Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 2 Verdict
The Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 2 is a super cool shoe that’s soft, tough, and can do a lot of running jobs. It’s not the fastest shoe out there, but it’s strong and sticks to the ground really well. This new version of the shoe is a bit harder, so you can push off your toes better. It’s a bit heavier (like, not by much) and a bit more expensive (like, 20 bucks more), but it’s better for doing different kinds of runs and getting a good push when you need it.
Who should buy the Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 2 ?
If you want a super shoe that can handle both training and racing, the Deviate Elite 2 is the way to go. It’s like the top student in its class. It’s got a tough outsole with lots of rubber and the foam inside is super strong. Plus, it’s really good at moving smoothly from heel to toe because it’s not too tall.
Who should not buy the Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 2 ?
If you’re after a racing shoe that gives you a big boost of speed, the Deviate Elite 2 might not be your best bet. Its flexible carbon plate and soft midsole don’t quite put it in the top ranks of speedy shoes.
Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 2 Introduction
The Deviate Elite used to be Puma’s top-tier marathon racing shoe. However, in the past year, the new Puma Fast R NITRO Elite super shoe was introduced, priced $50 higher than the Deviate Elite. Interestingly, Puma’s elite runners still opt for the Deviate Elite when racing marathons, rather than the Fast R Elite.
This choice suggests that the Deviate Elite offers better stability and cushioning compared to the Fast R, making it more suitable for longer distances like full marathons.
When I tested the first version of the Deviate Nitro Elite last year, I appreciated its durability and stability, but I felt it lacked a bit of propulsion for racing—I didn’t experience enough energy return from its midsole and plate design. I hoped that the Deviate Elite 2 would feature a thicker midsole and a more dynamic sole setup.
In terms of appearance, the Deviate Elite 2 looks quite similar to its predecessor, but its upper, midsole, and outsole have all been redesigned. Even the carbon plate inside it has been updated.
The Deviate Elite 2 maintains the midsole stack heights of 36 mm (heel) and 28 mm (forefoot), identical to version 1. Its weight has increased to 7.4 oz (210 g), which is 0.6 oz (17 g) more than the previous model. This weight gain is due to the new upper and outsole rubber. Additionally, there’s a substantial $20 price hike, bringing it to $220, making it nearly as expensive as the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3.
The pair I have here is the special Singapore Marathon edition of the Deviate Elite 2, known as the Electrocharged colorway. It features a custom Singapore Marathon logo insole, securely attached to the strobel lining.
Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 2 First Impressions
I took the Deviate Elite 2 for a spin on a 30 km weekend run at a moderate pace. On the whole, the experience was quite similar to the original Deviate Elite, though I did sense a slightly firmer ride this time around.
The toe-off phase felt notably more potent, a result of the revised carbon plate shape. The ride itself felt more streamlined and less squishy, thanks to the adjustments in foam density.
What caught my attention was the redesigned upper, which felt significantly more substantial and notably more comfortable compared to the minimal upper of the previous version. The lockdown sensation was notably improved with this updated upper.
To my pleasant surprise, the ride had seen more changes than I had anticipated. The long run felt remarkably effortless, and the overall comfort was truly impressive.
Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 2 Upper
The new upper is crafted from an engineered mesh, in contrast to the previous version’s mono-mesh. This time, the mesh feels noticeably thicker, sacrificing a bit of breathability for a more substantial feel. However, it’s a welcomed change as it lacks the plastic-like sensation.
A major improvement is the addition of extra padding on the interior of the collar. This results in enhanced comfort around the ankle and better lockdown for the heel. Overall, this tweak makes the Deviate Elite 2 feel cozier and more race-ready.
I’m particularly thrilled with the new tongue design, now secured on both sides to the upper. This eliminates the lateral tongue slide issue present in the v1. Additionally, the Puma logos on the heels are reflective, making them suitable for low-light training runs.
The fit remains true to size, with a roomy forefoot and toe-box. I’d say it’s one of the more comfortable super shoes out there. Notably, this year’s version is slightly shorter than last year’s, negating the need to opt for a half size down.
Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 2 Sole Unit
There are only two super shoes that I felt were too soft for racing: the New Balance SC Elite and the Puma Deviate Elite. Both of these shoes use super-soft midsoles, and in both cases, I felt like a lot of my energy was getting absorbed by the midsole foam. It seems both companies took this feedback into account, as the latest versions of their racing shoes now have firmer rides.
In the case of the Deviate Elite 2, they’ve used Nitro Elite foam, which is a nitrogen-infused PEBA foam that feels slightly firmer than the first version. This is great news for those runners who found the first version too mushy. Personally, I now enjoy doing faster workouts like short intervals in the Deviate Elite 2 because of its more solid ride.
Still, it remains one of the softer super shoes available. While it’s not as soft as the New Balance Elite v3, it’s definitely softer than the Alphafly 2, Endorphin Elite, Metaspeed Sky+, and Carbon X3. If you prefer a firmer feel, the Deviate Elite 2 might feel a bit too soft for your liking.
In the original Deviate Elite, the carbon plate was forked with two prongs (similar to the Deviate Nitro training shoe). However, the new plate in the Deviate Elite 2 has a more traditional, solid shape. This change results in a stiffer forefoot that provides more powerful toe-offs. The shoe also offers more resistance when it flexes, giving it a snappier feel.
I find it easier to increase my pace in the second version, and I appreciate the more pronounced sensation from the plate. Compared to other carbon-plated racers like the Endorphin Pro 3, Vaporfly 2, and Adios Pro 3, the plate in the Deviate Elite 2 is still relatively flexible. This translates to smoother transitions and less strain on the calves.
The Deviate Elite 2 truly shines during longer training runs when you’re moving at a slower pace compared to workouts and races. It manages to strike a balance between smooth transitions and efficiency, making it feel like it conserves your energy. This shoe is a delight for runs lasting over 3 hours.
Despite having a soft midsole, the Deviate Elite 2 stands out with its stability, particularly because it has a lower stack height of just 36 mm in the heel. This means that even though the midsole is soft, the shoe still feels relatively steady. Taking sharp turns is comfortable and effortless in the Elite 2. If you tend to slightly overpronate, this shoe should offer you a stable ride. It’s also comfortable at slower paces (above 5 minutes 30 seconds per km or 8 minutes per mile). So, if you’re a slower runner, you’ll still experience a stable and smooth ride.
The outsole rubber has been upgraded from PUMAGRIP LT to the regular PUMAGRIP found in other Puma training shoes. This type of rubber is thicker and more durable than what was used in the Deviate Elite 1. However, this change does add some extra weight to the shoe.
In terms of durability, the Deviate Elite 2 is quite impressive. After putting the shoe through testing, there’s only minor wear visible on the outsole and minimal creasing in the midsole. It’s safe to say that this is the most long-lasting super shoe I’ve tried so far.
Similar to the Deviate Nitro 2, the forefoot lugs have been updated to a teardrop shape, greatly enhancing traction. It offers a secure grip in various weather conditions.
Another new feature on the outsole is a shallow decoupled groove beneath the rearfoot. This addition makes the heel feel more energetic and dynamic during your runs.
Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 2 Conclusions
I personally find the Deviate Elite 2 to be a better choice compared to the first version. The slightly firmer foam and the new carbon plate combination make the shoe feel more energetic and propel you forward with more speed. Additionally, the upper is now more comfortable, giving the shoe an overall more polished feel. Although it has gained weight and the price has gone up, I would still choose version 2 over version 1.
Had the Deviate Elite 2 remained priced at $200, it would have offered excellent value for money and been a great deal. This shoe stands out as the most durable super shoe while maintaining impressive versatility.
If you’re seeking a rugged super shoe that’s suitable for both racing and training, the Deviate Elite 2 is a fantastic choice. It boasts generous rubber coverage and its tough foam resists scuffs and chips. You can confidently use it for various types of runs, including intervals, tempo runs, short races, and even marathons.
Despite its improvements, it’s important to note that the Deviate Elite 2 doesn’t quite reach the level of top-tier racers. There’s still potential for further enhancement by maximizing its stack height to the 40 mm limit (currently 36 mm) and adjusting its carbon plate to provide more propulsion at the forefoot, resulting in greater speed assistance.