Puma Deviate Pure Nitro vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 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.
The Endorphin Speed 5 is denser with a hint of stability and a nylon plate, and is better at tough workouts; the Deviate Pure is the cleaner pure daily trainer without that stability density
Listed as a similar plated-free speed shoe option
Puma Deviate Pure Nitro — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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A team favorite lightweight daily trainer that Nate still rates highly, though in this head-to-head he leans toward the firmer, more rocker-forward Fila Speedtempo Plus.
Ride:Softer and slightly more compliant than the Fila, with a flatter transition and more forefoot flexibility rather than a rocker-driven roll.
Fit:Slightly snugger than the Fila Speedtempo Plus with a touch more width through the midfoot/ground-contact platform.
In their words: "one of the favorites" · "felt a little bit flatter"
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The Run Testers see the Deviate Pure Nitro as a strong, similarly priced shoe that comes across more as a daily trainer than a speed shoe, so despite once being touted as an Evo SL rival, it doesn't count as an Evo SL killer.
Ride:Simple, very light Nitro supercritical PEBA foam, about the same weight or slightly lighter than the Evo SL; suits steady/easy paces better than flat-out speed and was tested directly back-to-back with the Evo SL in a track session.
In their words: "comes across actually as a daily trainer" · "I kind of love the pure"
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Ben Parkes calls the Deviate Pure a standout of Puma's lineup — fast, light, fun, and comfortable enough for long runs, and more stable than the Adidas Evo Speed, if slightly less outright quick.
Ride:Plateless, lightweight, and versatile at both daily and race paces; comfortable enough for 24K straight out of the box.
Fit:Runs narrow — fine for standard/narrow feet, but wider feet should consider passing.
In their words: "a real gem of Puma's lineup" · "very fast and very fun"
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A well-priced, roomy, higher-stack daily trainer that can double as a recovery/easy-day shoe — not exciting, but solid value.
In their words: "this hits the right notes for me"
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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Ed Bud finds the Endorphin Speed 5 stable and consistent with improved outsole grip, but says it lacks the exhilarating feel of earlier versions and is about an ounce heavier and less lively than the SC Rebel.
Ride:The denser PWR RUN PB midsole gives a more consistent, more stable ride than the SC Rebel, but with less heel stack and less of the exhilarating feel of the first couple of versions.
In their words: "the same exhilarating feel" · "more consistent feel across the footbed" · "improved outsole grip on the Speed 5"
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The Run Testers still rate the Endorphin Speed 5 a top faster-daily pick — light, snug, and peppy thanks to PWRRUN PB foam and a nylon plate, comfortable enough for long runs too, and a smart buy now it's dropped in price.
In their words: "pleasingly light and has a fit that's snug" · "smooth and peppy fashion" · "remains a smart buy"
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Kofuzi sees the Endorphin Speed 5 as more heel-stable than the SC Rebel but less lively at tempo paces due to its stability-oriented plastic plate, and a strong value pick now discounted to $150.
Ride:More stable in the heel than the SC Rebel, but the plastic plate gives less forefoot pop at tempo efforts than the SC Rebel or the carbon-plated Endorphin Pro
In their words: "much more stable in the heel" · "I feel like it's almost disappearing"
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A well-named speed shoe with a flexible nylon plate — a good dual-use option for training and budget-friendly racing without the cost of a full carbon super shoe.
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 Pure Nitro if
- Everyday daily training and long runs for runners wanting stability and comfort over speed; pairs well with a faster shoe for interval days. — The Run Testers
- Easy-to-steady daily training and everyday miles. — The Run Testers
- Runners who want a versatile do-it-all trainer with a snappier feel for faster efforts — Doctors of Running
- A budget speed-session shoe for tearing up speed reps. — Ben Parkes
- Versatile daily training shoe that can handle easy runs, long runs, and tempo work — Doctors of Running
- Daily training, tempo efforts, and short speed intervals for runners who want a lighter, more direct non-plated trainer. — The Run Testers
Consider the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 if
- All-round daily training and faster efforts for runners who don't mind a firmer, snappier ride — The Run Testers
- Streamlined allrounder for marathon training and racing. — The Run Testers
- A versatile training partner to a carbon race shoe for runners wanting a fast daily trainer that can also handle easy runs and even racing — The Run Testers
- Road ultra runners who prefer ground feel and a more connected, faster-rolling ride rather than maximum cushioning. — The Run Testers
- Speed sessions and budget racing for runners who want a plated speed shoe — Ben Is Running
- Runners prioritizing heel stability and value over maximal tempo pop — Kofuzi
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5?
The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is a daily trainer and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a speed trainer. By the numbers, the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro weighs 213g, has a 37mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 weighs 238g, has a 37mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 has a Nylon plate (asymmetric medial wing); the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro has none. MSRP is $150 for the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro and $175 for the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5.
Should I buy the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5?
The Run Testers on the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro: Everyday daily training and long runs for runners wanting stability and comfort over speed; pairs well with a faster shoe for interval days. The Run Testers on the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: All-round daily training and faster efforts for runners who don't mind a firmer, snappier ride.
Per The Run Testers.
Has anyone reviewed both the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5?
Yes — Kofuzi and Ben Parkes directly compared the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 in their reviews.
Per Kofuzi, Ben Parkes.
Which is lighter, the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5?
The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is lighter, at 213g versus 238g (men's 9) — about 25g less.
Which is cheaper, the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5?
The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is cheaper at $150 versus $175 MSRP — about $25 less.