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First Impressions of the Puma Deviate Nitro 2

Matt Rasmussen
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Looks
Holy crap we love this shoe. In fact, I’m not sure that any recent release of Puma running footwear hasn’t been met with an “oh snap” by me. This is a flashy shoe that will bring a little heat to the dreary winter days ahead. The primary orange and pink colorway that covers the upper, outer midsole, and even underneath the shoe has me likening it to a Phoenix Suns jersey – or really just warm Arizona in general. I love the look. And HOLY CRAP is the white version amazing.
Fit
There’s not much to report on the thin mesh upper (aside from its beauty) that hasn’t been said already. It has some structured texture to it if you look close enough – almost like a large feline (perhaps a puma…) ran its claws across the shoes. Meow. The engineered mesh doesn’t get it its own way and is light and breathable while providing a nice hold to the top of the foot. Puma has utilized “PWRTAPE” before to provide some additional support and that remains here along the midfoot. The tongue is gussetted and the slight padding keeps your foot snug and supported without succumbing to the tightness of your lacing. All of that combined, and you have a shoe that begs to be worn all day. As mentioned, the initial version of the Velocity Nitro was generally well received by our reviewer. However, the main drawback lied in heel slippage that occurred in the V1. This has absolutely been remedied in the V2 with a more padded heel collar. Our previous reviewer would have been so proud. The PumaGrip outsole is also typical as in other shoes (why mess with a good thing?!) and provides great grip in multiple conditions. The lugs under the forefoot do seem a little bit more raised and pronounced than in their other shoes. Thus, it can handle simple, non-pavement terrain with relative ease. The “PWRPLTE” in the midsole is constructed from carbon composite and feels amazing. From run 1, through probably 6-8 now, they just feel comfy. The Nitro foam has been adopted a little with a firmer foam on the heel and a softer one (Nitro Elite) above it, followed by the with the Elite continuing throughout the rest. I found that it provides stability and a little pop and snap. It seems like it will continue to be an all-around great shoe – perfect for faster runs or slower tempo training.
Overall
As a “decent”, and not elite, runner, sometimes I can find performance carbon-plated shoes a little too much. Almost as if they weren’t made for me. These shoes feel welcoming regardless of my skill level and enough of the fancy qualities without feeling unfamiliar. I love these shoes.

Puma

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Thank you to Puma for providing us with test shoes. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
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