Puma Deviate Nitro 4 Review: Our Verdict (2026)

Puma has nothing left to prove in running. The Deviate Nitro series has firmly established the brand’s reputation, and the runners who have worn it know why.

Since the first model, Puma has built its credibility on a clear recipe: carbon plate shoes built to go fast, capable of competing with the best on the market. The result: the Deviate Nitro has rightly earned its place as one of the most popular series around.

Two years after version 3, Puma unveils its fourth iteration. The brand used that time to go beyond a simple cosmetic update and bring real changes for runners. The promise is clear: a shoe that justifies the wait.

But what really changes under the sole? Does the Deviate Nitro 4 deliver on its promises out on the road? And above all, does it match your runner profile and your goals?

We tell you everything in this full review.

Our verdict

Cushioning

Like every carbon plate shoe, it uses the standard combination: a carbon plate embedded between two layers of foam.

But there are several changes from the previous version:

• The PWRPLATE carbon-composite plate drops its fork shape for a spoon shape
• The top layer of NITROFOAM is now made entirely of PEBA (it was a PEBA blend on the V3)
• The bottom foam layer is a PEBA blend (versus a TPEE foam on the V3)

The plate now has the same shape as on the elite versions, but it is more flexible and the flex starts at the back of the foot. The result: the Deviate Nitro 4 is more accessible than models built purely for racing.

These changes are significant: they bring more responsiveness while giving a more supple, lighter ride.

The feel at impact is still very well balanced: neither too plush (as some recent foams can be) nor too firm. It should suit a wide variety of runners.

The stack changes a little, with 38 mm under the heel and 30 mm under the forefoot.

There is now more protection under the forefoot, and the drop moves to 8 mm (versus 10 mm before).

In all honesty, I barely felt it: the ride stays standard with a conventional roll, so you won’t need any adjustment period.

Shock absorption is very good, and there is no limit on distance. You can easily go all the way to the marathon if that’s your goal.

I have read some reviews that find this model less suited to heavier runners. It remains a matter of personal preference, but the stack is high enough to provide good cushioning.

I do think there are limits (I get into them later in this article), but cushioning is not one of them, whether for training or racing.

Energy return

At 242 g / 8.5 oz in EU 42, the v4 is clearly lighter (26 g less). Without reaching the featherweight of elite models (often under the 200 g mark), it is very light and you feel it in the ride.

The stride feels airier and energy return is better (thanks to the PEBA). Some testers note, though, that the rocker is less pronounced than on rival models and the forward roll is softer, which can limit propulsion and responsiveness.

I mostly agree, but that is also what makes the shoe more accessible.

Overall, the Deviate Nitro 4 has very good responsiveness with smooth transitions, and it should suit many runners.

Support and stability

The upper sits close to the foot and grip is good. The rigid plate also contributes to decent stability.

Some runners found lateral stability limited. I didn’t have that problem, but it may vary with stride.

This model is neutral, so it suits neutral strides and supinators.

Foothold

The new engineered mesh upper is one of the main changes. It is actually quite surprising that Puma didn’t talk more about these updates, since this is where criticism of the previous version was focused.

The upper still gives good coverage in cold weather, but breathability is where the progress shows. The mesh is less dense, which lets air flow more easily. A setup that works in every season!

The less dense mesh also makes the upper more supple, and padding in the key areas adds to the comfort.

The trade-off is slightly weaker lockdown. The arch area, in particular, offers less support.

Even so, I found the shoe well structured overall, with secure lockdown.

The tongue and heel change too.

The tongue is still gusseted but thinner (with enough padding) and made of faux leather. I found it followed the foot’s movements well, with no uncomfortable pressure point.

The heel counter is much more flared and rises up along the Achilles tendon. It is semi-rigid at the top and rigid at the bottom, so less firm than on the v3. Hold in that area remains very good.

The lacing system uses flat laces.

Foot lockdown is good.

Sizing and fit

The structure is more supple and stretchy, so it feels nicer on foot.

My impression seems widely shared: I counted far fewer complaints about narrowness compared with the v3.

My wide feet never felt squeezed. I even found plenty of room in my usual size. The extra 8 mm of width at the midfoot no doubt helped.

Still, a few people found the fit narrow.

It may depend on foot shape, so it seems safer to try the shoe on before buying.

Traction

No notable difference on the outsole. PUMAGRIP rubber covers a large share of the surface, with a big central groove that leaves the plate exposed for more flexibility.

Traction does the job on wet surfaces (zero slips during my test runs).

Beyond the city, you can venture onto non-technical paths (like sand, dry dirt or gravel).

Who is it for, and for which runs?

With its less aggressive rocker and more flexible plate, the Deviate Nitro 4 pulls off a compromise that doesn’t look easy on paper: combining performance and versatility.

The result: the ride is very pleasant, and the shoe is more accessible than many rival carbon models.

In exchange, the forward roll is less pronounced and you can find faster models out there.

Responsiveness stays very good and covers a wide range of training paces. Long runs with tempo surges are a real pleasure: no problem switching from marathon pace to 10K pace!

Pure speed workouts also go very well, even if dedicated track runners will probably prefer lighter shoes.

I also find the Deviate Nitro 4 a good pick at more moderate paces.

Without being as well suited as more conventional models, it handles base-mileage runs and recovery jogs very well thanks to its flexibility.

As mentioned, shock absorption is very good and covers every distance.

In my view, it also suits every level, from beginner to more seasoned runner.

It is also a good choice for racing. It doesn’t perform as well as the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4, but it has the advantage of being cheaper and more accessible. It is also the better option if you want a single pair to do everything.

Quality and durability

The PUMAGRIP rubber and the upper are very good quality.

Even though the latter is thinner, I saw no sign of premature wear.

The foam is fairly dense and should hold its properties well over time.

All of this adds up to good durability. This carbon model also offers good value for money.

Note that the upper contains at least 20% recycled materials, and that the shoe is not vegan (it contains animal-derived materials).

Should you buy the Puma Deviate Nitro 4?

The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is a very versatile shoe that covers a very wide range of training and racing.

Its comfortable, fast and accessible setup makes it one of the best training-oriented carbon options. A safe bet for doing it all!

Technical specs

Technical Specs

Terrain	Road
Pronation type	Neutral
Drop	8 mm
Heel height	38 mm
Forefoot height	30 mm
Weight (men)	242 g/8.5 oz
Weight (women)	223 g/7.9 oz
Features	Carbon-fiber plate, Recycled materials, Rocker
Athletes
Release year	2026
Price	Check prices

Cushioning

Softness	Balanced
Responsiveness	High

Technologies

Outsole	PUMAGRIP
Midsole	NITROFOAM ELITE, NITROFOAM, PWRPLATE
Upper	PWRTAPE engineered mesh

Use

Speed	Moderate, Fast
Distance	Short, 5K, Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon
Workout	Daily running, Racing

Reference: official Puma website