First impression and comfort
Right after unpacking, I was impressed by the appearance of the DEVIATE NITRO 3 model,
which reminded me more of the ELITE 2 racing model than the previous training model.
After putting them on, I immediately felt that the shoe hugged my foot beautifully , which was pleasant.
Thanks to the 10 mm drop (2 mm more than the previous model), I felt...
that the shoes create a pleasant cradle that is very comfortable for running.
Although I was initially concerned about the higher drop, the transition to this model was completely natural .
and I didn't notice a difference while running.
The size fit me the same as the previous version (US 9), but compared to the second , the shoes are narrower at the toe and a little less breathable.
If you are hesitant about choosing a size, I recommend considering a shoe two sizes larger , mainly due to the narrower toe.
I personally usually go one size larger, but in this case I would choose a little more room for my fingers.
The feeling of running
The first workout I found the shoes a little stiffer, which is probably due to the carbon plate, which is a great choice for interval and tempo workouts.
Thanks to the carbon plate, the shoe has excellent energy return on rebound , so with every impact I feel like it helps me lengthen my stride.
However, I would recommend them with a reserve for slower runs, where the pace exceeds 6 min/km. At lower speeds, the carbon plate will not be fully effective.
and the shoe loses some of its potential, which will show especially at a faster pace.
Although not a pure racing model, the Deviate Nitro 3 is certainly suitable as a racing shoe . It offers a great balance between comfort and performance,
making it an excellent choice for races where a fast pace is expected but comfort is also a must.
Summary
I was particularly impressed with the Puma DEVIATE NITRO 3 for faster workouts. It provides great energy return, supports a smooth transition over the toe , and is overall very dynamic.
I'm a little disappointed with the narrower toe and worse breathability compared to the previous model, but otherwise it's a very nice piece that definitely deserves its place in your shoe collection.
If you are looking for a shoe for fast runs, tempo runs, intervals or races , the DEVIATE NITRO 3 is a model worth considering.
I just recommend choosing your size carefully — especially if you have a wider forefoot.
Katerina Swaczynová
