I’ve logged around 50 miles in the PUMA Deviate NITRO 2, and despite really wanting to love it, I eventually had to stop using it for running. It just didn’t hold up once the miles started to add up, even though many runners swear by it for distance. At this point, it’s been relegated to walking duty in my rotation, which isn’t what I expected from a shoe in this category.
That was especially disappointing because my first impression was overwhelmingly positive. At $160, the Deviate NITRO 2 felt exciting right out of the box, and visually, it’s one of the best-looking running shoes I’ve owned. The breathability is excellent, durability feels solid, and the traction is easily among the best I’ve tested across a wide range of surfaces. I also genuinely enjoy the springy, soft feel of the NITRO foam, which gives the shoe a lively, modern underfoot sensation.
The midsole does a great job of encouraging forward momentum, particularly on steady efforts, and the NITRO foam grows on you the more time you spend in it. That said, I’m still unsure about how I feel regarding the NITRO Elite foam used in the Deviate. While it’s lighter and softer than standard NITRO, it doesn’t quite click for me over longer distances. It’s a shoe I admire for its design, materials, and grip, even if the ride itself didn’t fully match my expectations for long-run performance.
PROS
The carbon plate in the Deviate NITRO 2 does a noticeable job of boosting efficiency, helping with energy transfer and forward momentum when I pick up the pace. Underfoot, the ride feels purposeful, while the engineered mesh upper wraps my foot securely without feeling restrictive. The PWRTAPE reinforcement adds structure where it’s needed, keeping everything stable without weighing the shoe down.
The upper is one of the biggest highlights for me. It’s incredibly thin and breathable, so much so that I can easily see the color of my socks through it, yet it’s also proven to be impressively durable. After months of running and all-day walking, mine still shows no meaningful signs of wear. Compared to the uppers on most of my other running shoes, this one feels more premium, and it pairs especially well with high-end athletic gear.
When I compare the Deviate NITRO 2 directly with the Velocity NITRO 2, the price difference immediately makes sense. The quality of the upper and the lacing system on the Deviate is clearly a step up, both in feel and execution. The Deviate also comes in a broader range of color options, which adds to its appeal if you care about both performance and aesthetics.
CONS
Across my runs, I consistently felt lower-limb discomfort in the PUMA Deviate NITRO 2, largely because it allows more foot mobility than I’m used to, even compared to most neutral trainers. While that freedom can work for some runners, it didn’t work in my favor. When my foot started to roll inward or outward, the shoe didn’t offer enough stability to guide it back into a more efficient path, which became a drawback over time.
I have flatness in my right foot from past soccer injuries, so stability shoes usually make more sense for me. That said, I can still run comfortably in stable neutral shoes when they offer the right balance of structure and freedom. The Velocity NITRO 2 is a good example, and it’s one of my preferred daily trainers because it feels supportive without being restrictive. With the Deviate, that balance just wasn’t there for me.
The main issue seems to come from the rearfoot. The heel and ankle area on the Deviate feels less structured compared to the Velocity, and I noticed I missed the sense of security around the ankle during runs. Because of that, it’s also my least favorite option for gym use, where lateral stability matters more. Even the insole plays a role. The Velocity’s contoured insole has a more defined arch shape, while the Deviate feels flatter and less supportive under my foot.
The large cutout in the middle of the midsole exposes the PWRPLATE, and in my experience, it tends to trap small rocks. I don’t always feel a pebble right away while running, but once I notice it, it becomes hard to ignore. It’s a minor annoyance, but one that keeps popping up, especially compared to the Velocity NITRO, which doesn’t have this issue.
That said, the Deviate’s more neutral, free-moving design will work better for runners with efficient mechanics who don’t need any stabilizing features. For those runners, the added foot mobility can feel natural and beneficial, allowing the shoe to move more freely with the stride rather than guiding or restricting it.
Final Thoughts
The PUMA Deviate NITRO 2 is easily the best-looking running shoe I’ve tested, and it backs up that appearance with strong performance in several key areas. It feels fast, highly breathable, and impressively durable, with an upper that locks my foot in securely while still offering a toe box that feels accommodating, even for slightly wider feet. From a build and materials standpoint, it’s a shoe that feels premium and built to last.
Where it becomes more specific is in who it’s best for. As a neutral runner with efficient mechanics, you’ll likely appreciate the freedom and speed it offers. For me, though, the lack of stability features is noticeable, and runners who supinate or overpronate may find it less suitable over longer runs. It’s a great option for those who don’t need correction and want a fast, sleek trainer, but it’s not designed to guide or control the stride when support is needed.
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