Puma Deviate Nitro 3 review

9 expert score
9 user's score
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples. We purchased this pair at Running Warehouse with our own money.
Review written on 17th August by Justin Alpaugh Ultrarunner and running shoes expert.
7 other reviews

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Verdict

The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is a do it all shoe. There are not many flaws found in the Nitro 3. A comfortable ride that is meant for the miles both in training and on race day!

The pros

  • Outsole coverage
  • Smooth ride
  • Do it all shoe

The cons

  • Tight around the forefoot

Where to buy

Best offers today in Sweden, all prices in EUR
Sorry - Product not found. Please try RunningWarehouse.Com to check in their assortment.
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Rating breakdown

Comfort
8.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
8.0

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
Deviate Nitro 3
Previous model
Weight
9.5 oz (269 g)
MSRP
€160.00

Heel
44 mm.
Toe
34 mm.
Heel drop
10 mm.
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate

Size/Fit

Sizing
True to size
Heel fit
Normal
Midfoot fit
Normal
Toebox fit
Tight

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Responsive/balanced
Amount of cushioning
Medium cushioning
Stability
Some stability
Flexibility
Medium

Usage

Racing
Speedwork  
Daily training  
Long distance racing  
Ultra distance racing

Who should buy the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 ?

Everyone and every type of runner should consider buying this shoe. A runner who is consistently logging miles each and every day would benefit from the Nitro 3. Many shoes say “meant for daily training” well I tell you what the runner who daily trains and does it well will throughly enjoy them!

Who should not buy the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 ?

The only runner who should not buy it are those who have wider feet. The shoe does run a touch slim around the toe box.

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Introduction

Picture of PUMA Deviate Nitro 3

The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is the ideal model. When people are asking, what is the shoe to get? It is going to be the Puma Deviate Nitro 3.

The reason why is due to the fact that the shoe can perform at basically any level. I have ran super easy miles, tempo miles, long run, short runs, any run that you can think of I have utilized the shoe for it and I haven’t found many flaws.

A daily trainer that does it all or can even be considered a budget racer. I’m all about it!

From the top I absolutely love the heel collar. The heel collar sits around the ankle and the Nitro 3 absolutely crushes it with the perfect amount of padding. It sounds silly, but my ankles tend to rub really easy on most shoes around the ankle and I don’t have any issues with that here.

The engineered mesh upper keeps your foot nice and secure and fits like a glove when putting it on you will definitely feel fast when lacing up the shoe. One of the only flaws that I found in the Nitro 3 is the fit around the forefoot.

Picture of PUMA Deviate Nitro 3

It’s a little bit lower in volume meaning the upper is a bit more snug on top of the toes and isn’t as wide through the forefoot. The amount of snug it does have causes pressure on the top of my toes and the front of my feet which in turn does cause minor hotspots on the bottom of my feet, especially during faster paces. It’s not uncomfortable to the point where I want to disregard the shoe because I do love everything else about it.

My favorite part of the shoe is the responsive, and soft mid sole foam that puma delivers on the Nitro 3. To explain the tech term puma uses a nitrogen infused foam for better energy return. The foam feels really cushioned and is lightweight. The Nitro 3 offers a carbon fiber plate to help with energy return, responsiveness, and a smooth transition that propels you on your toes.

I recently bought the Asics Magic Speed 4 and it is a toss up between the Nitro 3 and the magic speed 4 they are both in the same category “super trainers” and can be compared in almost every aspect.

If you had to decide between the two either option would be great although this is a review about puma so if you’re a puma fan, get the shoe!

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 First Impressions

Picture of PUMA Deviate Nitro 3


My first impressions are exactly what I expected. I knew that getting my hands onto the Nitro 3. It was going to be an enjoyable experience.

I love the looks of them and how comfortable they are right out of the box. During my first run it was a smooth buttery ride for 8 miles. A little hot spot on the bottom of my feet but nothing overwhelming.

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Upper

Picture of PUMA Deviate Nitro 3


The upper in my mind is pretty traditional Puma claims that there are some materials built into the shoe that helps with its stability. I’m not one that has issues with stability so it’s not something I wholeheartedly focused on.

What is important is the toe box does sit a little low on top of the foot around the toes is a little snug. I don’t mind it, but I know those who want a wider fit might have issues with the upper.

The upper is comfortable once fully laced up, no rubbing no irritation and has a glove like fit just a touch tight up front.

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Sole Unit

Picture of PUMA Deviate Nitro 3


Puma grip, puma grip, puma grip. The best in the game.

I love a shoe that provides sufficient amount of outsole rubber but yet the shoe doesn’t feel heavy. The traction is amazing and the outsole is super durable. The cushioning is great the amount is almost perfect. Maybe just a touch more in the forefoot but that is just my personal preference.

The materials of the foam is pretty unique the foam closest to the foot is the elite foam which is used in the nitro elite race model.

The elite foam then sandwiches the carbon fiber plate with the nitro foam underneath the plate. This combination calls for the perfect recipe for a soft cushioned ride but yet responsive enough that it can handle tempo runs!

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Conclusions

Not many flaws found in the puma deviate nitro 3 it is an awesome super trainer and daily trainer that will satisfy just about any runners needs, and only priced at $160 nowadays that’s not too bad.

It’s not the cheapest but it’s not the most expensive. Puma did deliver on their promises.

I think the best thing about this particular shoe is the fact that it can be used on race day. You don’t have to buy a $250 shoe. You have a very solid option right in front of you.

How does the Deviate Nitro 3 compare?

Asics Magic Speed 4
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
Adidas AdiZero Boston 12
Expert score
9
9
7
User score
Retail price
US$169.95
US$160
US$160
Brand
Weight
8.5 oz
9.5 oz
9.4 oz
Heel Drop
8 mm
10 mm
6.5 mm
Recommended for
Racing, speedwork
Speedwork, daily training, long distance racing
Daily training
Cushioning type
responsive/balanced
responsive/balanced
responsive/balanced
Cushioning amount
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
rigid
medium
medium
Stability
some stability
some stability
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
true to size

Why you can trust us

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Puma at Running Warehouse  with our own money.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.
Lowest price:

$160

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 price comparison

Best offers today in Sweden, all prices in EUR
Sorry - Product not found. Please try RunningWarehouse.Com to check in their assortment.
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Reviewed by Justin

This review was written by Justin Alpaugh on 17th August.
Justin Alpaugh lives in Pocatello, Idaho. A place where in any direction you look you will find mountains. He grew up hunting and currently pursues the challenge of archery hunting. Hunting was an outlet to get into ultra running back in 2019. Since then he has ran a handful of ultras including the 100 mile distance. Running on the roads and trails molds Justin into becoming a better husband and father. Finding the right running shoes is equally an important part of his journey.

User feedback (2)

  • avatar-comment-1041208
    MARTHA
    1 month ago

    This review was really helpful, especially with the comparison to other shoe brands. I’ve been running in Sauconys for a while but now curious to try Puma out again!

  • avatar-comment-1041100
    Chris W.
    1 month ago
    9 score

    Giving this a 9/10. The cushioning is incredible, and I barely feel any impact when running on hard surfaces. The carbon plate adds a really nice boost to performance, though it took me a few runs to get used to it. For an everyday trainer or race-day option, it’s hard to beat at this price.

Lowest price:
$160

Where to buy

Best offers today in Sweden, all prices in EUR
Sorry - Product not found. Please try RunningWarehouse.Com to check in their assortment.
This page contains affiliate links Read more

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