I was excited to try the Puma Deviate Nitro 2. It’s been nearly 3 years since I tried the first version, and I was not its biggest fan. It cut through my ankles and left me with a little bit of PTSD. I’ve since recovered, but it hasn’t been the first shoe I want to try. Since Puma has updated that, I decided it was time to try again. Before trying the Deviate Nitro 2, I had a few questions:
- What kind of runs is the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 made for? Faster and harder efforts.
- What is the difference between the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 and the Velocity Nitro 3? The Velocity Nitro is more of a multipurpose trainer, whereas the Deviate Nitro is designed for faster and harder efforts.
- Has Puma updated the upper of the Puma Deviate Nitro 2? Yes, and there are no issues there. Hurrah!
Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Quick Facts
- Weight: 9.1 oz
- Heel to Toe Drop: 6 mm
- Price: $160
Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Upper and Fit
I was most curious about the Deviate Nitro 2 because I really wanted to like the original version, but the upper and heel counter cut through my skin and left a bloody mess. Thankfully, Puma has updated that into a more plush heel counter, so you shouldn’t have that issue now.
The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 has a light and breathable mesh made with PWRTAPE reinforcement. This keeps the structure while still allowing for your feet to breathe. I’m a big fan, especially because the shoe is made for speed, so your feet are more likely to heat up.
The best running shoes disappear off your feet, and the Deviate Nitro 2 does just that. Hurrah! There are no issues with blisters or cutting your ankles, and it felt good immediately after wearing it.
In running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I found the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 to fit best in size 10.5. It does fit slightly long, which is almost unheard of these days in the running world.
Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Ride:
The Deviate Nitro 2’s midsole combines Nitro Elite and Nitro foam layers. This allows for soft landings but a responsive toe-off. It also features a carbon-infused PWRPLATE that further enhances the ride so that it feels responsive, and you can pick up the pace.
Make no mistake, the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 is a speed work shoe. I actually didn’t realize that until reading the tech sheet (I hadn’t run in it yet). When running in the Deviate Nitro 2, I felt the speed, and it’s a great shoe for uptempo work, faster long runs, or workouts. For true track speed sessions, I prefer something with a little bit less shoe. But for harder and longer efforts on the road, it has been awesome. I have been really enjoying it the most for longer and harder efforts. Not marathon pace workouts, but those uptempo runs that are faster than normal.
I will note, some workout shoes feel fine to use as easy run shoes, and I don’t find the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 to be “fine.” It’s a bit stiff and firm when running easy, and I personally prefer something softer.
Outsole
The Deviate Nitro 2 uses Puma Grip technology to ensure reliable traction across various surfaces. I’ve used it on various surfaces, from inclement weather to some sandy trails, with no issues of sliding around. The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 is a great shoe if you find yourself in less than ideal traction conditions.
As far as durability, I think the Deviate Nitro 2 will last above 400 miles. I’ve already put close to 100 miles on mine with no issues of slowing down. Puma has really made durable shoes.
Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Conclusion:
The Deviate Nitro 2 is an awesome shoe for speed work, long runs, and could even be a marathon racing shoe if you prefer. It’s definitely my favorite Puma running shoe I’ve tried so far. I can’t wait to continue trying more Puma running shoes because they have really made a splash in the running world.
Who You Should Buy the Puma Deviate Nitro 2? If you are someone looking for a speedwork shoe designed for longer efforts. Some might prefer this as their daily trainer, but it feels faster than normal to me.
Who Should Not Buy the Puma Deviate Nitro 2? I don’t really have a major reason not to. It’s a great speed work shoe designed to run fast. I will say if you are looking for a multipurpose trainer that can handle easier runs too, consider the Velocity Nitro 3 instead. The Nitro 2 is a bit too firm and rigid for easy runs for me although as mentioned I’ve heard many people enjoying it as their daily trainer.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, , ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: Puma Deviate Nitro 2, ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Hoka Cielo X1, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 , ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried Puma running shoes?
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