Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4

PUMA Deviate Elite 4 Review: Precision Over Hype 

Specs

Price

$329

Weight

170 grams (men’s US 9/UK 8)

Pronation Control

Neutral 

Stack Height/Drop

40 mm heel, 32 mm forefoot/8 mm drop

Introduction

The original Deviate Elite marked Puma’s first serious entry into the marathon racing category, pairing its nitrogen-infused midsole foam with the brand’s PWRPLATE to deliver a competitive alternative to the dominant carbon-plated models on the market.

Subsequent versions refined the geometry, reduced weight, and improved energy return, positioning the Deviate Elite as Puma’s primary road racer for distances from 5K to the marathon.

The Deviate Elite 4 is the latest evolution of that concept. With updates to the midsole compound, plate configuration, and upper construction, it aims to improve efficiency, stability, and long-distance comfort while maintaining the aggressive responsiveness of a top-tier racer. Rather than reinventing the formula, this version focuses on fine-tuning ride mechanics and weight to maximize performance.

Within Puma’s current racing lineup, the Elite 4 sits alongside the Puma Fast-R 3, a model designed with a more radical geometry and a distinctively split midsole design.

While the Fast-R 3 emphasises propulsion and mechanical assistance through its unique design, the Deviate Elite 4 takes a more traditional, friendlier approach.

The Good

The Deviate Elite 4 is an impressive 24 grams lighter than its predecessor even though they have the same stack heights. This makes it feel significantly more agile and more nimble during runs. It now weighs exactly the same as the PUMA Fast-R Elite 3 and the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, 2 other very light, long-distance racers. 

The lighter Deviate Elite 4 is now easier to pick up the pace in and also makes it easier to maintain a fast pace. Over a full marathon, the efficiency from the weight loss is significantly improved.

The fit of the upper has been improved. All previous Deviate Elite versions had a very narrow forefoot which some runners found to be snug. In version 4, the forefoot and toe box have been made wider and more accommodating. The result is a more comfortable fit, especially for wide-footed runners. 

Breathability has also been improved. There are now large ventilation holes on the top and sides of the toe box so more air is able to enter the upper and cool your feet down. 

The carbon PWRPLATE of the Deviate Elite 4 has been redesigned to increase stiffness. It now has multiple ridges in the forefoot to make it more rigid. This results in a stiffer, more propulsive carbon plate that provides more speed assistance during harder efforts. 

The NITROELITE midsole has been reformulated to be softer and less dense. This is good news if you felt like the previous version was too firm. The new midsole also has improved energy return so the ride feels more energetic.

The Not So Good

In order to reduce the weight, some outsole rubber has been removed. There's no rubber coverage on the medial side of the rearfoot and there also isn't as much rubber on the forefoot so the outsole isn't as durable as previous versions. The exposed A-TPU foam is relatively durable so it won't chip or scrape as easily as PEBA or TPEE midsoles. 

Conclusion

The version 4 is hands down the best Deviate Elite version to date. Not only is it significantly lighter but it's also wider and more comfortable than its predecessors. It's a well-balanced, polished, long-distance racer that suits most runners. 

The Deviate Elite 4 isn't the most rockered or the most propulsive racer on the market but it is one of the most stable and one of the easiest to use. It has a wider base than most of the flagship super racers and it has a large rearfoot landing area for heel strikers. 

The modified A-TPU midsole has improved the step-in feel and increased energy return. The ride of the Elite 4 feels more modern and more dynamic in this version. The ‘wow’ factor has been dialed up. 

In a PUMA rotation, the Deviate Elite 4 is the racer for 5 K’s up to marathons. The Deviate 4 is the speed trainer for workouts and the MagMax 2 or the Velocity 4 can be used for daily training.

Reviewed By Brandon Law

Check out The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 here