Fast and lightweight, the PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 emphasises a quick turnover or high cadence, making it a really fun ride
"Sole Mates" is a series made by runners created for runners, and a SportPlus.sg initiative to help you find the right running footwear for you and your runs.
As part of this series, SportPlus.sg has teamed up with local running content creators, Key Opinion Leaders and athletes to have them share their thoughts on the latest running footwear.
As far as race-day shoes go, we are spoilt for choice in 2024, with several leading contenders already being reviewed on Sole Mates this year such as the ASICS META Speed Paris series and the New Balance SC Elite v4.
However, we have yet to review one of the serious contenders in performance running for top race day shoe, until now that is. Over the last couple of years, PUMA has made huge strides towards closing the gap with their more seasoned and decorated counterparts in performance running.
Late to the running game, PUMA may already be reaping significant rewards with their R&D division finally producing what looks like a serious contender for race day shoe of the year - the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3. Not to be confused with its training Companion, Deviate NITRO™ 3.
Quick Turnover and High Cadence
For the uninitiated, the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 has already secured multiple podium finishes in 2024, notably worn by Glenrose Xaba during the Cape Town Marathon.
Designed for competitive athletes seeking both speed and comfort and representing a fine balance of high-performance engineering with cutting-edge technology, the shoes emphasise a quick turnover and high cadence, making them a really fun ride and popular choice among elite runners.
In fact, no brand had more elite runners in the top 20 at the 2024 New York City Marathon than PUMA. Out of the best 20 men and 20 women, eight runners wore PUMA’s Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3, with Kenyan runner Vivian Cheruiyot coming in third and Sara Vaughn finishing sixth as the fastest American woman in this pair.
If you are planning to lace up for a marathon or even a 5km - 10km race soon, the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 is a pair you should be seriously considering.
But what makes PUMA's latest race day shoe such a hot property even among elite runners? Let's dive into the key features that make this shoe a top choice for many this year.
Key Features
Weight:
194 grams
Heel To Toe Drop:
40mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot), 8mm offset
Upper:
Mono-mesh Engineered Upper Ultraweave
Foam:
Upgraded NITROFOAM™ Elite with superior cushioning and responsiveness
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 catches the eye with its sleek, aerodynamic design, and bold colours. The shoe feels lightweight, with a sophisticated and modern look that hints at its racing pedigree. With a snug and sock-like fit, the shoe envelops your foot comfortably, ready for the high-speed challenge that lies ahead.
Upper Construction and Fit
The top of the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 is constructed with a mono-mesh engineered upper, which ensures breathability and flexibility, enhancing comfort for runners. This is lightly reinforced with PWRTAPE to give the shoe some structure that hugs the foot while providing optimal support without feeling restrictive. This helps keep runners' feet cool even in longer-distance races in hotter climates.
Said Daniel Fang in response to the upper design, "I tend to sweat a lot. I’ve worn shoes before that are not breathable and that causes excessive sweating and blisters. Once you get blisters during a race, it’s really difficult to get good timing."
The shoe features a soft, yet firm heel counter, which locks the foot into place and prevents any unwanted movement during intense strides. This contributes to the overall stability and secure fit, which is especially important for preventing injuries during races.
Carbon Fibre PWRPLATE: Speed Focused Design
One of the most notable features of the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 is its carbon fibre PWRPLATE. This is a carbon fibre plate engineered to stablise the midsole while maximising energy transfer. PWRPLATE is strategically designed to promote a snappy and propulsion-driven ride, ensuring that every push-off provides an added boost of speed for an efficient stride.
The carbon fibre plate is specifically tuned to reduce fatigue by helping to maintain form and reduce muscle strain over longer distances, making it a game-changer for marathoners and competitive athletes.
Midsole Technology
Where the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 really shines is in its midsole technology. Previously PEBA foam, now its aliphatic TPU makes the shoe really lightweight and spongy, and a really responsive and fun ride overall. Usually race shoes that are cushioned are not as fast, but in this case, it is a good combination of cushioned and propulsive that makes the shoe slightly firmer but bouncy at the same time - ensuring that the responsive, lightweight feel does not compromise comfort over long distances.
When asked what he liked most about the overall increase in stack height in the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3, Daniel said: "I particularly like a high stack. It gives good comfort during the race. This shoe is actually the maximum allowable stack height by World Athletics for road racing shoes, all 40mm of them at the back. I appreciate that, it gives maximum comfort because you’re running 42.195km.
Outsole and Traction
The outsole of the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 is equipped with PUMAGRIP, Puma’s proprietary rubber compound designed for enhanced traction. Whether you’re racing on roads or tackling more unpredictable surfaces, this material helps provide a reliable grip, boosting confidence on every step.
The outsole features strategic cutouts to reduce weight and increase flexibility, allowing the shoe to bend naturally with your foot’s movements, all while maintaining durability.
Comfort and Performance on the Road
When it comes to comfort, the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 does not disappoint. The overall ride is smooth, and while the shoe is clearly designed for speed, it does not sacrifice long-term comfort. Thanks to the combination of NITRO™ Elite and the carbon plate, runners will feel a forward propulsion propelled forward without feeling too harsh underfoot, even on longer runs.
For athletes looking for a race shoe that provides maximum energy return while not being overly stiff, the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 offers a great middle ground.
For competitive runners, this shoe feels incredibly responsive, whether you are sprinting towards the finish line or settling into a steady pace. The propulsion from the carbon plate is especially noticeable in the toe-off phase, where the energy return is maximised. It gives you that extra push when you need it, without any excessive heel drop to slow you down.
Durability
Though race shoes are often lighter and built for short-term speed, PUMA has made sure that the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 offers a reasonable degree of durability, estimated to be about 400km worth of race distances. The combination of the high-quality midsole foam and PUMAGRIP ensures that the shoe holds up well over time, especially considering its racing-focused design.
For those who plan to use these shoes exclusively for race days or interval training, the longevity of the shoe will likely meet expectations. However, for everyday training, runners may want to look for a shoe that is more tailored to daily mileage, as this one is optimised for maximum performance rather than long-term wear.
Final Verdict & Overall Sole Mates Rating
Comfort: 4/5
Stability: 3/5
Responsiveness: 5/5
Grippiness: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
With all things considered, Daniel gave the PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 an overall rating of 4 out of 5 Soles.
The PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 is a race shoe built for those who want speed, comfort, and performance all in one package.
With its lightweight design, innovative midsole technology, and responsive carbon fibre plate, it is a standout option for marathoners and competitive racers alike.
You can purchase the PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 at PUMA.com.
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