Puma Deviate Nitro 3 vs Puma Deviate Nitro 4
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 4 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
v4 is wider with a more forgiving upper and an 8mm drop (down from 10mm); worth upgrading
V4 slightly lighter, wider, softer forefoot, better outsole, but worse tongue and lockdown
V4 is more streamlined, bouncier, smoother and more enjoyable than the firmer v3
v4 is half an ounce lighter, softer underfoot, and has a lower 8mm drop vs v3's 10mm, giving more sink-in and less stiff feel
V3 began losing its way; V4 continues that trend
Puma Deviate Nitro 3 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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An extremely durable plated trainer with a mixed Nitro midsole that handles the full spectrum of runs from easy miles to faster sessions without feeling clunky.
In their words: "could be an absolute banger" · "extremely durable materials" · "capable of some faster sessions due to the rigidity of that plate"
Puma Deviate Nitro 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: medium cushion , balanced feel , neutral stability .
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Ed Barratt finds the Deviate Nitro comfortable and good for impact protection and lower weight, but feels it lacks the responsiveness or 'X factor' of the Hyperboost Run, calling it comfortable rather than standout.
Ride:Good impact protection at a low weight but lacks the responsive 'X factor' Ed found in the Hyperboost Run.
In their words: "lacks the X factor to really" · "feels a bit sort of mushy"
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Ben Parkes finds the Deviate Nitro 4 a solid, beginner-friendly entry into plated shoes with a smooth, flexible plate feel, but prefers the cheaper, lighter, more fun Deviate Pure at the current price.
Ride:Flexible carbon composite plate gives a smooth, beginner-friendly first taste of a plated shoe; nimble but not bouncy.
In their words: "quite nimble and nippy" · "not offering the most bouncy ride"
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The Run Testers rank the Deviate Nitro a top value daily trainer — a balanced, stable PEBA-foam ride with standout wet-weather grip that punches above its price, even if it's not the most explosive shoe out there.
In their words: "sits comfortably between cushioning and responsiveness" · "outstanding, even in wet conditions" · "naturally responsive, engaging feel"
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Kofuzi rates the Deviate Nitro 4 as a perennial favorite tempo shoe, most alive at threshold-and-faster paces, but judges the SC Rebel to edge it out overall despite the Puma's slight speed advantage.
Ride:Comes alive most at steady/marathon effort through threshold paces; more explosive than the SC Rebel at the very fastest efforts, and has gotten somewhat more daily-trainer friendly in v4
In their words: "perennially one of my favorite tempo shoes" · "the more aggressive nature of the DV84"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 if
- Distance training building up to a marathon for runners on a budget who want plate + cushion + value. — EDDBUD
- Narrower-footed runners who want a firm, durable plated tempo shoe. — EDDBUD
- Runners who want a durable, well-padded trainer and don't need a wide forefoot — EDDBUD
- Stable cheap plated daily trainer for runners with narrower feet — EDDBUD
Consider the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 if
- A one-quiver super-trainer for runners who want a single shoe to handle easy runs, long runs, tempo work, and intervals. — FORDY RUNS
- Neutral runners wanting a lightweight, versatile do-it-all trainer whose mechanics align with a stiff forefoot rocker. — Doctors of Running
- Longer runs with tempo injections for half/full marathon training — EDDBUD
- Threshold and faster tempo efforts, with growing daily-trainer versatility in v4 — Kofuzi
- Runners wanting a stiff, snappy carbon-plated trainer for workouts and tempo, especially those with narrower feet or higher insteps. — Doctors of Running
- Runners wanting a versatile plated daily trainer with excellent wet-weather grip and a natural, controlled ride. — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 and the Puma Deviate Nitro 4?
The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is a speed trainer and the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is a speed trainer. By the numbers, the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 weighs 269g, has a 44mm heel stack and a 10mm drop, while the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 weighs 241g, has a 35mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $160 for the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 and $170 for the Puma Deviate Nitro 4.
Should I buy the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 or the Puma Deviate Nitro 4?
EDDBUD on the Puma Deviate Nitro 3: Distance training building up to a marathon for runners on a budget who want plate + cushion + value. FORDY RUNS on the Puma Deviate Nitro 4: A one-quiver super-trainer for runners who want a single shoe to handle easy runs, long runs, tempo work, and intervals.
Per EDDBUD, FORDY RUNS.
Has anyone reviewed both the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 and the Puma Deviate Nitro 4?
Yes — FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD, The Run Testers, and Believe in the Run directly compared the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 and the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 in their reviews.
Per FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD, The Run Testers, Believe in the Run.
Which is lighter, the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 or the Puma Deviate Nitro 4?
The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is lighter, at 241g versus 269g (men's 9) — about 28g less.
Which is more cushioned, the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 or the Puma Deviate Nitro 4?
Measured by stack height, the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 has more underfoot foam — 44mm at the heel versus 35mm.