I was super curious to try the Puma Deviate Nitro 3. Puma has been on the up, and now you’ll see so many different professional athletes wearing it. Now in its third version, the Puma Deviate Nitro has cemented itself as a standout in the carbon-plated trainer category. A reliable companion to the Deviate Nitro Elite series, the Puma Deviate Nitro has evolved from its rough start to a stiff but unique second version. The Deviate Nitro 3 continues this evolution, offering a smoother and more relaxed ride, making it an excellent choice for training.
Before trying the Puma Deviate Nitro 3, I had a few questions:
Does the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 have a carbon plate? Yes, but it’s designed more as a carbon-plated trainer. You can race in it, sure, but really it’s designed to handle the rigors of faster training.
Does the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 fit true to size? For the most part, yes, but I do think it fits a bit more on the narrow side. If you have a wide or double-wide foot, consider going up half to a full size from your running shoe size.
Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Quick Facts
Price: $159.95
Weight: 9.3 oz
Drop: 10 mm
Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Fit
The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 features a snug knit upper, ideal for those with narrow-to-normal width feet. The knit mesh has mild stretch, providing a sock-like feel that’s secure and comfortable. A thin, well-gusseted tongue and overlays enhance midfoot security. The heel has a flexible counter with mild cushioning, suitable for those with heel sensitivities.
I’ve found the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and for the most part, the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 does that. I haven’t had any hot spots, blisters, or anything of that nature. I will say it does run slightly narrow, so if you have wider feet, you may appreciate going up a half to full size. Breathability is excellent, and considering it’s been 100+ degrees for the last couple of weeks in the Mojave Desert, I’m not putting anything on my foot that causes me to sweat more.
As far as sizing, I usually wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I’ve found the size 11 to fit the best. My foot is on the wider side, but I don’t usually need a wide. If you find wides fit you best, consider getting a half to full size bigger than your regular running shoe size.
Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Ride
The midsole of the Deviate Nitro 3 is softer, especially in the heel, with a higher stack height providing a 10 mm drop. It isn’t as soft as, say, the Hoka Clifton, and you’re able to pick up the pace as needed. The full-length Nitro Foam ensures a smooth transition off the toes, making it ideal for easy mileage and uptempo workouts. The shoe features a new geometry in the forefoot, improving the overall smoothness and ride. Compared to the last version, it’s definitely softer but not a mushy soft as one may expect with that much foam.
Where does the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 fit into my rotation? It’s a faster trainer. I wear it on days I’m not sure what kind of run I’ll have but kind of want to pick up the pace a bit. It can handle easy and recovery days too, but it feels fast, so I prefer it on those faster days. I’ve done some uptempo work and some longer intervals (think like 2 miles), and it handles those well too. For speed work on the track, I prefer an even faster shoe. In all, it’s definitely one of my favorite trainers so far this year. It’s just plain fun to run in the Puma Deviate Nitro 3.
Outsole
The outsole features Puma Grip, which provides excellent traction on smooth surfaces, even when wet. The durability is decent, and I’ve put about 100 miles on my shoes with no issues of them slowing down. However, the midfoot plate gap can easily trap rocks. Living in the Mojave Desert, at least 75% of my runs are on sandy trails, and it easily captures rocks, which can be annoying to stop and pick those up. So keep that in mind if you’re running on gravel roads.
Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Conclusion
The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is a strong addition to the carbon-plated trainer market, perfect for daily training and uptempo workouts. As mentioned, it’s definitely one of my favorite faster daily trainers at the moment.
Who Should Buy the Puma Deviate Nitro 3:
- Runners seeking a carbon-plated performance trainer for daily training and workouts
- Athletes looking for a high-drop, carbon-plated, neutral ride with a smooth forefoot transition
Who Should Not Buy the Puma Deviate Nitro 3:
- Those who do most of their runs on trails or gravel with a ton of rocks
- Those looking for just a speed work shoe or just a daily trainer may prefer a different running shoe
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Puma Deviate Nitro 3, 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: 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?
What is your favorite running shoe?