plate—less aggressive but paired with a midsole that provides greater energy return, offering a bouncier ride.

The PUMA Deviate NITRO 3 and the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 are similarly weighted plated trainers, each representing core elements of their respective brands. PUMA's history on the track shows through in the Deviate NITRO 3's narrower fit and firmer forefoot, which gives the shoe a snappy feel that's great for speed work. New Balance's focus on comfort is evident in the smoother, stabler ride and a more cushioned forefoot that makes the SuperComp Trainer v3 feel more suited to steady paces than hard intervals.