Puma Deviate Nitro 4 Review - A do-it-all super trainer that stays true to what makes the Deviate line great
- FORDY RUNS
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The Puma Deviate Nitro line has quietly built a reputation as one of the most reliable super trainers on the market, and the Deviate Nitro 4 continues that trend. This is Puma’s latest update to a shoe designed to handle just about everything you can throw at it—easy runs, long runs, workouts, and faster sessions—without needing to swap footwear.
The big question is simple: has Puma improved it enough to justify the update? Short answer: yes.
What Is the Deviate Nitro 4?
The Deviate Nitro 4 sits firmly in the versatile super trainer category. It’s not a pure race shoe, and it’s not a soft daily plodder either. Instead, it’s designed to be the shoe you can grab when you don’t want to think too hard about your session—short, long, fast, or slow.
This line has been one of the best all-rounders for several years now, although previous versions divided opinion due to a slightly narrow fit. Version 4 aims to fix that.
Key Stats & Features
Price: £150
Release date: 23rd January 2026
Stack height: 38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot
Drop: 8 mm (down from 10 mm in v3)
Weight: 273 g (UK 9.5)
Plate: Carbon composite (more flexible than full carbon)
Outsole: PumaGrip
Midsole & Ride
Puma has gone with a dual-foam setup, and it works exactly as intended:
Top layer: PEBA-based foam for bounce and propulsion
Plate: A carbon composite plate that adds snap without feeling harsh
Bottom layer: A firmer PEBA/EVA blend for stability and control
The result is a ride that feels firm but responsive, rather than soft and mushy. If you’re familiar with firmer trainers like the Adidas Boston, this sits slightly softer than that, but firmer than many plated trainers on the market. The shoe feels stable, predictable, and efficient, whether you’re ticking off easy miles or picking up the pace. It’s exactly what you want from a shoe that’s supposed to cover so many bases.
Upper & Fit
This is one of the biggest improvements.
The new upper is:
More forgiving
Less restrictive
Noticeably wider than version 3
There’s far more give in the material, which should help runners who previously struggled with Puma’s narrower fits. The gusseted tongue, lace setup, and overall lockdown are excellent—something Puma consistently does well.
Comfort-wise, it’s spot on:
No hotspots
No rubbing
No arch issues
There’s enough padding around the heel for long runs, while the tongue remains lightweight and race-inspired.
Outsole: PumaGrip Excellence
PumaGrip continues to be one of the best outsoles in running—full stop. Wet roads, frost, icy patches… it just grips. Compared to many competitors, it’s genuinely night and day. If you run year-round in unpredictable conditions, this alone is a huge selling point.
Sizing
Sizing has always been the hot topic with Puma.
Good news: this version feels wider and more accommodating than previous Deviate Nitro models. While some Puma shoes can feel tight over longer distances for certain runners, the Deviate Nitro 4 shows real improvement here. True to size worked perfectly, and the added flexibility in the upper should suit a broader range of feet.
Performance: The True All-Rounder
This shoe does exactly what it’s meant to do:
Easy runs ✔️
Long runs ✔️
Faster sessions ✔️
Treadmill intervals ✔️
The dual foam and composite plate combination works beautifully. It absorbs impact on easy days, then firms up and responds when you push the pace. Stability is excellent, and transitions feel smooth and controlled. That’s why the Deviate Nitro series has always been so popular—it just works.
Final Verdict
The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is everything you’d expect from this line—and a little bit more.
Improved upper
Slightly wider fit
Excellent grip
Versatile, reliable ride