The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO is a lightweight, mostly unplated uptempo trainer with only a small plastic shank for added structure. It breaks from the Deviate lineup's usual full-length plated formula while keeping its performance-oriented DNA. Built around a full-length PEBA-based midsole and the reliably grippy PUMAGRIP outsole we've come to expect from the brand, it aims to feel natural and dynamic for pace pickups during daily training and faster workouts. Where some uptempo trainers feel overly aggressive or unstable at relaxed paces, the Deviate Pure NITRO takes a calmer approach, with a nimble ride that feels controlled underfoot and easy to settle into. It isn't as bouncy as some of its more responsive rivals, but its low weight, strong grip, and steady platform make it a versatile option for runners who want a quicker daily trainer that still feels approachable.
Our Verdict
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO is a good option for half and full marathons if you want a nimble and stable unplated shoe rather than a more aggressive super shoe. Its very good energy return, low weight, and steady platform help it feel efficient over longer efforts, especially for runners who aren't chasing podiums and want something less aggressive underfoot. However, it doesn't retain a lot of cushioning for long distances, and the only modest responsive feel keeps it from matching the snappy, highly protective ride of dedicated marathon racers.
Lightweight build helps the ride feel efficient.
Very good heel protection.
Wide platform for the stack makes for a stable ride.
Forefoot cushioning can feel harsh under higher forces.
Flexible forefoot limits snap and forward drive.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO is a decent choice for shorter races if you like a lightweight, nimble shoe with a more natural feel than a plated racer. It has a pronounced forefoot rocker on paper, but it compresses easily under load, so the rocker is less effective in practice and doesn't create a very rolling or propulsive transition. Since the shoe isn't very stiff either, it's easy to turn over, but it lacks the snap and aggressive toe-off you'd expect from a true 5K/10K racing shoe.
Lightweight build helps the ride feel efficient.
Forefoot is quite firm.
Flexible forefoot limits snap and forward drive.
Rocker loses some shape under load.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO works quite well for long runs at steady or moderate paces, especially if you prefer a stable, lightweight feel over plush softness. It has good initial heel protection and enough cushioning for daily mileage, while the controlled platform helps it stay stable as your form starts to fade. That said, it will feel a lot less protective over longer efforts, and its restrained propulsion means it's not the best option for faster long runs.
Lightweight build helps the ride feel efficient.
Very good heel protection.
Wide platform for the stack makes for a stable ride.
Good energy return keeps the ride from feeling dull.
Rocker loses some shape under load.
Cushioning doesn't hold up very well for a long run.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO is at its best as a daily trainer, with a light, stable, and approachable ride that can handle easy runs, steady mileage, and some uptempo work. It feels very nimble on feet, and the unplated build gives it a natural and flexible feel that's well-suited for everyday runs. It isn't especially cushioned upfront, but that trade-off gives it a nimble, controlled character that makes it easy to use often.
Very good heel protection.
Wide platform for the stack makes for a stable ride.
Good energy return keeps the ride from feeling dull.
Not the most responsive trainer for faster daily training.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO has good energy return thanks to its PEBA-based NITROFOAM midsole. This foam gives enough rebound to keep the ride from feeling dull, especially during daily runs and uptempo efforts, but it doesn't create the same energetic sensation you get from the bounciest super trainers.
Good energy return keeps the ride from feeling dull.
Not the bounciest uptempo trainer.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO feels only moderately responsive, despite its premium bouncy foam. The midsole returns energy well, but without a plate to stiffen the forefoot, the shoe bends easily under load, and the rocker loses some of its shape, so that rebound doesn't turn into much snap or forward drive. That makes the shoe smooth and natural for daily training, but less exciting when you're trying to surge or lock into faster intervals.
Good energy return keeps the ride from feeling dull.
Nice little rocker.
Flexible forefoot limits snap and forward drive.
Rocker loses some shape under load.
Not the bounciest uptempo trainer.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO has good cushioning for a lightweight trainer, but it isn't especially protective up front. The heel feels much more forgiving, while the forefoot is thinner and can feel a bit harsh, especially if you land there with more force. Lighter runners, slower runners, or those using it for shorter daily efforts may find the protection adequate, but it's less ideal for powerful forefoot strikers or long runs where that lower-stacked front end can start to bottom out a bit.
Very good heel protection.
Forefoot cushioning can feel harsh under higher forces.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO fits true to size, and most runners can pick their usual size. It has an accurate length and a reasonably accommodating forefoot for a performance trainer. The main caveat is through the arch, where it has the snug feel that's typical of PUMA shoes and may feel restrictive if you have a wider foot. The toebox also isn't especially tall, so runners who need extra volume up front may want a bit more wiggle room.
Length fits true to size.
Forefoot width is accommodating for a performance trainer.
Arch feels very snug.
Not a lot of vertical room in the toebox.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO feels very stable, especially for a performance-oriented trainer. Its broad platform, balanced firmness, and secure upper help it feel stable by design, without needing traditional stability features, making it easier to trust at slower paces or later in longer runs. It still isn't a dedicated stability shoe, but it's more controlled than many soft, bouncy uptempo trainers.
Wide platform for the stack makes for a stable ride.
Forefoot is quite firm.
