The PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 is a plated trainer geared toward workouts, faster training, and even shorter races. It uses a dual-density midsole with a softer, PEBA-based top layer and a firmer bottom layer, with PUMA's carbon-composite PWRPLATE sandwiched between them for added stiffness and stability. A generous layer of PUMAGRIP rubber covers the outsole for great traction, while the updated upper feels breathable and performance-oriented. Overall, it has a lower drop, a lighter build, and a bouncier ride than the previous PUMA Deviate NITRO 3, further reinforcing the shoe's speed-focused identity.
Our Verdict
The PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 has the plated design and liveliness underfoot feel to handle faster efforts efficiently, but it isn't especially well-built for the demands of long-distance racing. Its stack is more moderate than that of modern marathon super shoes, so it doesn't provide the same deep, protective buffer over long miles, and it also isn't light enough to feel truly optimized for the distance. As a result, it makes more sense as a faster training shoe than as a top marathon pick.
Carbon-composite plate adds stiffness.
Good forefoot bounce.
On the heavier side for racing.
Not a very protective shoe overall.
The PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 is a good option for 5K and 10K racing. Its firm forefoot gives it a snappy, efficient toe-off, and its midsole is bouncy enough if you maintain a high turnover and apply a lot of force into the midsole. That said, it still doesn't feel as lightweight and propulsive as a more specialized short-distance racer. Also, unlike the top super shoes, the plate is made of carbon-composite, so it works best for runners who want a fast shoe that remains controlled and approachable.
Firm forefoot.
Carbon-composite plate adds stiffness.
On the heavier side for racing.
The PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 has decent overall energy return, with more bounce up front than in the heel. It feels most energetic when you're loading the forefoot with significant force and picking up the pace, which fits its role as a workout shoe well. Heel strikers still get some rebound, but it won't directly help propel you forward.
Good forefoot bounce.
The heel is lacking a bit of bounce.
The PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 has okay cushioning. Its dual-layer midsole compresses enough to take the edge off daily miles and faster workouts, but it doesn't absorb impact especially well over longer efforts. As a result, it feels better suited to steady runs and training sessions than to runners looking for a soft, highly protective shoe for long, easy mileage.
Good cushioning at low forces.
Not a very protective shoe overall.
The PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 is stable, thanks to its relatively firm platform, broad base, and moderate stack that help it stay impressively steady for a plated speed trainer. The carbon-composite plate also helps stabilize the midsole foam. That predictability and extra control are especially welcome during longer workouts or faster runs when form starts to fade.
Carbon-composite plate adds stiffness.
Secure lockdown from the semi-gusseted tongue.
Performance Usages
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 in men's U.S. size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. The color shown here is PUMA Black/PUMA White/PUMA Silver. Other color options for this shoe exist, depending on the region, so you can also find it in colorways like Vibrant Silver/Lux or Lime Baltic Sea Blue/Fresh Water. This model is also available in a HYROX edition, with a PUMA White/Electric Orchid/Pure Pink colorway. Wide versions are available for both men and women, which is rare for performance-oriented shoes. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 is a plated trainer that sits in the middle of the current super trainer category. It's built for runners who want a controlled, speed-focused shoe for tempo runs, track sessions, and even some shorter races, but it isn't the best fit for those looking for the lightest or bounciest option in this class. Compared with the previous PUMA Deviate NITRO 3, it moves in the right direction, getting lighter and a bit livelier than before, but the super trainer category has already become defined by models that feel both lighter and even more bouncy, like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 or even unplated options like the ASICS MEGABLAST. In some ways, the update feels a bit too little, too late. That said, the Deviate is still lighter than the HOKA Mach X 3 and adidas Adizero Boston 13, so it lands more in the middle of the pack. Still, the firm forefoot gives it a crisp, efficient toe-off that will please runners looking for a speed trainer but who dislike overly plush, sloppy shoes.
Within PUMA's performance lineup, the Deviate NITRO 4 is the plated training option. The PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 4 is its alter ego super shoe, intended primarily for racing, with a full-carbon plate and a lighter build, while the PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3, the brand's most cutting-edge racing model, is built to chase maximum performance with a much more specialized and aggressive approach.
If you're looking for more options, take a look at our recommendations for the best running shoes, the best long-distance running shoes, and the best shoes for running a marathon.
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 PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 and Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 are both plated super trainers with a similar stack height, but they have a few key differences. The PUMA leans more into a snappier forefoot feel, using its carbon-composite plate to produce a direct toe-off that feels especially rewarding when you’re running at a fast cadence and loading the front of the shoe. The Saucony takes a slightly more forgiving approach, pairing a bouncier, more protective midsole with a plastic plate that feels a bit less aggressive, while its broader footprint also makes it the more stable option overall.
The PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 and PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 occupy different places in PUMA's lineup. The PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 is the brand's top-tier super shoe, built as a highly aggressive racing option with a super-light build, a full carbon plate, a higher stack, and a ride that feels bouncier, more protective, and more fully optimized for race-day performance. The PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 gives up some of that raw speed and outright efficiency, but in return it offers a more predictable, more durable, and more stable ride that's still plated, light, and energetic enough for serious workouts and even shorter races.
We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
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