Soon launching worldwide, the Deviate NITRO is considered as PUMA’s pinnacle running shoe, built for speed and an effortless run.
Features of the shoe
Comprising of two layers of PUMA’s new foam, NITRO, and the revolutionary INNOPLATE technology, the Deviate NITRO offers maximum cushioning with improved efficiency for long runs.
The NITRO foam is infused with nitrogen gas through an innovative new process that makes it possible to combine three key benefits to the runner – responsiveness, cushioning and lightweight.
On the other hand, the INNOPLATE is a composite carbon fibre plate that acts as a lever to effortlessly propel the foot forward during the gait cycle, increasing running efficiency and at the same time, taking the Deviate NITRO to the next level, using the best propulsion aspects of PUMA track spikes to elicit speed.
A maximum cushioning shoe, the Deviate NITRO is targeted at runners who are looking for more cushioning for high mileage and marathons.
One of four new shoe models
The Deviate is one of four new shoes comprising of PUMA’s revolutionary NITRO technology that are launching this spring, with the others being the Liberate, Eternity and Velocity.
The Velocity is built for cushioning and responsiveness on every run.
The Eternity is targeted at runners who want stability and support.
The Liberate is an extremely lightweight shoe for tempo runs and short races. This is PUMA’s lightest shoe to date.
Said Erin Longin, Global Director of the Running and Training business unit at PUMA, “Our new running shoes feature our most innovative technologies, like NITRO foam, making the shoes extremely lightweight and responsive, to help you use less energy and run comfortably so you can reach your goals.”
Specially engineered designs for women
As well, the new range includes specially engineered designs for female runners – developed for the female foot in all four styles, differentiating them from the men’s shoes of the same range.
And for the Deviate NITRO, this means the women’s shoe has a narrowed heel, lower in-step and a sculpted arch shape.
This, according to PUMA, is because women are under-represented in the sport of long distance running, despite the fact that more women are taking up running than ever before.
Explained Longin, “The more we researched our consumers, we learned that the idea of change resonates with runners. Runners always strive for change, to better themselves and the greater good, so we landed on the concept of SPARK CHANGE, a phrase that we came up with to bring meaning and energy to everything that we do in running.”
She added, “With our new range of shoes, we hope to cater to women’s needs and to build and test our products to support and elevate female athletes, who form a large part of our consumer base.”
In fact, PUMA has signed some of the top female distance running athletes – Molly Seidel, Gesa Krouse, Aisha Praught Leer, Fiona O’Keefe and Taylor Werner.
This further reiterates the brand’s positioning and focus on sparking change.
Trying out the Deviate NITRO
Ahead of the global launch, PUMA recently sent me the Deviate NITRO to try out and review.
With carbon fibre plated running shoes all the rage these days and every brand coming up with their own offering, it was both surprising and exciting to see for myself what PUMA had to bring to the table.
This is because PUMA appeared to have fallen off the radar for a while, as a performance running brand and I had not expected them to come back with such a resurgence.
Colour and fit
When the shoes first arrived, the neon-bright orange colour was the first thing that caught my eye. It is attention-grabbing and are great for those who want to make a statement with their shoes.
In terms of the fit, the Deviate is true to size. With a standard width toe box, there is just enough wriggle room for my feet to feel comfortable.
The upper mesh is breathable and the tongue has just the right amount of padding and stays in place well.
At 216 grams for a women’s size 7, I do not consider the Deviate a light shoe.
Running with the Deviate
I have taken the Deviate NITRO out on several occasions over the past few weeks, clocking about 120km of running in the shoes to date.
At the beginning, I have to admit that there was a bit of heel slippage issues – but this problem appeared to be solved by tying the shoelaces tightly and then double-knotting them.
My runs with the shoes include both interval and tempo sessions, as well as 8km, 10km and 21km runs at varying paces, in order to see how the shoes stack up during my runs.
I am not a fast runner. To put my pace into perspective for the purpose of this review, my easy 21km runs are done at roughly a 6:30-7min/km pace, while my interval sessions can hit 4min/km pace.
This is because I feel that a mix of sessions is important to get a good feel of the shoes and what they are capable of.
Versatile shoes for running
I find that the Deviate is a versatile shoe that are good for most types of runs.
Clocking the miles with the Deviate NITRO feels pretty easy and comfortable.
Thanks to the carbon fibre plate, the toe-off feels snappy and smooth and the landing is soft and comfortable. The shoes are bouncy and responsive.
The combination of the NITRO foam and INNOPLATE felt good, being neither harsh nor rigid. My arches felt well supported with the shoes on my feet and I can’t really feel the weight of the shoes, even towards the end of my 21km runs.
In my opinion, the Deviate is best suited to mid-tempo and long runs. It is at these paces where the shoe performs at its best.
When running at faster paces, such as during interval sessions, the shoe seemed to feel slightly bulky, clumsy and a tad unstable, due to the high stack of foam.
Great grip
With the unpredictability of the Singapore weather these days, I have found that the Deviate has a good grip when it comes to wet, slippery pavements and running in the rain.
When running or walking on wet pavements and smooth tiles, I have never felt as though I am going to slip or lose my balance.
This is thanks to the PUMAGRIP, which is a durable rubber compound that provides traction on all surfaces. I think PUMA has done a great job with this.
Retail price and where to find the shoes
The Deviate has a retail price of S$229.
Deviate, together with the Velocity, Liberate and Eternity, will be available in Singapore stores beginning April 1st, and from March 4th globally on PUMA.com, PUMA stores and selected retail partners worldwide.
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