Puma Deviate Nitro 4

PUMA Deviate 4 Review: The Workhorse With a Kick

Specs

Price

$239

Weight

250 grams (men’s US 9/UK 8)

Pronation Control

Neutral 

Stack Height/Drop

38 mm heel, 30 mm forefoot/8 mm drop

Introduction

There's been a major shift behind the scenes at PUMA. In 2026, Anta Sports acquired a significant stake in Puma, becoming its largest shareholder. It’s not a full takeover, but it’s a clear signal that one of the most aggressive players in global sportswear sees real upside in Puma’s future.

Recently, Puma has also leaned hard into crossover appeal, signing global stars like Neymar Jr. and NBA talent like LaMelo Ball, while also pushing into pop culture with figures like Rosé. The strategy is clear: performance credibility on one side, cultural relevance on the other.

The Deviate is PUMA'S speed trainer in the performance running lineup. It's the training companion of the PUMA Deviate Elite 4 super racer. There's also a Hyrox version which has more grip and is firmer/more stable.

The PUMA Deviate Elite 3 was arguably the best all-round running shoe on the market: fast enough for racing, mellow enough for daily runs. The Deviate line was built around a simple idea: take the explosive tech of race shoes and make it usable for everyday training. 

The Deviate 4 weighs 250 g for a UK 8. This is 20 g less than the Deviate 3. The Deviate 4 also has stack heights of 38 mm/30 mm, with a drop of 8 mm. The Deviate 3 had a 10 mm drop.

The Good 

The fit has improved significantly. Many runners complained of the super narrow upper of the Deviate 3. In the Deviate 4, the forefoot and midfoot are a lot more spacious. This makes it now suitable for runners with wide feet or high volume feet. The upper material is also softer and conforms to your feet better. 

Version 4 has a softer ride with more bounce than version 3. The NITROFOAM in the Deviate 4 is noticeably less dense and this creates more long distance-comfort. It's still a dual-layer setup with a firmer layer at the bottom for stability and durability but the softer top layer is now plusher and it has a better step in feel.

Versatility is where the Deviate 4 shines and it's a jack of all trades. From slow recovery runs above 6 minutes per km, all the way down to sub 4 minute per km paces, the Deviate 4 feels comfortable. The PWRPLATE is carbon composite and a bit more flexible than the Deviate 3 so it handles relaxed, easy runs better

The outsole of the Deviate 4 is built like a tank. The PUMAGRIP rubber is very thick and it doesn't wear down quickly so you can use it as a daily workhorse. The exposed midsole foam is also tough. 

The Deviate 4 has a stable and supportive ride thanks to the firmer layer of NITROFOAM at the bottom of its midsole. It also has a wider base than its predecessors. This makes it great for long runs or even marathons.

The Not So Good 

Because the new PWRPLATE is more flexible than in v3, the Deviate 4 has a more flexible forefoot, and this results in a less prominent forefoot rocker. If you loved the sensation of being tipped forward, you'll miss this in version 4.

Conclusion 

The PUMA Deviate 4 is a plated powerhouse and is significantly better than its predecessor. Just like its predecessor, it remains one of the most versatile running shoes with the ability to handle any type of run; however, it's lighter and more cushioned. 

The biggest improvement is the fit- it's wider and a lot more comfortable for a variety of foot shapes. The new formulation of NITROFOAM is also softer and it has more rebound. 

The Deviate 4 gives you a very similar ride to its racing counterpart, the Deviate Elite 4 but it's more durable and much cheaper. Compared to other speed trainers such as the Adidas Boston 13, Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, Nike Zoom Fly 6 and Brooks Hyperion Max 3, the Deviate 4 has the most similar ride to its racing counterpart.

In a PUMA rotation, the Deviate 4 can either be used as a speed trainer for workouts or it can be used as a daily trainer, replacing the PUMA Velociti 4. The Deviate Elite 4 can be used for racing because it's lighter and faster than the Deviate. 

Reviewed by Brandon Law

Check out The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 here