Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Review

The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is the latest iteration in Puma’s acclaimed running shoe line, promising enhanced performance and comfort for runners of all levels. Puma is key sponsor of HYROX, and their shoes have been very popular within the sport – at all levels – in recent years, as well as the wider running shoe market.

The Deviate Nitros, known for their running performance, stability and grip, has become a favourite within the HYROX community. The Deviate Nitro 3, which was released in Jun 2024, is a carbon plated training shoe designed to complement the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3.

In this article, we’ll delve into the Deviate Nitro 3’s (the non-Elite version) features, updates from its predecessor, and its suitability for HYROX athletes.

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Spec / Updates

Weight and Stack Height

The Deviate Nitro 3 has a higher stack height than the previous version (39mm vs 38mm), and a 10mm overall drop (up from 8mm). This added midsole contributes to the shoe’s slightly increased weight, with a size 10 mens weighing around 298 grams, and 240 grams for the women’s size 6.5. While not the lightest shoe, it felt manageable on longer runs, balancing comfort and performance

Stability and Support

For those who require extra stability, the Deviate Nitro 3 does not disappoint. The shoe features a robust heel counter (important for sled pushing / lunging HYROX athletes) and a supportive midfoot structure.

Outsole

Puma’s renowned PUMAGRIP outsole rubber (also found on previous versions) covers the forefoot and sides of the heel (with a cutout midsole to reduce weight), providing reliable traction on various surfaces (a valuable quality for HYROX athletes through the workout stations).

Midsole

Equipped with Puma’s advanced Nitro Foam technology, the Deviate Nitro 3 offers a responsive yet cushioned ride. The midsole strikes a balance between energy return and shock absorption, suitable for both speed work and long-distance runs.

In the latest version, the Deviate Nitro 3 features an updated midsole made from aliphatic TPU, a bouncier, more flexible, and resilient compound. This feels great and certainly gives a nice return, especially on slightly faster paced runs I found.

The midsole of the Deviate Nitro 3 contains 2 layers of foam which have a carbon plate sandwiched between them. This plate stabilises the high stack of midsole foam and adds propulsion to your stride. Unlike the full carbon plates found in Puma’s racing shoes, which are stiffer and less suitable for general training, the forked design offers more comfort for daily use.

Whether you’re sprinting or running a marathon, these shoes can handle various intensities and surfaces.

Upper

The upper of the Deviate Nitro 3 is made from lightweight monomesh, ensuring breathability and a secure fit. This design choice helps to keep the shoe lightweight while maintaining the durability and structure needed for intensive training and racing.

I will say that one thing I don’t love about the design is the word “Nitro” plastered across the shoe in huge letters – but maybe that’s just me!

Sizing and Fit

The Deviate Nitro fits true-to-size and is comparable to other Puma models and brands like Nike and Brooks.

Conclusion

The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is a well-rounded running shoe that combines style, comfort, and performance. It’s a shoe that performs exceptionally well across various running distances /speeds, and with a good, stable fit and fantastic grip, it’s a great option for HYROX workouts.

It’s not the cheapest shoe on the market at approximately £150, and it’s not the most lightweight, but it is very good, and I personally see it as one of my preferred training shoes (especially for some of my speedier runs, and my HYROX workouts). I think there are other shoes out there right now – including the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Elite – that I would prefer to use for racing. I’ve not yet tested the Deviate Nitro 3 Elite but plan to do so soon.

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