Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Overview

Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Introduction

The Deviate Nitro was one of many nice surprises for me final yr. I had by no means tried a Puma working shoe earlier than and the Deviate Nitro was actually spectacular. It had a carbon composite plate which was propulsive however forgiving and its energetic supercritical midsole was a delight.

It was softer than most plated trainers with solely the Endorphin Pace 2 and FuelCell TC being softer. The large distinction with the Deviate Nitro was that it had a really secure journey in comparison with its opponents.

The Deviate Nitro suffered from one huge flaw which prevented me from recommending it: the exhausting heel tab dug into my achilles and made runs uncomfortable. I needed to loosen the laces in order that there was an area between my achilles and the heel tab however then I skilled heel slippage which made the journey much less participating. I wasn’t the one one who had this problem- some runners even developed blisters due to the badly designed heel tab.

This yr’s Deviate Nitro 2 has obtained substantial upgrades. It now has Nitro Elite foam in its midsole which is similar foam that’s in Puma’s flagship racer, the Deviate Elite. It additionally has new higher and outsole designs.

V2 weighs 260 g (9.2 oz) which is a slight enhance over the unique model which got here in at 257 g (9.1 oz). Puma doesn’t specify how thick the heel and forefoot are however they state a 6 mm drop on their web site.

Puma Deviate Nitro 2 First Impressions

My first run was a 17 kilometre straightforward run at 5:37 minutes per km (8:36 per mile) and I used to be very pleased with the updates. Probably the most noticeable factor was the redesigned heel tab which was comfy and brought on me no points.

The journey was barely softer than the primary model however not as delicate because the Deviate Elite with a full Nitro Elite midsole. The plate within the midsole was about the identical rigidity as the unique, with sufficient flexibility to make gradual paces comfy.

I did discover that the toe-box felt a bit comfortable and constricting as a result of low toe-box ceiling. I ended a pair occasions to attempt to loosen the laces on the backside of the lacing space. I used to be carrying thick socks however I solely wore skinny socks within the Deviate Nitro 2 on runs after that one and it didn’t trouble me anymore.

It had simply rained and the bottom was moist however the Deviate Nitro 2’s outsole gripped spectacularly nicely. My first impression of V2 was glorious.

Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Higher

Crucial change to the higher is that the heel tab and collar are padded for further consolation so the heel tab doesn’t dig into your achilles anymore and there’s no heel irritation in any respect. The interior heel counter gives an excellent, safe lockdown and I didn’t expertise heel slippage.

The engineered mesh feels lighter and thinner than model 1, so it’s extra breathable and it conforms to your ft higher. There’s a brand new PWRTAPE overlay on the medial facet which gives construction and help however you don’t really feel it whereas working.

The tongue is flat with a small quantity of padding to guard from lacing stress. It’s gusseted and one of many few flat tongues which don’t slide round. There are massive reflective panels on the again of the heels for low-light visibility.

The Deviate Nitro 2 has a real to measurement match with a slender forefoot and toe field so it’s not appropriate for large ft. The toe-box ceiling can be very low so if in case you have a excessive quantity really feel, I recommend making an attempt it on first earlier than buying.

Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Sole Unit

In my view, the Deviate Nitro 2 has a just-right journey in the case of cushioning softness. The supercritical foams within the midsole present a extremely energetic and enjoyable expertise which makes me look ahead to working in it. At gradual paces the midsole feels bouncy whereas at quick paces it feels snappy.

The midsole of the Deviate Nitro 2 consists of a twin foam setup of Nitro Elite which is a nitrogen-infused PEBA and Nitro which is a nitrogen-infused EVA. The firmer Nitro foam is located within the heel, with softer Nitro Elite foam within the midfoot and forefoot so the heel has firmer cushioning than the forefoot.

This setup permits for pure, forward-rolling transitions as you land in your heel and transition via to the midfoot, then forefoot; the Deviate Nitro 2 feels extra environment friendly due to this setup. There’s a giant distinction in densities between the two foams, not like within the Magic Pace 2 which has 2 agency foams, so the Deviate Nitro 2 feels much more dynamic and interesting.

The Deviate Nitro 2 has a carbon composite plate which is S-shaped so it dips down within the forefoot for extra propulsive toe-offs. The plate is stiffer than most plates in coaching shoes- stiffer than trainers such because the Endorphin Pace 3, Tempo Subsequent% and the KD900X. It’s about the identical stiffness because the Magic Pace 2 which provides it a quick, racing really feel.

In terms of versatility, the Deviate Nitro 2 is king and you’ll actually use it for something. I discovered it delicate and secure sufficient for straightforward paces above 5 minutes 30 per km in addition to zippy sufficient for something sooner. It could additionally make a wonderful marathon racer resulting from its excessive stage of cushioning and its propulsive plate. The longest run I did in it was 30 kilometres and it was actually comfy all through the run.

The Pumagrip outsole is my favorite part of the Deviate Nitro 2 and it’s the perfect outsole I’ve examined all yr. It has new, “water droplet” lugs within the forefoot and with every footstrike, you possibly can hear and really feel the rubber lugs gripping the floor like claws. There’s some uncovered midsole foam within the midfoot however sturdiness continues to be nice and there’s little or no put on displaying after 80 kilometres so you will get excessive mileage out of it.

Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Conclusions

The Deviate Nitro 2 is an excellent replace. Puma has managed to repair the heel tab situation in addition to make it softer and extra comfy. It’s additionally the identical value as final yr which makes it cheaper than the Endorphin Pace 3 (arguably the chief on this class).

The Deviate Nitro 2 is a extremely versatile coach which might additionally double up as a racer as a result of the delicate Nitro Elite foam gives an brisk, cushioned journey for gradual or uptempo paces. The carbon composite plate has sufficient flex to make it comfy throughout straightforward runs and it’s stiff sufficient to supply a punch throughout tempo runs.

I exploit my pair for moderately-paced, regular runs in addition to lengthy runs so it should positively keep in my rotation. What I take pleasure in most in regards to the Deviate Nitro 2 is how well-rounded it’s: it’s secure, sturdy, cushioned, vigorous and it appears nice as nicely.

The one different plated coaching shoe which I’ve loved as a lot because the Deviate Nitro 2 this yr is the SuperComp Coach however that shoe is heavier and $20 greater than the Deviate Nitro 2. The SuperComp Coach does have the next stage of cushioning and is extra secure than the Deviate Nitro 2 so it’s a greater future shoe however it feels extra sluggish on shorter distances.