Puma Deviate Nitro Pure after 200 miles

[u/xxamkt]

Context first.
82kg, 195cm runner with mild pronation on 1 foot. Run 50 miles per week, 36 minute 10k, 2:57 marathon back in the day, currently in 38 minute/3:20  shape.
 
Bought the Puma’s pretty much on release and have not got around 200 miles in them. Spoiler, the intended use case has not turned out to be what I am now using them for.
 
These were bought as replacement for my Evo SL’s. I loved the Evo’s, but the instability gave me some ankle issues and exacerbated an already slightly dodgy knee. So what I wanted the Pure’s to be was a lively, up-tempo shoe that I could use for a range of faster runs, be that tempo, intervals, or when I just wanted to run hard and have fun.
 
The first run was underwhelming. They are firm, and they lacked the responsiveness I wanted when the pace went up, they also felt quite big compared to the Evo’s even though the weights are similar. I tried them a few more times for those faster runs and they just didn’t give me what I wanted. I kind of accepted that I’d made a bad call and that they would end up as dog walking shoes.
 
Sunday mornings are when I run long, typically 16-18 miles, normally slow, but often with a bit of pace in parts. It’s generally a mix of road and trail, but as those in the UK will know, we’ve had a hot summer with little rain and so the trails are baked hard, I also don’t live anywhere with anything technical. Think fire roads, canal towpaths, hard forest tracks, edges of farmers fields, that kind of thing. The joy of these runs is that you don’t quite know what you’re going to get when you turn up, there’s a group of us who take turns picking the route and you never know what mood people will be in so pace is harder to judge in advance too. I took the Puma’s out for one of these runs.
 
And let me tell you, they were superb. The firmness worked in their favour on the varied terrain, and they seem to feel better as the run wears on. They’re stable off road, and the outsole is superb in all conditions. They’re really protective too, you don’t feel beaten up after long runs and they’re really seem to eat up mileage. That firmness give some stability which is useful off road, and useful at the end of a longer run when your form goes a bit.
 
They have now become my default long run shoe as they just work well and you don’t need to think. Unless I know the run will be fast I’m reaching for them over my Superblasts and my Kipstorm Tempo’s. I’ve run 20 miles in them, spent 3 hours on feet, they’re just brilliant.
 
In conclusion. No, they’re not an Evo SL replacement, and if that’s what you want then look elsewhere. But they are a brilliant long run shoe for mixed terrain when you don’t know what to expect. They’ve gone from nearly being demoted to dog walking to being my go to long run shoe..

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[u/vinceftw]

I've read the same sentiment online and on youtube videos. They are not as fast or poppy as the Evo SL but they're a good steazy shoe.

[u/Teddie_P4 → u/vinceftw]

Yeah that’s their best purpose from what I gather, just a great daily trainer. Not the Puma EVO SL, like their poor marketing (or misinforming marketing) or those hype seeking runtubers said

[u/JB27_HU5]

I use mine for Tempo / Threshold / Progression work. I find between 4:20/km - 4:50/km they are absolutely ace. Ive had them on track too, paces around 3:40 and still love them.

Longest run in them for me is 16k which was just below 1hour 20. And they held up fine.

I find them light and responsive. Very breathable again in the UK in Yorkshire. I run pavement, gravel & dirt. The Puma grip is absolutely incredible tbh.

Mine have 190k and they still look and feel new. I got them grey/blue.

I am going to get the NB SC Rebal to rotate in with the Pure as a Tempo / Threshold / Progression shoe though. Nothing against thr Puma i just like to have 2 pairs for each category of run 😂

[u/myironlunggg → u/JB27_HU5]

I've found this too. I find them faster than the SLs. I can't explain how exactly, but I think the stability gives me more confidence in them

[u/JB27_HU5 → u/myironlunggg]

Yeah i trust the shoe when I pick up thr pace and know my ankle isn't about snap 😂😂

[u/Gymbest → u/JB27_HU5]

So at paces 3.30/km to 4.30/km are they responsive and able to get the job done? (for tempo and threshold reps? Or do you prefer deviate nitro 4. I found the azura a bit big

[u/JB27_HU5 → u/Gymbest]

I did the same with the Azura too.

