PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 Reviews

Fits well with toe room and a snug midfoot; lighter and more lively than the NB SC Elite 5.

About 20 miles on neighbourhood roads and sidewalks: an interval day, easy runs and strides. They found it extremely comfortable, with a wide but not too wide toe box, a secure heel lock and a very breathable upper, plus a heel firm enough to roll through nicely. Against that, the carbon plate felt like a marble-sized pebble in the left forefoot at times (they were unsure if it was a one-off defect), and the outsole wore noticeably fast for just 20 miles, which they call a major concern at $250. They would still race a marathon in it.

Three testers: one near 60 km (marathon-pace reps, tempo, hill reps), one around 40 km including a two-hour mixed-pace run, one on parkruns and tempo runs. They found it very light, lively and natural, comfortable out of the box and decent at slower paces, with reliable grip even on wet London streets. Downsides: a narrow platform with some race-shoe wobble, a little heel movement for one tester, and rear rubber that ripped after about 2 km for another (a third saw no wear there). It suits runners wanting a fast but approachable half or full marathon shoe.

Two testers, including a 10-mile uptempo run for one of them. They liked how light it feels, the soft, bouncy foam with a noticeable pop from the plate, and a minimal, very breathable upper with a secure heel that suited both a wider and a narrow foot. One slipped a little on a cold, frosty run, though the other put that down to the ice rather than the shoe and had no grip issues in dry conditions. They call it a solid race-day option, including for the marathon.

A- overall. One tester: a fast ride from uptempo to 5K pace that he plans to race in. Another tester: great fit, and good value for a super shoe at $250. But the forefoot doesn't suit her midfoot strike, and the narrow rear platform may trouble some. Best for rearfoot strikers.