Puma Deviate Nitro 4 Review: A Smoother, More Versatile Plated Trainer

Introduction

The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is a plated do-it-all trainer that leans toward tempo work, but Puma also wants it to handle everyday miles better than before. After putting the requisite test miles in, this update looks like a genuine step forward from the Deviate Nitro 3, which many found too bulky, with the Nitro 4 returning to something closer to the streamlined, nimble feel of earlier versions.

Specs and What’s New

The Deviate Nitro 4 packs a 38mm heel stack and a 30mm forefoot for an 8mm drop. It weighs 8.8oz (250g) in a UK 8.5/US 9.5 test shoe and retails for £150 or $170.

The midsole uses a dual foam stack of two different types of Puma’s Nitro foam: a PWRPLATE section on top and a PWRPLATE blend on the bottom, made to feel a bit softer and more energetic. A carbon composite plate sits in the middle, now designed to give more flex and less stiffness than earlier versions, and less stiff than the plate in the Fast-R Nitro Elite. The aim is a more versatile shoe across the paces. Up top, there’s an engineered mesh upper with a fit Puma says is more forgiving and accommodating, a medium padded heel collar, a substantial heel counter for security, thin wrapping tongues, and a good covering of thick Puma Grip rubber across all the main impact zones, which bodes well for durability.

Fit and Sizing

Fit opinions varied slightly between testers, but the overall pattern is clear. One tester went half a size down from their normal running shoe size (UK 8.5, US 9.5) because Puma shoes can run a bit long, and found the fit excellent, with plenty of toe box room and no problems around the heel or midfoot. Notably, some unpleasant Achilles rubbing experienced with the Deviate Nitro 3 was completely absent in this version. Another tester in a UK 8 found it very comfortable, roomier than the previous version, and confirmed true-to-size worked well.

The main caveat: while the length is generous, the shoe narrows toward the midfoot, so wider-footed runners may find the regular size a challenge. Going half a size up, however, makes the length a real problem, affecting how snappy the shoe feels. The general recommendation is to go true to size, and accept the more compact, secure fit. Heel and midfoot lockdown is excellent either way, with no slipping.

Ride and Performance

The Deviate Nitro 4 handles a genuinely wide range of paces. It feels comfortable from very relaxed easy paces all the way up to marathon pace and beyond, with a natural, smooth heel-to-toe transition. The combination of dual foam and the carbon composite plate creates a ride that is comfortable and cushioned but with a nice amount of pop at faster efforts. It’s not a rocket ship, but it has a deceptively quick turnover, and some testers found themselves running quicker than expected at a given effort.

On long runs of 90 minutes or more, the midsole’s softer top layer dampens road impact well. It’s not a max-stack cushion shoe, but there’s enough foam underfoot, especially in the forefoot, for comfortable extended running. At the faster end, it doesn’t feel quite as nimble as some all-rounder speed shoes, and the forefoot length combined with a minimal rocker gives a slight boat-like feeling where you occasionally wait for the forefoot to engage. You have to work a bit to get something back from the shoe.

The standout, consistent strength is the Puma Grip outsole. Tested in snowy forests, icy ground, wet paths, and heavy rain, it delivered confidence in the corners and zero slip, even at faster paces. For winter training in particular, this is a real benefit.

How It Compares

The Deviate Nitro 4 competes in a crowded and increasingly difficult category. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 remains a strong rival that some find a bit more rockered, snappier, and faster feeling, though the two are broadly equal in performance and it may come down to ride preference. The Endorphin Azura offers more bounce and responsiveness, while the Adidas Evo SL delivers a bouncier, more efficient ride that feels like it’s helping you along rather than just matching your effort.

The plated trainer category as a whole is under pressure from a strong wave of plate-free lightweight all-rounders, such as the Adidas Evo SL, the New Balance Rebel v5, and the Asics Megablast. These tend to be cheaper, and many runners are gravitating toward them for their fast trainer or all-rounder slot, uncertain that a plate brings a huge performance uptick. For a little extra money, shoes like the Hoka Mach X3 or the Asics SuperBlast offer more bounce and comfort at the faster end, though with a max-stack or more cushioned feel.

Compared to those, the Deviate Nitro 4 has a more traditional feel: you snap through onto your toes rather than riding a big springy platform. It’s stable for a faster training shoe and covers a range of runs effectively, but it doesn’t blow you away.

Who Should Buy the Deviate Nitro 4

This is a solid, versatile daily trainer for runners who want one shoe to straddle easy runs, long runs, and quicker sessions, with a controlled energy that has some life to it but isn’t wildly bouncy. It’s a good pick for winter training thanks to the exceptional grip, and it’s a more accessible, forgiving option than many aggressive plated shoes.

The fit is the main thing to check before buying. If you have wider feet, try before you commit, and resist sizing up. Also be honest about whether you want genuine bounce: if a lively, effortless ride is your priority, rivals like the Endorphin Azura or Evo SL may serve you better, in some cases for less money.

Conclusion

The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is a clear improvement over the Nitro 3, with a smoother, softer, more natural ride and a fit that works well for most. It’s a competent, versatile plated daily trainer at a reasonable price with outstanding grip. It won’t be the most fun or fastest shoe in its class, and the plated trainer market is tougher than ever, but if you want a do-it-all option that treads the line between comfort and controlled speed, it earns its place on the shortlist.