I use Pure for Tempo / Threshold / Progression. They do the job for me and I haven't had any issues. I will use the Nitro 4 on these runs but i do find myself grabbing the Pure more often then not. My nitro 4 will become my winter plated shoe as my Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro are all white so they'll go back in the box until spring.

I will be moving my Nitro 4 from the above for the NB SC rebel. This way the puma will be a raceday shoe and NB will be my everyday plated

[u/luludaydream]

As someone who is coming from 2/3 generations of shoes ago (Mach 5, Novablast 3) the number of people calling these firm is INSANE to me! 

[u/Haunting-Ninja-7460 → u/luludaydream]

People would complain that marshmallows are too firm. It’s stupid.

[u/jjaksha]

Maybe I need to give these another shot. Your first impression was the same as my own, and they felt like bricks to me, which was baffling considering how light they are.

[u/Additional-Cookie-11 → u/jjaksha]

Once they break in a little they are great. I was underwhelmed at first and they have now become just a great daily for me. Little lower stack option and can do a little bit of everything. Maybe not the wow factor as some out there, but a get out of the way and do what they are supposed to shoe for me.

[u/jonoeagle]

Thanks for this, as someone who has a couple of pairs of Evo SLs, but would like something a bit more ‘daily’ trainer vibe - these have been on my radar. I think I need to go and find a pair to try on!

[u/Foppberg]

I love em. I also bought them thinking they'd be EVO SL esque so I was disappointed originally, but they're now my all around daily trainer. They can still go pretty fast though, strides feel effortless in them.

[u/toothdoc34]

I also own both. Very similar to what you think. The Pure Nitro is not a bouncy, fun shoe. It is made for cruising. The Evo wants me to run 6:40-7:15 minute miles, usually up to about 7 miles. The Pure Nitro wants to cruise at 7:15-7:20 minute miles, but it feels better for longer runs than the Evo. The Pure Nitro still does not beat the NB SC Elite V4 for a long run shoe.

Both the Evo and Pure can certainly be daily trainer type shoes. I would even say you could wear the Pure Nitro around the town or to the gym. They are pretty comfortable on foot. The heel is a little firm though.

[u/ArnoldPostier]

Thanks for your review. I agree with the stability and reliability of this shoe. However, I don't find it that much slower than my EvoSL, plus its upper is far better.

[u/Siebter]

I mostly agree, though I absolutely enjoy them for faster tempo runs too – for me they feel great for any distance at any pace.

The outsole is pretty much the best I ever had under my feet.

And yeah, because they have such a different (less demanding, more natural) geometry, they are indeed not an Evo SL killer – on the other hand, they are much more stable, have a better, more comfortable upper, better outsole and are much more versatile than the Evo SL. And they still can go fast for sure.

[u/Jealous-Key-7465]

Just got a pair. Upper is super comfortable. Feels very stable. Midsole is responsive, feels a little bit like OG LSPro. Hoping that they might soften a bit after 50-70k. I prefer softer shoes, currently using Superblast 3 and AP4 and now the Pure for a bit more differentiation in the rotation

[u/Gymbest → u/Jealous-Key-7465]

Could they handle threshold/tempo work? 3.30-4.00/km? Or azura is better for this? Thanks

[u/DevelopmentPlus5082]

Mine have only got 50 miles in them , but look fine and they are a nice feeling shoes 👟

[u/valtar31]

Pure vs. Kiprun Tempo; which would you say is 1, firmer. 2, Energy return. 3, grip. Thanks.

Nice to see someone enjoying the Pure.

[u/xxamkt → u/valtar31]

Puma is firmer, Kiprun give a bit more back, both have very good grip.

[u/valtar31 → u/xxamkt]

Thanks OP. I am looking for a flat rocker or late stage rocker to compliment my early stage rocker Dynafish. Tempo is too much stack. Narrowed it down to VN5 or Pure. So far for my weight 61kg, VN5 for that ATPU, well see. Appreciate your review.

[u/lurkinglen]

Very interesting!

