The Deviate Nitro Elite is one of PUMA’s long-distance racing shoes. It has PUMA’s premium midsole foam, and is combined with a carbon plate for extreme propulsion. It’s designed for runners with a quick cadence or turnover. This racer is the most common choice for PUMA elite runners when racing a marathon.
The latest version of the Deviate Elite gets some significant updates but costs $30 more. This comparison will tell you which version you should buy.
Deviate Nitro Elite 3
Deviate NITRO Elite 2
Verdict
The PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is a good racer which performs a variety of distances and paces well. It has a new TPU midsole that allows it to retain its cushioning over long distances however it doesn’t feel as fast as other racers due to its lack of rebound and a prominent forefoot rocker. Version 3 has a thicker midsole but is still lighter than version 2. It also has a steeper carbon plate that makes it feel faster but its price has risen sharply by $30.
The Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 2 is a soft, durable and versatile super shoe which can perform many different roles from intervals, to long runs, to marathon races. It doesn’t provide as much speed assistance as other top-tier super shoes but it’s the most durable and grippiest on the market.
Version 2 has a firmer ride with more powerful toe-offs thanks to its newly designed carbon plate and new foam formulation. It has picked up weight (0.6 oz) and increased in price by $20 but it has better versatility and propulsion than v1.
Recommended for
Racing, speedwork
Racing, speedwork, daily training, long distance racing
Cushioning type
Responsive/balanced
Balanced/plush
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Stability
not particularly stable
some stability
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$230
US$200
The Elite 3 has a new TPU midsole which is infused with nitrogen. According to PUMA, it delivers 93% energy return. The Elite 2 has a PEBA midsole which is also infused with nitrogen. It delivers 83% energy return according to PUMA.
The Elite 3 ride feels bouncier and more lively than the Elite 2. It feels more like a modern super shoe compared to the Elite 2 which feels like a racing flat.
The midsole stack height of the Elite 3 is thicker than the the Elite 2. This results in deeper cushioning and more long-distance comfort so the Elite 3 is the better shoe for long-distances. There’s more ground feel in the Elite 2 due to its thinner midsole.
If you need more stability, the Elite 2 is lower to the ground so it feels more stable. Both racers have narrow bases but the taller Elite 3 feels a lot more unstable when cornering.
The carbon plate in the Elite 3 feels steeper and more aggressive. This is due to the thicker midsole and curvier plate in the Elite 3. The Elite 2’s plate feels much flatter. The Elite 3 also has a more prominent forefoot rocker which makes it feel more efficient.
Both of these versions have very similar uppers made from thin mesh which feels hard and plastic-like. The collar and heel tab are lightly padded so they feel very comfortable. The tongues of both are gusseted and there is no tongue slide.
Both of them have very narrow fitting uppers which will not suit wide-footed runners. The main difference between these two uppers is that the Elite 2 has reflective elements on the heel and sides whereas the Elite 3 has no reflectivity. They are both true to size and only available in one width.
If you’re looking for a more cushioned, more energetic racer for long-distances, the Deviate Elite 3 is the far better option. It feels more like a super shoe and it is also lighter. It costs $30 more than version 2 but the changes are significant and version 3 feels more competitive.
If you’re looking for a racer which feels more like a racing flat, the Deviate Elite 2 is the better option. It has more ground feel and it has a more natural ride. It’s the better option for shorter distances because it doesn’t feel as squishy so it provides a firmer platform to push off from. The Elite 2 is also the better option if you want a safe shoe with reflectors for low-light visibility.
