PUMA Deviate Nitro 4 Reviews

40 miles in and loves it: agile and connected with a snappy plated toe-off.

About 31 miles during marathon training, covering long runs, daily runs and speed work down to roughly 6:30 per mile. They found the foam responsive and comfortable, the lockdown secure with no heel slip, and the grip excellent on icy and wet roads. It felt snug around the overlays at first and needed a couple of runs to break in, and the toe box is on the shallow side. In single-digit cold the foam hardened noticeably, and they would not use it for recovery runs.

A slow heel striker finds the PEBA foam far bouncier than the DN3, with a better upper and great value at $170.

A successful update: more flexible and a bit more dynamic in the forefoot, with an airier upper, so it runs freer. PumaGrip is strong on changing surfaces and in the wet. The fit is less compact (size down for narrow feet), it lacks a final kick below ~4:00/km, and the upper gives less guidance.

A fantastic upgrade on the v3 (whose propulsion disappointed one tester) and now in line with the Speed 5, Mach X 3 and Hyperion Max 3. Works for easy, long and speedier sessions, and could be a race shoe for ~4-hour marathoners. It feels different from v3 but remains enjoyable.

The dual-layer Nitrofoam gives a wonderfully lively ride with impressive energy return from the start. The upper holds the foot securely and is wearing well, and the construction is sensible and uncomplicated. Still enjoying the fit and feel after 200 miles, with the shoes holding up nicely.