Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Shoes Review

Specs

Weight: 261 grams / 9.21oz (Men’s US 9)

Price: $239 SGD

Stack Height: 30.5/36.5mm (6mm drop)

Pros & Cons

Background

Puma has come a long way since their introduction of the Puma Ignite in 2015, a shoe that was endorsed by world-renowned sprinter Usain Bolt. I remember that shoe being heavy with poor breathability. 

Puma’s launch of their “Puma Nitro” initiative was a huge step up since then, boasting supercritical foam technologies that were both energetic and comfortable.

I tried the Deviate Nitro 1 and found it to be a great trainer that I could use for various types of runs. However, there were some aspects of the shoes that I wasn’t a huge fan of, such as the poor heel lockdown or the blocky ride at faster paces.

With the introduction of the revamped Deviate Nitro 2, will these updates be enough to put Puma on par with the big boys of running?

Upper & Fit

The upper uses a breathable mesh upper reinforced with two PWRTAPE overlays in the medial midfoot and lateral toe sections for added structure. I found the upper to be slightly more breathable than the first iteration and also having an improved fit. I went true to size and found it to fit perfectly. Puma found a really good blend in upper padding, ensuring that there was sufficient protection to prevent lace pressure or any foot irritation while also keeping the shoe breathable and not overly plush.

The most significant update in the upper is the revamped heel counter. The heel counter was the biggest issue in the first iteration, giving me blisters from the rubbing and lockdown issues. These problems are not present here in the v2. Heel slippage and rubbing have become practically non-existent.

Midsole & Ride

There are some observable changes noted in the midsole in this 2nd iteration. Compared to the full-length ‘NITRO’ midsole used in the v1, Puma opts for their ‘NITRO ELITE’ foam in the forefoot, midfoot, and top section of the heel here. The heel mainly uses their ‘NITRO’ foam with a softer formulation than the v1. 

This update significantly changes the ride in the v2. I found the ride of the v1 to be decent, but blocky at faster paces. Puma’s choice to change the midsole is an excellent one. The ride has dramatically improved its dynamic feel. I found myself able to run at a large range of paces, though limited by the stiffness of the PWRPLATE. This full-length carbon composite plate (70% Carbon + 30% TPU) was stiffer than I would have preferred. Because of the stiffness, I found it more difficult to have a smooth foot transition at easy and recovery paces. 

That said, the ride is stable, energetic and bouncy in nature. Foot transitions at anything faster than an easy pace felt smooth and enjoyable.

When compared to the fan-favourite Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, the Deviate Nitro 2 is a more versatile option in tackling a wider variety of paces. The Speed 3, on the other hand, performs better at faster paces ranging from tempo to speed day efforts.

Another great comparison would be with Puma’s own Velocity Nitro 2. The Deviate Nitro 2 has a more performance-oriented feel with a more energetic ride that feels better at faster paces. The Velocity Nitro 2 has NITRO foam atop a layer of firmer EVA, which results in a firmer and duller feel. It also does not have the PWRPLATE found in the Deviate Nitro 2. However, the Velocity Nitro 2 will make a good choice for those seeking a cheaper yet reliable alternative for logging their daily miles

Outsole & Durability

Puma uses ‘PumaGrip’ as its outsole compound. This is one of the best outsole materials that I’ve used in any running shoe, up there with Xtep’s CPU outsole and Adidas Continental Rubber. 

Traction is excellent; I did not experience any form of slipping, even in wet weather. Durability has also been top notch, with hardly any visible wear after 80km. I believe that this shoe would work for mild trails and gravel roads due to the outsole design, though one must be careful for stones wedging in the hollowed-out centre of the shoe.

Areas of Improvement

• Utilizing a slightly more flexible plate

• Reduce weight

Conclusion

The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 is a well-rounded performance daily trainer that excels at paces ranging from steady to tempo paces. While there are areas for improvement to further widen its versatility, this shoe places itself as one of the best daily trainers of 2022.

Reviewed by Xtride Running

Check out Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Collection here