PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 2 First Look
Since surprising the running world with their radical Fast-R and Fast-Fwd designs, PUMA return to redesign their more traditional, and versatile race shoe, the Deviate Nitro Elite 2.
Pinnacle technologies, including NITRO elite foam and carbon PWRPLATE return with an improved fit to accommodate the comfort of even more runners.
Key Info
Price: £ 175
Foot type: Neutral
Weight: 211g (Men’s) 176g (Women’s)
Stack height: 36 – 28 mm
Heel drop: 8mm
Surface: Road
Best for: Race Day speed
Background
A versatile racing shoe, the Deviate Nitro Elite is designed to improve just about everyone’s times.
It combines a carbon plate with their pinnacle Peba based foam, NITRO Elite. Peba is a material long known for its property of storing energy and releasing it with a powerful snap, as such it has been used for years in things like track shoe spike plates to propel elite athletes to new heights.
When Nike released a foam using this material as its base, the ZoomX, it changed running. New times, and new levels of responsiveness became available, and although there are many new foams and many imitations, PUMA are the first brand to use a Super-Critical Peba foam.
Super critical refers to the process of making the material float between a liquid and a gas by increasing pressure and temperature to the perfect balance. Nitrogen is injected (giving the foam its name) creating an extremely lightweight and responsive material.
Closer Look
The updated Deviate Elite is designed to be stiffer than the previous version, turning that NITRO Elite foam into an even better spring. To achieve this, they have stiffened up the carbon fibre PWRPLATE which has an innovative design helping it act as a lever. Full length, curved for comfort, and no longer forked, it optimises running efficiency, offering maximum propulsion at toe off.
PUMA have also changed the Last (the form around which the upper is shaped) to accommodate a wider range of foot shapes and allow a straighter big toe, leading to even more powerful toe offs. A new padded heel collar provides lightweight lockdown and comfort.
Considerably lighter than the Deviate Nitro, the Deviate Nitro Elite uses thinner, lighter weight PUMAGRIP LT in the outsole. A thin and durable rubber compound, it offers lightweight traction and race day performance.
In the upper, a super-light engineered mono-mesh is designed to maximise performance, comfort, and breathability. Internally PWRTAPE offers lightweight, targeted reinforcements, increasing both support and durability.
Conclusion
Offering super foam, and carbon plated performance at a price not much above a top end daily trainer, the Deviate Nitro Elite 2 stands in a class of its own.
Its super lightweight, incredibly propulsive and gives you every edge on race day. Stiffer and with more room inside for more powerful toe offs the second version builds on the success of its predecessor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you run in the PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 2?
Designed for race day, not only can you run in the Deviate Nitro Elite, but you can also excel.
What other shoes are similar to the PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite?
The Hoka Carbon X 3 is the closest plated race day shoe in price, while the Saucony Endorphin Speed is a little cheaper and perhaps aimed more at fast training and racing. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 comes in with a more hefty price tag but serious race day speed.
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