After racing the Porto Marathon (Portugal) with the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2, I got a complete impression of how this shoe performs and how it compares to the previous version. It has changed, but did it change for the better?
Introduction
The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2 is one of Puma’s performance running shoes, designed for long-distance running, like the marathon. In this second version of the Deviate Nitro Elite, Puma changed the formula and added more comfort and quicker transitions but it also added more weight.
I bought these shoes for my races, especially marathons, and besides races, I also did all types of runs with them.
Stats
Upper
The Deviate Nitro Elite 2 features a mesh upper with a plastic feel but is less plasticky than the previous version. This mesh is lightweight, breathable, and great for running in the rain because it won’t soak like other fabrics.
Moving to the back of the shoe, we have a sturdy heel counter, something unusual on a performance shoe. The first version of the Deviate Elite had a very floppy heel counter. The Deviate Nitro Elite 2 is very well structured for a performance shoe, featuring reinforcements (called PWRTAPE) in strategic areas that need more structure.
This shoe has a good amount of padding for a performance shoe, with a comfortable heel collar that is well-padded. Even the tongue has some padding, and I would say that it’s more than enough padding for a performance shoe.
The tongue is non-gusseted, but it has a loop that attaches it to the laces preventing it from sliding during the run. The tongue is breathable but not as much as the first version.
The laces are thin and have the right length for a performance shoe, but runners with wider feet might find it difficult to do a runner's knot and a double knot.
So, compared to the first version, the Deviate Nitro Elite 2 upper is more structured and more padded, and because of it, it’s heavier. Since this is a performance shoe, I don’t understand this trade-off. The previous version was indeed comfortable enough for a marathon.
Compared to other carbon-plated running shoes, the Deviate Nitro Elite 2 upper is probably one of the most comfortable while still being lightweight.
Midsole
The midsole doesn’t differ much from the previous version. We still have the Nitro Elite foam, a PEBA foam with nitrogen-infused, that’s very resilient, light, soft, and has a good amount of energy return. This foam compresses and decompresses quickly, giving us a quick response, but feels somewhat denser than the first version.
The midsole has two layers of Nitro Elite foam that sandwiches the carbon fiber plate the PWRPLATE.
The carbon plate is slightly different from the previous version and has a different positioning so that the shoe performs better with faster transitions and a better toe-off. At least it is what is expected.
This midsole has a cutout in the middle, where you can see the plate, and besides removing some weight, it should also contribute to a better energy return from the foam.
Outsole
Puma also changed the outsole rubber from the PumaGrip LT to the regular PumaGrip. So, Puma decided to change from a lightweight and effective rubber to a heavier and perhaps more effective rubber. Another trade-off that I don’t understand in a performance shoe where less weight is better than more weight unless we have notorious performance gains with the changes that add extra weight.
Nevertheless, PumaGrip should be known by all as the best rubber out there. The marathon I ran had some stormy moments and sometimes I felt that I was running in water. Despite that, this rubber behaved as if I was running on tarmac on a summer day. Flawless.
The rubber covers the forefoot almost completely and is strategically placed in the heel. I can say for sure that this rubber is more durable than the PumaGrop LT version. It will probably last 300 km (186 mi) more.
Fit
The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2 has a snug fit, as expected from a racing shoe, but it has enough room in the toe box for a comfortable fit.
Despite having more padding and more structure, the lockdown is not as perfect as the first version was. I can’t get a secure lockdown in the heel as I like it, but this does not bring any issues while racing in the shoe.
Regarding the sizing, this shoe fits true to size if you look at the centimeters or US numbering. For the EU numbering, you might have to go a half size down.
Ride
In the run, there’s not much of a difference from the previous version, but I was hoping that the second version would bring more performance, more spring, and more pop. So, for a start, I can’t understand the changes that brought extra weight and the price increase.
But not being better is not a bad thing, it all depends on what you’re looking for and the type of runner you are.
The Nitro Elite foam is very soft and comfortable. After the marathon, I had no issues on my feet. The legs were tired of course, but the feet were just fine and ready for more.
Still, the snug fit will be noticed after the initial 20K (12 mi), especially on the medial side, but it’s just noticeable and I had no real issues, no pains, and no blisters.
The Nitro Elite foam delivers a bouncy ride, but the plate is not noticeable, there’s no pop and we need to land hard on this midsole to feel the plate.
So, the plate is there to give us more stability, reinforce the rocker, and improve the toe-off, but will not give us extra propulsion. Something I would appreciate having in the final stage of the marathon.
I also ran a 10K race with this Deviate Nitro Elite 2 and again, I felt no real difference in performance from the first version. I felt more comfort, more stability, and the rocker felt more aggressive, but in the end, I didn’t feel faster, nor did I feel that I was running with a faster shoe. In fact, the first version felt racier.
My main disappointment has to do with the fact that I was expecting more, that's it. Still, this is an amazing lightweight, comfortable, and fast performance shoe that will get you to the finish line of a marathon without any issues. Not only that, but you also get a fun and bouncy ride from the Nitro Elite foam. There aren't many super shoes with a soft ride like the Deviate Nitro Elite 2 so you should take that into consideration. Because of this, this shoe can be used for all your runs, even for recovery runs (but I wouldn't recommend it)! It's that versatile!
Value
You can buy this shoe below 150€ (164 USD). At this price tag, with a carbon plate, and with this softness and ride comfort, you can’t get any better.
But if you can spend more, then you can find better performance shoes both for the short and long-distance running.
Conclusion
For your first marathon, go for the Deviate Nitro Elite 2. You will appreciate the weightless comfort and overall performance.
Suggested Rotation
If you buy the Deviate Nitro Elite 2 in sales, then you have a great shoe for racing and speed work.
So, you still need a daily trainer and I will suggest the Puma Velocity Nitro 2, my favorite daily trainer today.
If you do very long runs, then opt for a 3-shoe rotation and pick the Puma Magnify Nitro 2 or the Saucony Triumph 21 if you want the best and can afford it.
With this combo, you won’t need any more shoes in your rotation.
If you need help building your running shoe rotation, check out this post.
Drop me a line if you have any questions, and don't forget to follow the blog on social media and subscribe to receive a notification when I publish a new blog post.
If you're interested in buying the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2, follow the links below:
- EU: Top4Running - Code "allaboutrunning" for an additional 5% discount.
- UK: ProDirectSport.com
These are affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. It helps out my blog so I can keep bringing new content.
Portuguese-speaking readers, I have this same content in video format here (video below). Visit my YouTube channel.
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