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Puma updated the Deviate Nitro 4 so well it’s now a very good all-around daily training shoe.
Do you have a super trainer in your running shoe quiver?
You should. And one you should consider is the updated Puma Deviate Nitro 4.
Why? It’s a versatile trainer that falls between a carbon-plated racing shoe and a soft, smooth unplated training shoe that’s great for a wide range of workouts. As a super trainer, it has a cushy and responsive foam midsole, but it also has a moderately flexible carbon-composite propulsion plate built into its midsole that provides a noticeable burst of energetic pop in every stride. However, because that plate isn’t as stiff or sharply energetic as the rigid carbon-fiber plate of a race-day shoe, it’s a model you can wear for long runs, tempo runs, and even midweek maintenance runs.
Does that mean the Deviate Nitro 4 is really a supercharged everyday in disguise? Yes, it kind of does. Does it also become a bit of a ‘tweener, a shoe that is less energetic than it was before with more wide-ranging practicality? Yes, that, too! I ran a lot of miles in the previous version and found the sharper, firmer ride to be fast and responsive but also a bit limited. But having run about 75 miles in the fourth edition of the Deviate Nitro since early January, I’ve found it to be much more accommodating and versatile but still very lively and responsive.
Price: $170
Approximate Weights: 7.4 oz. (women’s size 8), 8.8 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 8mm; 38mm (heel), 30mm (forefoot)
What’s New: The Deviate Nitro 4 is a great update to last year’s Deviate Nitro 3 model. The biggest changes are a slightly wider interior volume, an updated Nitrofoam foam package that has created a slightly softer feeling underfoot, a new version of its carbon-composite PWRPLATE, and a revised geometry with a more gentle heel-toe drop. A new engineered mesh upper is lighter and more pliable, but still plenty supportive and breathable.
Fit/Feel/Ride: The Deviate Nitro 4 fits true to size with a slightly wider midfoot/forefoot and more spacious interior volume than the previous version. (It’s only available in one width, so it still might feel pretty snug in the forefoot runners with wider feet.) The new midsole configuration and interior creature comforts have made the step-in feel noticeably softer and more cozy than the previous edition. The new engineered mesh upper is light and breathable, giving the feel of a race-day shoe, while the structure and padding around the collar and heel keep it secure and comfortable for daily training.
To me and my narrow feet, it has a snug, secure fit without being restrictive or any indications of slippage. The thin and sparsely padded tongue is gusseted, so it stays in place and helps secure the foot with the modestly padded heel collar.
The update to the midsole have given the Deviate Nitro 4 a bit of a goldilocks ride. The top layer of foam above the plate is now a softer and more responsive, nitrogen-infused supercritical Peba compound, while the bottom layer is a firmer layer of Peba-blended foam—a combination that results in a softer feeling without sacrificing most of energetic vibe the shoe has been known for. The result is a smooth, rolling vibe that’s not too sharp and not too soft. But let me be clear, it feels better at moderate and faster paces than it does at slower recovery paces.
Why It’s Great: It’s great because Puma updated all of the aspects of the previous version that needed fixing. It has a slightly wider interior shape, it has a better locked-down fit, it has a slightly lower heel-toe drop, it fits better, and it feels softer, but it still offers a very lively energetic vibe for workouts and long runs. Plus, it’s a half-ounce lighter than it was before, and lighter is better.
Why You’ll Love It: The updates to the Deviate Nitro 4 have made it a much more versatile shoe than the speedy but limited previous editions. It has enough cushion in the midsole to run long, but it’s also the right combination of foam to allow it to feel agile and lively for speedier workouts. My longest run in this shoe has been 12 miles, but late during that run it had a soft and lively sensation and not and not overly sharp like some speedy super trainers or borderline mushy softness that some maximally stacked trainers have. I ran several tempo efforts in this shoe and did one session of mile repeats, and appreciated the comfortable responsiveness in those speedier strides.
Why You Might Not Like It: While the Deviate Nitro 4 is an exceptional upgrade that allows it to have enough versatility to become an everyday trainer, it doesn’t feel as soft or versatile as other unplated everyday trainers you might be used to. (For example, the ASICS Novablast 5 or the Adidas EVO SL.) It’s also not as stiff or firm as some other super trainers, but it still might feel stiffer than what you like for easy recovery runs. At the same time, it doesn’t seem to have the flowy, energized vibe as the nylon-plated Saucony Endorphin Speed 5. So, ultimately it comes down to wanting a do-almost-everything shoe with limitations like the Deviate Nitro 4 or a shoe that fully addresses your specific preferences.
Pros: The updated PumaGrip outsole is a subtle perk to this shoe. Many plated performance trainers sacrifice outsole grip and durability in pursuit of lighter weight, but the Deviate Nitro 4 has generous rubber coverage across the entire forefoot with smaller sections of exposed foam and just enough rubber under the heel to offer secure traction on wet and dry surfaces (I ran this shoe in rain and a dusty of snow) without adding excessive weight.
Cons: Just a head’s up, this shoe is $10 more expensive than it was last year. That’s really just the cost of doing business in 2026, but it’s not necessarily the impact of tariffs, but instead more due to increased shipping costs brands are dealing with and the added value that’s been put into this shoe. And yes, it’s still less expensive than some other super trainers, so it comes down to how you want to spend your money. And if you still prefer the firmer sensation of the Deviate Nitro 3, you can find it for $110 on sale at numerous sites.
About the Author
Contributing editor Brian Metzler is the Content Director for UltraSignup.com. He has wear-tested more than 2,000 running shoes and is the author of “Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes” (2019) and “Trail Running Illustrated” (2021). He has raced just about every distance from 100 meters to 100 miles, but he’s most eager to share stories about his experiences pack burro racing in Colorado and riding trains to run trails in Chamonix, France.
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