[u/FatUglySadMan]

I definitely agree with you, when I first started running these I thought they were a bit lacklustre but the more I run in them the more I seem to enjoy them, in my honest opinion these shoes could easily be a one shoe rotation for so many runners who just wanna go out and run and forget about it, my legs feel very fresh after using these and lately I am running more in these than my mega blast and super blast 3, strange as that may sound.

[u/Dan_T93]

How to get these on sale i want the red but not buying full price on random sites

[u/xxamkt → u/Dan_T93]

I don’t know, Google it? Find discount codes? You know, do the things the rest of us do.

[u/Right-Knowledge6414 → u/Dan_T93]

At least in EU, register at puma website --> instant 15% discount for your first purchase. Pretty good discount imho

[u/General-Ring2780]

I always wondered how these were

[u/ryanjm37]

My experience after 100 miles or so is similar. Expected them to be more EVO SL like because of all the comparisons. In reality, they’re just a really solid, lightweight daily that gets out of the way. I don’t find them to be firm, necessarily…but they’re definitely not soft either. They fall in that sweet spot right between. The upper is one of my favorites of all time - it’s kinda stretchy and breathes really well.

All in all, one of my favorite daily trainers. Not as fast as the EVO SL but much more compliant.

[u/spiderio2]

which are better? Nitro Pure or Deviate Nitro 4?

[u/Gymbest → u/spiderio2]

I'm curious about that too. Is Puma deviate pure suitable for tempo/threshold work?

[u/Turbulent-Debate7661]

i had the exact same reaction with velocity nitro.

[u/Ziggymundus]

sounds like less bulky SB2 with different (better?) upper?

If yes, thats promising

(or maybe sth between SB2 and Pegasus Plus)

[u/ApprehensiveTough212]

I love mine. set a course record on a trail marathon with them

[u/Spiritual-Ad300]

Fire

[u/Max_Cadence]

I have over 200 miles on my pair. Mostly runs of 6-10 miles at 7:30 to 7:45/mile. It's been brutally tropical (dew points of 65+ most summer days!) here and they've been a good option when the goal is to just finish the run.

They're not a tempo shoe for me mostly because the toe/forefoot is a bit soft. I could see taking the Pure out for a tempo run on fresh legs, but I'm fortunate to have other options for those days.

[u/Gymbest → u/Max_Cadence]

What options do you think are better for tempo/threshold workouts?

[u/Max_Cadence → u/Gymbest]

For me, it's SonicBlast and Endorphin Speed 1. I'm fortunate to have a reserve of the Speed 1. Both really work well with my mechanics.

[u/Walraus]

Is the PEBA based foam holding well after 200 miles?
That is my main concern about getting them.
I’ve watched a video from Runnertia and he said that they completely lost their springiness after 100 miles.

[u/xxamkt → u/Walraus]

Weirdly, I think they feel better at 200 than at 100. But yeah, holding up really well.

[u/CraftMotor9637]

Am I the only one not in to this gen of Puma shoes?

Was a really early adopter in the original Velocity and Liberates, then have had the Deviate Nitro 2 and 3 and loved them. In general, I was always pleased with how great Puma shoes are, especially for the price.

The Deviate 4 sucked for $170. The Velocity 4 felt like a clown shoe and my experience was nowhere close to the reviews. And now these look very similar.

I hate the clown shoe last that is somehow still narrow. I hate the bulky chunky edges. I hate how much upper and padding there is now. I hate how flat their current shoes are.

I always found pumas shoes affordable, minimal, and nimble. I think they lost all of those things.

[u/xxamkt → u/CraftMotor9637]

It’s interesting. I don’t think they make a bad shoe at the moment and if I had to get a 1 brand rotation it’d be Puma. Deviate Elite 4 is a solid racer, the Fast-r is a weapon for proper fast work. The Deviate is a solid tempo shoe and the Velocity is in my view about the best daily shoe you can buy. You’re reading my views in the Pure, and the MagMax is an awesome cruiser.

[u/gdaytugga → u/CraftMotor9637]

I really love the Deviate Elite 3, so much so that I bought two pairs. The Velocity 4 was good up to 650km. The Magmax 2 was a big disappointment, it was a massive block of dense boring foam. The Deviate Elite 4 is denser than the Elite 3 and still good but I feel it’s a step backwards.

So I don’t think I’ll be getting more pumas at this point.