EDDBUDVideo · Mar 18, 2026
It's a light, nimble, and exciting shoe that has addressed some issues from the V3, such as the toe box and tongue padding.
Podium Pick · Race
Puma
Deviate Nitro Elite 4
Race shoe · Neutral · 170 g · 8 mm drop · MSRP $250
BuildPlated
$169.95 at Runner's Roost$25032% off today
Critic consensus
from 11 reviewsThe Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 is an exceptionally lightweight carbon-plated racer that delivers a stable, responsive, and natural-feeling ride. While its firmer underfoot feel and exposed outsole rubber divide opinion on marathon comfort and durability, it excels during fast workouts and race efforts. It best suits runners seeking an agile racing shoe that favors quick cadence over extreme bounce.
Reviewers agree
Exceptionally lightweight build that feels nimble on foot11/11
Breathable upper with secure lockdown from sawtooth laces7/11
Durability concerns from exposed foam and minimal heel rubber5/11
Stable and natural underfoot feel compared to aggressive racers5/11
Reviewers disagree
Suitability for full marathon distances7 vs 3
Underfoot softness compared to the previous model2 vs 7
Toe box room and forefoot width4 vs 3
What reviewers use it for
Race11 of 11
Tempo7 of 11
Long run3 of 11
Easy1 of 11
A shoe earns a tag as soon as one reviewer recommends it for that kind of run; the count shows how many agree. Mentions include synonyms, so “recovery”, “zone 2” and “conversational” all count toward Easy.
Critic reviews
11 reviews · 10 scores inferredFordy RunsVideo · Mar 18, 2026INFERRED
It's an epicly fast, cracking, and phenomenal race day shoe that offers a good balance of speed, control, and forgiveness.
RaceWatch review
RadDadBodTVVideo · Mar 18, 2026INFERRED
It creates a sensation of effortless speed and feels like an extension of the foot, making it his current #1 super shoe for the year.
Believe in the RunVideo · Mar 18, 2026INFERRED
A solid and exciting race-day option that rivals other top-tier super shoes on the market.
RaceWatch review
Believe in the RunVideo · Mar 18, 2026INFERRED
Highly recommended as a top race-day shoe for its versatility, feel, and impressive durability.
Fordy RunsVideo · Mar 18, 2026INFERRED
The combination of foams and the stiffened carbon plate provides an epic feeling of speed and turnover, absorbing faster paces with ease.
Ben ParkesVideo · Mar 18, 2026INFERRED
A fantastic running shoe that offers a great balance of lightness, comfort, and stability, making it an excellent and highly recommended option.
RaceWatch review
KofuziVideo · Mar 13, 2026INFERRED
A very light and fast racing shoe that delivers excellent performance, particularly for heel strikers.