Now in its third iteration, the Puma Nitro Elite 3 is a race-day shoe with a high-stack midsole, stiff carbon plate, and mono-mesh upper. It’s an excellent running shoe that has improved over the years and is recommended to any runner who wants to add a snappy racing shoe to their rotation.
Similarly Nike’s Vaporfly/Alphafly duo, Puma has its own racer lineup: the uniquely-shaped Puma Fast-R 2 is the all-out option, fine-tuned for long distances at maximum effort. The Deviate Nitro Elite 3 roughly equates to the Vaporfly in the sense that it can (and should) be used for racing, but it’s also an excellent option for tempo runs over various distances
I remember trying the first iteration of the Nitro Elite and finding the upper unbearably tight; things have improved significantly since then. Does the Nitro Elite 3 belong in T3’s best running shoe roundup, and how does it compare to similar trainers from other brands? Read my full review below to find out.
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 review
Price and availability
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The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 was launched in June 2024 and is available to buy at Puma UK, Puma US and Puma AU for a recommended price of €230/ £195.00/ $230/ AU$320. Initially launched in the Prototype colourway, the shoes are now also available in the Puma-classic Fireglow colourway.
Specifications
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- Best for: racing (any distance), tempo runs, fartlek/interval training
- Tested weight: 219g/ 7.75oz (men’s UK 10)
- Stack height: 40mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 8mm
- Fit: true to size (race tight)
- Support: Neutral
Design and materials
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The Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is optimised for speed. It features the NitroFoam Elite foam, which is a lightweight, more responsive version of Puma’s nitrogen-infused foam used in many other trainers, including the Puma Deviate Nitro 3. It’s super soft and bouncy, and considering the 40mm maximum stack height is bang-on what the World Athletics allows on races, it makes you quite a bit taller, no matter how tall you’re, to begin with.
Embedded in the midsole, you’ll find the PWRPlate carbon plate, which Puma says is stiffer than in previous versions. The plate has a dual purpose: it provides torsional stability as well providing propulsion during toe-off. Unlike Adidas’ Energy Rod system, which is made up of connecting rods, Puma’s PWRPlate is a continuous plate, providing a more stable platform when you run.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The Ultraweave upper is made with a mono-mesh fabric, which optimises breathability and support. The brand also applied PWR Tape reinforcements (as seen on the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite) in high-wear areas, such as the edge of the toe box and the lateral side of the shoes. The Nitro Elite 3 has a traditional lacing system with an extra eyelet at the top if you prefer to tie your shoes using the runner’s knot.
The PumaGrip outsole is as reliable as ever, applied to strategic areas only to help reduce weight without sacrificing traction too much. As a result, the Nitro Elite 3 is super light, weighing only 219g/ 7.75oz in men’s UK size 10.
It’s worth mentioning that there is no evidence that any of the materials used in the Deviate Nitro 3 come from recycled sources. In 2024, I would expect at least some, if not all, to be recycled. No one likes to feel their running is having a massive (negative) impact on the planet.
Performance and comfort
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I loved the Puma Nitro Elite 2; one of my biggest regrets is not reviewing it in time for T3. The Nitro Elite 3 improved upon its predecessor and provides a peppy, energetic ride. Since the Elite 2 was already a brilliant option – and still is – the Nitro 3 merely refines the formula.
The stiffer carbon plate feels nice underfoot and helps kick you forward more efficiently at each step. The soft foam reminds me of the ZoomX a lot in the best way possible: it’s bouncy to the degree that you feel like you’re walking/running on a basketball. This might make it harder for beginners to get used to the Nitro Elite 3, although this could be said for any high-stack racer, including the Vaporfly, Adizero Pro, and the lot.
I found the Ultraweave upper snug but not punishingly tight. It’s a race-ready upper designed to keep your feet in check when your form starts falling apart around mile 20 on a marathon. It’s containment mixed with support, a far cry from the comfort level of shoes such as the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 or Hoka Skyward X.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
My favourite feature is the PumaGrip outsole. Thanks to the midsole shape and placement of rubber, the heel of the Nitro Elite 3 almost acts as a suction cup, making each landing solid. From there, the plate takes over and helps you roll forward, finished by a lovely snap at toe-off.
I tried the shoes for interval training and steady-pace runs, and they performed well for both. The 8mm drop, coupled with the lightweight nature of the Deviate Nitro Elite 3, made even hard miles easy on the legs. Don’t get me wrong; no shoes will ever make long training or racing miles a pleasant experience. However, you certainly won’t feel sluggish in the Deviate Nitro Elite 3.
Verdict
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A superb iteration over its predecessor, the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is a superb racing shoe that can also be used for training. It’s full of energy and offers a lot of energy return in a lightweight package. It’s not as versatile as some other do-it-all trainers, but it’s certainly faster than a lot of running shoes in this price category. If you need an energetic trainer for anything from parkruns to marathons, the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is an excellent choice!
