INTRO

THOMAS: Puma made a strong push in the running market last year with a full collection of footwear that caught our attention. Overall, the lineup impressed us, though there was potential for refinement. The Deviate Nitro stood out as a crowd-pleaser for most, yet for our team, the heel design fell short of exceptional, landing it in the solid category. Issues like heel slippage or inadequate cushioning could lead to discomfort or blisters. While the Nitro foam paired with a carbon-enhanced plate delivered a comfortable experience, it lacked the responsiveness we anticipated. Still, as one of Puma’s first notable entries in years, it sparked excitement and signaled their return to competitive running.

At the time, doubts lingered about Puma’s dedication to this category, especially amid widespread supply challenges in 2021 and 2022 that impacted the brand significantly. Consequently, the company released only four models this year: the Fast-R, Velocity Nitro 2, XX Nitro WMS tailored for women, and the updated Deviate Nitro 2. We’re pleased to note that these revisions have enhanced the originals, building on feedback and advancing key features.

BRANDON: No need to hold back—Puma has truly excelled with this release. It might just be my top pick for everyday running shoes this year. I skipped the first version of the Deviate Nitro, but the sequel packs everything you’d want. With the introduction of Nitro Elite foam, this shoe elevates the experience remarkably. Let’s break down what makes it stand out.

MEAGHAN: The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 arrives with a complete layer of Nitro Elite Foam, a refined Pwrplate, and enhanced cushioning around the collar and heel area. These changes represent thoughtful upgrades that address previous shortcomings. Now, let’s explore the specifics in more detail.

THE GOOD

THOMAS: Credit where it’s due—Puma clearly took runner input to heart by swapping out the problematic heel structure for a more conventional, well-padded design that performs effectively. The result? No more heel instability or irritation to worry about. The upper features a sophisticated blend of lightweight, breathable mesh in the forefoot and a denser weave for added support where needed. A strategic strip of PWRTAPE along the arch side maintains stability without extra bulk. The tongue, with its subtle padding and integrated gusset, blends seamlessly, providing a secure fit. In short, the upper delivers flawlessly: it runs true to size, promotes airflow, and avoids any pressure points. Even the lacing system is unremarkable in the best way—no complaints here.

Puma’s Nitro foams have earned their reputation, and the Deviate Nitro 2 takes it further. While the standard Nitro in the prior model was adequate, the new full-length Nitro Elite layer offers superior softness and energy return, enhancing the overall feel. To balance this, Puma incorporated a secondary layer of standard Nitro in the heel for optimal support. Nestled between these foams is a carbon composite Pwrplate, which not only boosts forward propulsion during push-off but also improves the shoe’s stability across various surfaces. This combination draws from advancements in material science, where carbon plates are known to increase efficiency in mid-distance runs by up to 5-10% in energy return, according to industry studies.

As expected, the shoe sits on Puma’s reliable Pumagrip outsole, a compound that’s consistently ranked among the top for traction and longevity in running circles. Puma claims this iteration features an optimized formula for even better performance—though the exact enhancements aren’t detailed, our tests confirm it holds up exceptionally well on diverse terrains.

BRANDON: Heading into this evaluation, I didn’t expect much, as Puma’s offerings have typically been competent but not outstanding. Yet, the Deviate Nitro 2 shifts that narrative. The Nitro Elite foam infusion provides the perfect mix of plush cushioning and lively rebound that I crave for daily miles. Paired with the carbon-infused plate, it delivers the right amount of support and a dynamic push-off, making transitions feel effortless and quick.

This model stands out as a versatile daily companion—lightweight enough for easy runs, yet responsive for speed work or tempo sessions. The upper offers a comfortable embrace with excellent midfoot security, thanks to the gusseted tongue that locks in without pinching.

Down at the outsole, Puma Grip continues to impress as a leader in the field, offering durability that extends beyond 400 miles while maintaining superior grip on wet or uneven paths. I was particularly struck by how confidently the shoe handled sharp turns, a testament to its enhanced traction design.

MEAGHAN: The team has already touched on the key points, so I’ll keep it concise. From the first step, the shoe feels inviting, fitting accurately and accommodating wider feet with ease. The bolstered padding in the heel and collar addresses past issues, eliminating any slippage or discomfort. It took a run or two to fully appreciate, but now the Nitro Elite foam and Pwrplate combo delivers an engaging, energetic ride that keeps me coming back. As for the outsole, Puma Grip’s renowned stickiness remains unmatched, providing reliable performance across the board.

THE BAD

THOMAS: Puma has effectively resolved all the gripes I had with the initial version, leaving little room for criticism. This shoe excels as a daily trainer. Initially, the toebox felt a tad snug on my first outing, but it either adjusted quickly or a simple lace adjustment fixed it—no ongoing problems.

BRANDON: Finding faults here is a challenge; I had to look hard. At $160, it’s on the premium side for a standard trainer, though not exorbitantly so. In my view, pricing it around $130-$140 could have made it an irresistible value, potentially boosting its market appeal given the competition.

MEAGHAN: Echoing the others, there’s not much to fault. However, since Puma positions this as their most cushioned option, I wouldn’t mind seeing additional foam layers for even greater underfoot protection on longer outings.

PUMA DEVIATE NITRO 2 CONCLUSION

THOMAS: Puma has delivered a standout performer with the Deviate Nitro 2, positioning it as a serious candidate for the best daily trainer of the year. It checks all the essential boxes: a durable, ventilated upper that fits perfectly, a responsive cushioning system suitable for any mileage, enhanced by a plate for added dynamism, and an outsole that excels in grip and versatility. Visually, it’s sleek and appealing, with no real drawbacks to note. At $160, it sits toward the higher end for non-plated daily shoes but remains competitive against plated rivals.

For context, this model holds its own against options like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, which retails at a similar price and offers comparable features, though Puma’s foam technology provides a unique edge in energy return, as evidenced by user feedback and performance metrics from running labs.

BRANDON: In terms of adaptability and dependability, the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 covers about 90% of a runner’s needs. Its aesthetic appeal is matched by the superior ride from the Nitro Elite foam, ensuring smooth strides and efficient turnover. If you’re already a fan of Puma’s lineup, this one is sure to become a staple.

MEAGHAN: Consensus among the team is a strong endorsement, and the Deviate Nitro 2 has quickly become a go-to in our regular rotation. That level of agreement speaks volumes about its quality and performance.

The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 is available for $160, offering a blend of innovation and practicality that’s worth considering for your next running purchase.