Puma is back at it to start the year, rolling out the Deviate NITRO 4. Having reviewed every iteration of this model, we’ve come to see it as one of Puma’s most reliable offerings—a carbon-plated daily trainer that quietly (though visually bold) does a lot of things well. With the Deviate NITRO 4, Puma tweaks the recipe, and those updates play a bigger role than they might first appear.
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Fit & Construction:
We enjoyed the Deviate NITRO 3, but the V2 remains our favorite in the lineage. The V3 was a solid performer—no doubt about it—but the V2 just had something extra. Fit played a big role in that. We experienced slight heel slippage over time in the original version and this was expressed more globally in the running world in the V3, while the V2 consistently locked things down better.
The Deviate Nitro 4 is back to its good ways when it comes to construction, and the first thing that stands out is the lockdown. Fit was dialed from the first step-in, with zero slippage and a secure, confidence-inspiring hold through the midfoot and heel. The overall fit and feel is best described as an enjoyable hug around the foot—snug without feeling restrictive.
Honestly, fit has been the biggest point of frustration for many runners throughout this lineage. Puma clearly listened. The V4 delivers a noticeably improved step-in feel, and the shoe runs a bit wider than previous versions. It’s not subtle either—go back and look at our past reviews and you can visually see the difference. This update alone will be a big win for runners who previously struggled with the Deviate’s fit.
Puma also made some meaningful tweaks to the geometry. The stack and drop shift from 39mm/29mm (10mm drop) to 38mm/30mm (8mm drop), alongside a weight reduction of more than half an ounce in some sizes. While it still lands firmly in daily trainer territory—a men’s 9 comes in around 8.5 ounces—it feels even lighter on foot than the numbers suggest. That weight savings, combined with the improved comfort and fit, makes the Deviate Nitro 4 feel like a more enjoyable ride.
I would say that this feels like one of the better plated options out there (that we have tried at least) that can handle more moderate speeds with relative ease. That’s important for a daily training shoe that could see runners utilizing for a variety of training options – from casual to pushing pace.
Looks:
Aesthetics played a role in our appreciation for the Deviate Nitro 2 as well. That version struck a near-perfect balance between personality and restraint, while the Deviate Nitro 3 leaned a bit too hard into branding for some runners. The oversized NITRO callout across the medial upper was hard to miss—and not necessarily in a good way.
Our Deviate Nitro 4, by comparison, is refreshingly tame… at least by Puma standards. I like bold shoes, but dialing back can be nice too – especially within this line, which has often leaned into fiery oranges and bold, multi-color executions. Basically, the visuals of this version feels much more restrained while still looking like a Deviate. The creamy white and soft yellow colorway is clean, calming, and visually aligned with what the shoe actually is: an accessible, do-it-all daily trainer.
Personally, I like it. It’s easy on the eyes and doesn’t scream for attention. There are 5 colorways on launch – all pretty accessible.
Upper:
The upper has seen some thoughtful updates. There’s a solid amount of cushioning around the collar, which does a great job of holding the foot in place and providing a supported, secure feel on daily training runs. That added padding never feels overdone, but it contributes meaningfully to the overall lockdown and comfort.
The mesh upper also punches above its weight class. It’s impressively light and breathable—almost reminiscent of what you’d expect from non-elite race-day shoes rather than a plated daily trainer. That balance of structure and airiness works especially well for longer or warmer runs. The tongue is gusseted as well, further improving midfoot security.
Overall, the improvement in this space is evident.
Midsole:
Puma didn’t stop with the fit updates up top—there are meaningful changes to the midsole construction as well. Above the carbon plate—the top layer of the midsole “sandwich,” if you will—Puma has shifted to a PEBA-based blend, replacing the previous NITRO Elite foam.
The result is a slightly softer underfoot feel overall. It’s not mushy by any means and still delivers plenty of cushioning, but it feels more responsive and better suited for picking up the pace. There’s a smoother, more controlled energy return that makes the shoe feel comfortable at easy efforts while remaining eager when you start to push.
The move from a 10mm drop to an 8mm drop also seems to complement this change nicely, contributing to a more natural, forward-leaning ride that feels a bit more efficient when running faster.
Outsole:
PUMAGRIP remains one of the best outsoles on the market. It’s almost difficult to dissect in detail because the performance is so consistently good—and that’s exactly the case with the Deviate NITRO 4. Traction is reliable across a variety of surfaces, instilling confidence without ever calling attention to itself.
The layer seems to be a little thinner – perhaps assisting with some dropping of weight. There are no real surprises here, just the same dependable grip that’s more than up to the task.
Overall:
Puma deserves real credit for the way they approached the Deviate Nitro 4. Rather than overhauling the shoe for the sake of change, they focused on refining what already worked—making thoughtful, positive updates while preserving the core ethos, look, and performance that have defined the Deviate Nitro line from the start.
The improved fit, subtle midsole tweaks, and refined geometry all come together in a way that feels intentional and well-executed. This still very much feels like a Deviate Nitro—just a better one.
Early in 2026, this stands out as one of the nicest rides we’ve tested so far. More importantly, it feels like the kind of shoe you keep reaching for—not just because it performs well on paper, but because it’s genuinely enjoyable to run in. I am looking forward to putting a lot more miles on it.