Puma Deviate Nitro 4 Review: A Well-Fitting Feline

Introduction to the Puma Deviate Nitro 4

MEG: Despite its short history, the Puma Deviate has long been a reliable trainer since it first debuted in 2021. Puma’s Nitrofoam has traditionally given the shoe a firmer feel compared to others in the super trainer category, but that firmness also delivers a quicker, more responsive ride that helps it stand apart.

This year’s updates are subtle but meaningful. One of the biggest changes comes from fit feedback— many runners found previous versions a bit narrow, so Puma widened the Deviate line (a welcome update for us wider-footed runners) across the board. The midsole setup has also been revised: a lighter, softer Pebax-based foam now sits directly underfoot, paired with a firmer supercritical foam below, with a carbon composite plate sandwiched between the two.

The geometry has shifted slightly as well, with the stack now measuring 38 mm in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot, resulting in an 8 mm drop (down from 10 mm). Weight has also been reduced— my women’s 7.5 dropped from nearly 8 oz in v3 to 7.2 oz in v4. On paper, these updates look promising— but how do they translate on the road? Let’s give in.

THOMAS: Since it first dropped, the Puma Deviate Nitro has been the benchmark for plated daily trainers. The latest update keeps the momentum going and is poised to be another crowd favorite. With refreshed versions of both the Deviate Nitro and Deviate Nitro Elite, Puma is packing a one-two punch that’s hard to match.

What we like about the Puma Deviate Nitro 4

MEG: I love that Puma made meaningful updates without messing with the Deviate’s signature look— this shoe still looks like a Deviate. The refreshed mesh upper is light and breathable, giving almost a race-day feel, while the structure and padding around the collar and heel keep it secure and comfortable for daily training.

The step-in feel is noticeably different from the previous version—softer and more comfortable overall. The slightly wider fit may play a role, but either way, it feels like a solid evolution. On the roads, the shoe reasserts the traditional Deviate character: while the foam underfoot is softer, the ride still maintains a firm, responsive feel thanks to the PWRPlate and the supercritical Nitrofoam beneath it.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Puma without Pumagrip—arguably the tackiest outsole rubber out there. I always reach for my Pumas when it’s raining, knowing I’ll have excellent traction, and the Deviate continues that tradition effortlessly.

THOMAS: Meg is right, Puma managed to keep the Deviate’s DNA intact while making incremental changes that add up to something substantial. If you love the Deviate, don’t worry: you’ll still love this version, even though nearly every part of the shoe has been tweaked.

The engineered mesh upper gets a noticeable upgrade in detail and sophistication. Testing it through winter really highlighted the breathability, and it not only looks sharp, but it also fits true to size with laces that make fine-tuning the fit easy. Plated shoes often struggle with ankle lockdown, yet the Deviate has no trouble keeping my foot secure. Bonus points for the gusseted tongue; it’s so comfortable I had to double-check that it was actually gusseted.

The foam is a meaningful upgrade. Puma didn’t hype the change much, but it matters. The top layer of foam above the plate is now a PEBA blend, adding a softer feel underfoot. I wouldn’t call it plush. It still leans more “racy” than “cushioned,” but there’s definitely more give on impact and at toe-off. Wearing the previous version on one foot and the Deviate 4 on the other made the difference obvious, along with the new geometry. The drop shifts from 10 mm to 8 mm, reducing the forward pitch and creating a smoother ride.

Puma finishes the Deviate Nitro 4 with Pumagrip rubber outsole. It’s still sticky and ready to rip, but Puma added more cutouts and shaved the rubber slightly thinner, helping the shoe drop about half an ounce compared to the Deviate Nitro 3. I can’t say for certain yet, but so far it doesn’t look like those changes will hurt durability.

What we don’t like about the Puma Deviate Nitro 4

MEG: I can see the $20 price increase turning some people off, and that’s understandable. That said, the foam updates feel like a meaningful upgrade. It’s also pretty on par with shoes in the same category like the Asics Sonicblast ($180), Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 ($175), and Nike Zoom Fly 6 ($180). 

THOMAS: The new price tag puts the Deviate Nitro 4 in a much more competitive spot. At $180 USD, it’s going up against some excellent options at or below that range. Shoes like the Asics Sonicblast, Mizuno Neo Vista 2, and even discounted race day models like the New Balance SC Elite v4 make the decision a lot tougher.

Final thoughts on the Puma Deviate Nitro 4

MEG: The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is a strong step forward. Fans of the previous version will appreciate the updates— an improved fit and foam feel while keeping the same overall vibe that made the earlier model popular. It’s a great option for everyday training, yet versatile enough for workouts and faster days. The higher price might not be a hit with everyone, but that seems to be the reality of running shoes these days.

THOMAS: This is the best Puma Deviate Nitro yet. If you’re already a fan of the line, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a do-everything trainer that can handle most of your running needs, and it manages to look good doing it.