The PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 is a top-tier racing shoe that packs a punch with its impressive features and performance. Personally, I think it's a game-changer for runners seeking a lightweight, responsive ride. What makes this shoe particularly fascinating is its ability to balance speed and stability, offering a smooth and efficient stride without compromising on cushioning. In my opinion, it's a strong contender in the super shoe market, especially for those who want a lighter alternative to the iconic Nike Vaporfly Next%.
One thing that immediately stands out is the shoe's weight reduction. The Deviate Nitro Elite 4 weighs in at a mere 173g, which is a significant drop from its predecessor, the Deviate Nitro Elite 3. This makes it a more competitive option in the market, especially now that rivals like the Nike Vaporfly 4 have also become significantly lighter. The reduced weight doesn't compromise on performance, as the shoe still delivers a fast and bouncy ride, making it an excellent choice for runners looking to shave seconds off their personal bests.
The shoe's midsole continues to use the outstanding NITRO ELITE foam, which is an aliphatic TPU compound that has proven itself among the very best super shoe foams on the market. The energy return in the heel and forefoot is exceptional, placing the Deviate Nitro Elite 4 among the elite racers available today. The heel stack height is 37.2 mm, which is close to the maximum allowed by World Athletics, providing the towering cushioning most runners expect from a modern top-tier marathon super shoe.
The Deviate Nitro Elite 4 also features a highly-sculpted PWRPLATE design, which is a carbon-based structure that creates a pronounced rocker for smooth transitions. The plate is notably rigid from a torsional standpoint, reaching 16.7 Nm in lab tests, while still keeping things more controlled due to the 40 mm stack-height limit imposed by World Athletics. This combination of a stiff plate and a smooth rocker provides a secure and controlled ride, making it an excellent choice for runners who want a confident and controlled stride.
The shoe's upper is made of ULTRAWEAVE, which is a major improvement over previous generations. It feels noticeably more comfortable and keeps excellent ventilation, while also looking incredibly sharp and modern. The toebox is packed with oversized ventilation holes, and the highly-open structure extends through most of the upper, making it an excellent choice for runners who want a breathable and comfortable ride.
However, the Deviate Nitro Elite 4 may not be the best fit for heel strikers. The narrow heel and compact rear platform feel quite aggressive, and the limited stability in the rear may not make it the ideal choice for everyone. The outsole design, which has been updated, may also create durability concerns for many heel strikers, as the medial heel rubber has been removed. For those seeking extra stability, the Nike Alphafly 3 or Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 may be better options.
In terms of durability, the Deviate Nitro Elite 4 holds up well. The toebox and heel padding performed well in durability tests, earning strong results that give confidence about their long-term resistance to wear. The outsole, which uses 2.1 mm of rubber, is quite generous for a modern super shoe, and the PUMAGRIP compound continues to deliver dependable traction, making it an excellent choice for runners who want a durable and reliable shoe.
Overall, the PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 is a top-tier racing shoe that offers a fast and bouncy ride, excellent cushioning, and a secure and controlled stride. It's a strong contender in the super shoe market, especially for those who want a lighter alternative to the iconic Nike Vaporfly Next%. While it may not be the best fit for heel strikers, it's an excellent choice for runners seeking a lightweight, responsive ride that can help them shave seconds off their personal bests.
