Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 review: hard miles made easy

Now in its third iteration, the Puma Nitro Elite 3 is a racing shoe with a high-stack midsole, stiff carbon plate and mono-mesh upper. It’s an excellent running shoe that has been improved over the years and is recommended for any runner looking to add a fast racing shoe to their rotation.

Like Nike’s Vaporfly/Alphafly duo, Puma has its own racer lineup: the uniquely shaped Puma Fast-R 2 is the all-out option, tuned for long distances at max effort. The Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is roughly equivalent to the Vaporfly in that it can (and should) be used for racing, but it’s also a superb option for tempo runs over a variety of distances.

I remember trying the first version of the Nitro Elite and finding the upper unbearably tight; it’s improved considerably since then. Does the Nitro Elite 3 belong in T3’s best running shoe roundup, and how does it compare to similar running shoes from other brands? Read my full review below to find out.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Review

Price and availability

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 launches in June 2024 and is available from Puma UK, Puma US, and Puma AU for an RRP of €230 / £195.00 / $230 / AU$320. The boots originally launched in the Prototype colorway, but are now also available in the classic Puma Fireglow colorway.

Specifications

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

Best for: racing (any distance), tempo runs, fartlek/interval training
Tested weight: 219 g/ 7.75 oz (men’s UK 10)
Stack height: 40 mm (heel), 32 mm (forefoot)
Drop: 8mm
Fit: fits normally (race tight)
Support: Neutral

Design and materials

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

The Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is optimized for speed. It features NitroFoam Elite foam, a lightweight, more responsive version of Puma’s nitrogen-infused foam used in many other trainers, including the Puma Deviate Nitro 3. It’s super soft and bouncy, and since its 40mm maximum stack height is right in line with what World Athletics allows for racing, it’ll help you grow taller, no matter how tall you are.

In the midsole, you’ll find the PWRPlate carbon plate, which Puma claims is stiffer than previous versions. The plate has a dual purpose: it provides torsional stability and propulsion during push-off. Unlike Adidas’ Energy Rod system, which consists of connecting rods, Puma’s PWRPlate is a continuous plate, which provides a more stable platform while running.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

The Ultraweave upper is constructed from a mono-mesh fabric, which optimizes breathability and support. The brand has also added PWR Tape reinforcements (as seen on the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite) to high-wear areas like the edge of the toe box and the sidewall of the shoe. The Nitro Elite 3 uses a traditional lacing system, with an additional eyelet at the top for those who prefer to lace their shoes with the running knot.

The PumaGrip outsole remains as dependable as ever, only applied in strategic areas to save weight without sacrificing too much grip. As a result, the Nitro Elite 3 is super light, weighing in at just 219g / 7.75oz in a men’s UK size 10.

It’s worth noting that there is no evidence that any of the materials used in the Deviate Nitro 3 come from recycled sources. By 2024, I expect at least some, if not all, of it to be recycled. No one wants to feel like their running is having a huge (negative) impact on the planet.

Performance and comfort

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

I loved the Puma Nitro Elite 2; one of my biggest regrets is not getting it reviewed in time for T3. The Nitro Elite 3 is an improvement on its predecessor, offering a snappy, energetic ride. While the Elite 2 was – and still is – a brilliant option, the Nitro 3 only refines the formula.

The stiffer carbon plate feels great underfoot and helps you propel yourself forward with every step more efficiently. The soft foam reminds me of the ZoomX in the best possible way: it’s so bouncy it feels like you’re walking/running on a basketball. This can make the Nitro Elite 3 a bit harder to get used to for beginners, though that can be said for any high-stack racer including the Vaporfly, Adizero Pro and the rest.

I found the Ultraweave upper to be snug but not too snug. It’s a race-ready upper designed to keep your feet in check when your form starts to deteriorate around mile 20 of a marathon. It’s a combination of lockdown and support, a far cry from the comfort level of shoes like the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 or Hoka Skyward X.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

My favorite feature is the PumaGrip outsole. Thanks to the shape of the midsole and the placement of rubber, the heel of the Nitro Elite 3 acts almost like a suction cup, making every landing solid. From there, the plate takes over and helps you roll forward, finished with a nice snap at push-off.

I tried the shoes for interval training and steady pace runs, and they performed well for both. The 8mm drop, combined with the lightweight nature of the Deviate Nitro Elite 3, made even tough miles easy on the legs. Don’t get me wrong; no shoe is ever going to make long training or racing miles a pleasant experience. However, you certainly won’t feel sluggish in the Deviate Nitro Elite 3.

Pronunciation

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

A great iteration of its predecessor, the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is a great racing shoe that can also be used for training. It’s packed with energy and offers plenty of energy return in a lightweight package. It’s not as versatile as some other all-rounders, but it’s certainly faster than many running shoes in this price range. If you need an energetic trainer for everything from parkruns to marathons, the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is a great choice!

Related Posts