Performance Usages
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO in men's U.S. size 9, as indicated on the label of our unit. The specific colorway shown here is PUMA White-Ultra Red-PUMA Silver, but this model is available in multiple other colorways. Wide versions aren't currently offered. Most of our review results are valid for all variants, though the design section applies only to the model we tested. We expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO is a lightweight, unplated uptempo trainer built for runners who want a quicker daily shoe that still feels natural underfoot. It lands in a category largely shaped by the adidas Adizero Evo SL, with most brands now trying to answer that shoe from a slightly different angle. Compared to the adidas and the Saucony Endorphin Azura, the PUMA isn't as bouncy or as responsive when you start pushing the pace, but it fights back with an even lighter build than most of its rivals, and it's in the same weight class as the ANTA Zone 2 90. The real king of this category remains the Dynafish Xiaonian, which manages to be even lighter while remaining super cushioned and responsive, so it's a superior choice for most people.
Within PUMA's Deviate lineup, the Deviate Pure NITRO is the more natural, flexible alternative to the PUMA Deviate NITRO 4, the plated super trainer, while the PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 4 is a more aggressive race-day super shoe with a carbon plate.
If you're looking for more options, take a look at our recommendations for the best running shoes and the best running shoes for long runs.
The adidas Adizero Evo SL and PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO are both lightweight, unplated uptempo trainers, but they take different approaches. The PUMA is lighter and more stable, with a thinner forefoot that absorbs less impact and gives you more ground feel. That makes it feel more controlled and easier to use at relaxed paces, but also less protective up front. The adidas is the more responsive and energetic shoe, with a bouncier ride that feels better suited to uptempo efforts and faster workouts. However, that livelier character can make it feel less settled for easier daily runs.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO and Saucony Endorphin Azura are both unplated uptempo trainers, but they feel quite different underfoot. The Saucony is heavier than the PUMA, but it gives you more cushioning underfoot and feels more responsive thanks to its bouncier foam and stiffer rocker, making it better suited to faster workouts and longer efforts where you want more protection and forward roll. The PUMA feels lighter, more stable, and easier to turn over, with a more natural ride that's well-suited for daily training paces but less cushioned and less propulsive when you start pushing harder.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO and Dynafish Xiaonian are both lightweight uptempo trainers, but the Dynafish feels like the more complete execution of the category. It's even lighter than the PUMA, while also offering more cushioning and a more responsive ride, so it feels comfortable enough at easy paces but sharper and crisper when you pick up the pace. The PUMA's main advantage is its more stable, grounded feel, which makes it easier to control during daily training, but it doesn't match the Dynafish's combination of low weight, protection, and bounce.
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
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO is very lightweight, even by uptempo trainer standards. It weighs less than rivals like the adidas Adizero Evo SL, the Saucony Endorphin Azura, and the R.A.D UFO, which helps it feel nimble and easy to turn over during daily runs, pace pickups, and shorter workouts.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO has a fairly modest forefoot stack, so some ground feel comes through up front. That helps keep the shoe light and connected to the road, but it can also make the forefoot feel a bit thin if you want plush protection or tend to land with a lot of force.
This model has the narrow arch fit that's typical of PUMA shoes. It should hold narrow feet securely through the midfoot, but runners with wider feet may find this area restrictive or uncomfortable.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO has a pronounced forefoot rocker, which is typical for this category and helps encourage a smoother transition through toe-off. Its curve is more aggressive than the adidas Adizero Evo SL, but it isn't as extreme as the Dynafish Xiaonian.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO uses PEBA-based NITROFOAM, which gives the midsole a good mix of bounce and low weight. That makes it a strong compound for an uptempo trainer.
This shoe has a very small plastic shank in the midsole, similar in concept to the adidas Adizero Evo SL. It adds a minimal amount of structure, but this still isn't a true plated shoe, so the ride remains more flexible and natural than PUMA's full-length plated Deviate models.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO returns energy very well under the heel. This helps landings feel more dynamic and keeps the shoe from feeling flat during daily training or longer steady efforts.
There is noticeable bounce under the forefoot, which gives the ride some liveliness when you pick up the pace. However, it's not as bouncy as some rivals like the Saucony Endorphin Azura or the adidas Adizero Evo SL.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO offers very good heel cushioning overall, with enough protection to soften rearfoot landings during daily runs and longer efforts. However, it can feel less protective if you apply very high forces, so heavier runners or hard heel strikers may still want something more substantial.
This shoe feels a bit thin under the forefoot. It can feel pleasant if you're lighter, running at easier paces, or not loading the forefoot too hard, but quicker or heavier runners may find it harsher underfoot, especially over longer distances.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO has a moderately firm heel, so landings feel stable and controlled rather than squishy.
The forefoot feels quite firm, putting it closer to shoes like the adidas Adizero Evo SL and the Saucony Endorphin Azura than softer uptempo trainers like the Dynafish Xiaonian or the R.A.D UFO. This helps the ride feel more snappy, but it also makes the front of the shoe feel less forgiving.
This shoe isn't especially well-suited to long runs. The cushioning up front starts to feel less protective once you stretch runs beyond roughly 10 to 15 km, making it better for shorter daily mileage and moderate efforts than long sessions.
The rocker flattens fairly easily under load, especially compared with stiffer shoes like the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3. That makes the ride feel more natural, but it also limits how much the rocker holds its shape and helps roll you forward.
The PUMA Deviate Pure NITRO has adequate forefoot bending energy return. It doesn't feel dead, but the rebound here isn't strong enough to create much snap, so the shoe feels smoother and more flexible than truly springy.
The forefoot isn't very stiff, and it bends quite easily, which is the trade-off of not having a full-length plate. This gives the shoe a natural feel underfoot, but there isn't much structure to hold the foam's shape and create the levered toe-off you get from plated trainers.