Over the past few years, a select few shoes have truly revolutionized the daily trainer landscape, setting new standards for performance and experience. Asics Novablast, New Balance Rebel, Puma Deviate Nitro, and Saucony Endorphin Speed come to my mind as these innovative shoes. Among these Puma Deviate Nitro is my personal favorite, which I have run in all the three editions so far.

Following the success of Deviate Nitro 2, the much anticipated Deviate Nitro 3 finally made its debut in India after a long wait by Puma India. Having put the Nitro 3 to the test over the past 12 weeks, logging over 400 kilometers, here's an in-depth review of this versatile daily trainer.

RunRepeat Score

Weight
N.A

Heel Drop
N.A

Support Type

Terrain

Best Used As

Lowest Price: ₹ 0

See Details >

What makes up Deviate Nitro 3?

Deviate Nitro 3 has a very classic running shoe profile. The rocker is very subtle and has a flared heel which is quite common among running shoes. On the surface, it doesn’t look that different from the previous edition. The major visible change is the shape of the heel at the bottom.

Deviate Nitro 3 has a very classic running shoe profile. The rocker is very subtle and has a flared heel which is quite common among running shoes. On the surface, it doesn’t look that different from the previous edition. The major visible change is the shape of the heel at the bottom. Interestingly, the heel to drop has been increased by 4mm to 10mm, which makes it much more suitable for heel strikers.

However, there are quite a few changes beyond the surface. The weight has been increased by 10 grams, and now is at 270g for UK 8. The midsole got a major make-over and so is the bottom sole. The upper has also got quite a few changes, which may not be visible at first glance.

Midsole

The Deviate Nitro 3 boasts a 39mm stack height, which is a millimeter below the world athletics legal limit of 40mm. The midsole features a dual-layered Nitro Foam system. The top layer consists of Nitro Elite Foam, now enhanced with Aliphatic TPU which is supposed to offer better durability and energy return. The bottom layer is an upgraded Nitro Foam, which now uses PEBAX.

With a 10mm drop and a traditional profile complemented by a subtle rocker, the midsole is as good as it can get. The inclusion of a carbon plate completes a modern daily trainer.

Dual layered midsole

Upper

The shoe's engineered mesh upper offers very good breathability, keeping feet comfortable during the longer workouts. Despite its lightweight construction, the upper maintains a rugged feel, enhancing durability without compromising flexibility. The tongue is quite well designed though not heavily padded, it is soft and comfortable.

Rugged yet breathable upper

The eyelets also got an upgrade with a loop at third eyelet for extra reinforcement. The number of eyelets remain at 6 as with the earlier edition.

Upgraded eyelets

Heel

The heel cup is well designed with ample padding for added comfort. A groove in the bottom sole around the heel (similar to one in Novablast) gives it a character, but the purpose probably add extra bounce. There is also a TPU cup in the back for extra stability. The extended bevel caters specifically to rear-foot strikers, with a smoother transition.

Well padded heel & supportive heel system

Bottom Sole

Constructed from Puma Grip ATR rubber, the outsole design is much simpler than the earlier editions. The outsole also feels much softer.

Excellent grip, one of the best out there

Why did I buy it?

Having extensively used the Deviate Nitro 2, clocking over 800 kilometers and making it a staple for my midweek long runs and tempo efforts, I was on the lookout for an upgrade to support my ongoing marathon training cycle. The Deviate Nitro 3 emerged as the perfect candidate to take on this role, promising enhanced performance and versatility.

Ride in Deviate Nitro 2

Step-in comfort of the Deviate Nitro 3, much better than the earlier editions. It feels different from the Nitro 2, it strikes a perfect balance between snug fit and comfort. The absence of the mild trampoline effect present in the previous edition is a disappointment, though not a deal breaker. Deviate Nitro 3 still feels very responsive, especially during speed work. The shoe feels more firm, and the firmness enhances versatility, allowing the shoe to excel in both speed and easy runs.

Though it has a carbon plate, personally, I barely notice the presence of it. Most carbon plated shoes are hard to use during easy and recovery runs, but not this one.

The increased heel-to-top drop definitely has changed the ride. Combined with lack of trampoline effect from Deviate Nitro 2, the shoe is not as fun as Deviate Nitro 2.

Deviate Nitro 2 and Deviate Nitro 3 side by side

Fit and Comfort

I have racked up 400kms in the shoe over the last 2 months. I have run a half-marathon race in it, and it makes a decent racer at that distance. Though I haven't yet tackled a full marathon distance in it, it proved to be super comfortable up to 30 kilometers. During my long run of 30K that included surges towards the finish, the shoe maintained its speed and comfort consistently.

Stability

The Deviate Nitro 3 delivers top-notch stability. The firmer bottom layer of the mid-sole significantly enhances stability, making it easier to handle tight corners and navigate uneven road surfaces with confidence. Whether running on smooth pavements or rougher terrains, the shoe remains secure and supportive. Increased heel-to-drop also helps the stability.

Road Grip

One of the standout features of the Nitro 3 is its excellent road grip. Navigating the often slippery roads of Bengaluru, especially after rains when dry sand accumulates at the edges, posed a challenge for many of my other shoes. However, the Nitro 3 handled these conditions well, maintaining traction and providing a safe running experience even on slick surfaces.

Outsoles - side by side

Durability

I've already put these shoes through 400 km, and they're still holding up like new. I reckon they'll easily last for 1000 km. Puma officially says they're built for 800 km, and I appreciate their transparency about it, it makes it so much easier for runners to make buying decisions. I wish other brands would also publish their mileage expectations (Decathlon is the other brand I know which does this).

Aesthetics & Ergonomics

While the aesthetic appeal of the Deviate Nitro 2 might edge out slightly over the Deviate Nitro 3 for some, the latter still offers a sleek and modern design. I opted for the black colorway, which I absolutely love. It retains the new look despite extensive use and is easy to clean and maintain. On the other hand, the Fireglow colorway is visually striking with bold Nitro text-graphic but may require more maintenance to preserve its vibrant appearance over time. The split outsole groove is a minor aesthetic deviation that doesn't detract from the overall look but might take some getting used to.

Review Summary

Aravind

Aravind is a techie, running geek, and a marathoner. He is a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. He loves all things technology and technology in running, with special interest in running form analysis.