Review: Take A Closer Look at Puma's Deviate Nitro Running Shoes

I stop and admire these shoes before and after I run in them. They're just that pretty. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

A month ago, I received these beautiful Puma Deviate Nitro running shoes. I fell in love with the color (Lava Blast!) immediately. Now, it's time to report on how the shoes performed for me. First, let me give you some shoe specs.

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Disclaimer: I received Puma Deviate Nitro shoes as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews

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Puma Deviate Nitro Shoe Specs

Puma designed this shoe for maximum cushion and improved efficiency on long runs. They focused on weight, airflow, cushioning, and traction. Here are the official specs:

• 7.7 ounces (Women's Size 9.5)
• Heel-to-toe drop is 8mm
• Carbon fiber propulsion INNOPLATE for speed
• NITRO FOAM midsole for light, responsive cushioning
• See-through mesh upper that breathes and supports the foot
• Durable rubber PUMA GRIP outsole for traction on all surfaces
• Thin suede lining around heel collar and tongue
• Lockdown laces for secure fit
• Extra ankle cushion pads
• Visibility; Color plus reflective accents all around the shoe
• Removable insole​ ​​

Lava Blast Womens Deviate Nitro Running Shoes weigh 7.7 ounces. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

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My Results After 30 Days, 15 Runs and 72 Miles

Puma says these shoes were designed with women's feet in mind. Per Puma, that means a narrowed heel, adjusted arch ratio and a lower instep.

Those changes may not work for everyone, but they worked for me. I appreciate every consideration Puma made! I feel like these shoes were custom made for me.

I took the Deviate Nitros out 15 times over 4 weeks. My runs varied from 2 to 10 miles. Most of the time, I ran for 4 or 5 miles. Keep reading to learn about my experience in these shoes.

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The lightweight mesh upper keeps the temp down inside the shoe. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Breathable Mesh Upper

The "engineered mesh" upper is see-through, but supportive. It breathes! I run in Florida in the Summer, so this is a big deal for me.

My feet stay cooler than they do in other shoes. The mesh upper + wicking socks keep my feet happy.

At first glance, I wondered if the toe box was big enough for my long second toe. But that mesh came through for me.

Because it's flexible, it moves with my toes instead of banging against them. No issues like soreness or black toenails.

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NITRO FOAM Cushioning

I really like the NITRO foam. It's cushy and responsive. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Usually I rotate 3 pairs of shoes between my runs so the shoe's cushion has time to re-expand.

To really test the NITRO FOAM, I wore my shoes several days in a row for runs of 4 to 5 miles.

I wanted to see if the NITRO FOAM stayed cushy. It did. My longest run to date in these shoes was 10 miles. I have no doubt they'll perform well on even longer distances. 

The NITRO FOAM doesn't feel like I'm trying to run on a pillow-top mattress. The foam is responsive and cushy without being too much.

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Carbon Fiber Propulsion INNOPLATE

The PUMA GRIP sole gives these shoes traction on every surface. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Puma says this fiber INNOPLATE turns your foot into a lever that propels you forward.

All I know is I felt like running faster and longer in these Pumas. The proof is that I've been running lots of hill repeats with joy. 
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Durable PUMA GRIP Outsole

I ran on sidewalks, treadmills, streets, brick alleys, dirt trails, grassy knolls, and gravel. It was all good. 72 miles in, my shoes may be dirty, but there's plenty of grip left on the soles.

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Suede Collar and Lockdown Lacing for Secure Fit

Some people may not like the thin ankle collar. If you're used to extra padding on the back of your heel, this is different.

Suede edges on the shoe tongue and lacing system keep it in place while running. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

You can see the extra ankle cushion bump and the reflective silver tag and accent on the back of the shoe. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

I prefer thin ankle collars. The bonus with the Puma Deviate Nitros is the suede material.

Get your foot in place and the suede keeps it there. I really like the bump out suede cushions on either side of the ankle.

There's suede around the edges of the tongue, too. The wide tongue and suede lacing set up prevent slippage. The tongue doesn't move around.

​Everything stays in place throughout my runs. No rubbing or slipping. No blisters.

A suede covered bump out on each side of the ankle helps secure the shoe's fit. The insole is removable. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

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Glamour shot of the Puma Deviate Nitro Running Shoe. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Visibility

First, the bright neon-orange lava color is easy to see. I love bright colors because they're fun, but also help drivers see me.

Puma put reflective accents all around the shoe. There's reflective mesh in the upper, silver stripes on the sides, and a silver heel strip. There's also a silver accent in the foam heel.

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Removable Insole

I always appreciate when the insole is removable. It gives runners a choice to add supportive or corrective insoles.

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How My Shoes Look After 72 Miles

As you can see in the photos below, there's plenty of grip, cushion and color in my shoes after 72 miles.

There's some wear on the stripe on the outside of my left shoe, and some dirt all over. It's purely cosmetic wear and tear at this point.

I'm really impressed with the PUMA GRIP sole. Sometimes foam soles melt away after minimal miles. That didn't happen here. This shoe looks like it's going to go far.

My Final Thoughts on Puma Deviate Nitro Shoes

My advice is to try these on in person. Make sure they're the right shoes for your feet before spending the money.

​They retail for $160 and that's not cheap, even if it is getting to be a common price point. So far, I think they're worth the price.

​My feet were happy in these shoes right away. The shoes are super light, comfy and secure. I didn't have any breaking in period. I didn't have any blisters or irritations. I wore them on every surface I could think of and they felt GOOD.

Be open to the idea that a shoe can fit like a glove. The mesh upper is super comfy, flexible and accommodating. I love that my foot doesn't slip or slide. It's the perfect toe box for me, but it won't be right for everyone.

If you're looking for a long-distance shoe that puts a bounce in your step — try Puma Deviate Nitro! I'm keeping this shoe in my rotation for all the miles.

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