Get ready to run faster than ever before! Puma's new Deviate Nitro Elite 4 promises to be a game-changer, building on the success of its predecessor, the Deviate Elite 3, which was already a favorite among runners. The big question: Could Puma actually improve on a winning formula? The answer, thankfully, is a resounding YES! And the secret weapon? Weight loss.
We were huge fans of the Deviate Elite 3, praising its responsiveness and speed. We were naturally excited (and a little anxious!) to see what Puma had in store for the fourth iteration. The initial reports are glowing: the Deviate Nitro Elite 4 maintains everything we loved about the v3 but manages to be even lighter. Our wear-testers are already putting the new shoes through their paces, but I wanted to share my initial impressions after logging some miles in them.
Puma has clearly put the Deviate on a serious diet. In fact, our men's size 9 sample weighs almost a full ounce less than the v3, while the women's size 7 is a substantial .75 ounces lighter. Where did all that weight go? A lot of the savings come from a thinner upper and less rubber underfoot. But Puma didn't stop there; they meticulously shaved weight from nearly every area of the shoe, except for the foam, which remains a key component of the shoe's performance.
Here's a quick rundown of the key features:
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4: Features at a Glance
- Weight: 6.0 oz (Men's), 6.9 oz (Women's)
- Stack Height: 40 mm (Heel), 32 mm (Forefoot)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Availability: February 26, 2026
But here's where it gets interesting... the ATPU midsole has also been tweaked! The new formulation feels noticeably different from the previous model. In the video, I dive into the specifics of how this new midsole impacts the shoe's performance, and I discuss the distances where this shoe will truly shine.
To really put the Deviate Elite 4 to the test, I wore them for a 20-mile run last month in Florida. The day started with a 5-mile warmup, followed by a 10K race that I used as a marathon-pace workout. To finish it off, I jogged another 9 miles.
The thinner outsole is specifically designed for racing. It's incredibly thin and lightweight, but surprisingly grippy on pavement. It provides excellent traction without adding unnecessary bulk.
And this is the part most people miss... the change in the midsole is a game-changer. I was particularly impressed with how the midsole handled my heel strikes when I was cruising around a 6-minute pace. In the past, with the Deviate Elite 3, I sometimes felt like the foam was squishing too much upon impact, almost like I was bottoming out. That sensation is completely gone in the Elite 4! Instead, the midsole feels more controlled and allows my foot to sink in more gradually.
This midsole change alone gives me the confidence to use this shoe for longer efforts. Previously, I reserved the Deviate Elite 3 for half-marathons and shorter races or workouts. But the Elite 4 felt fantastic, even at mile 20, after pushing hard in that 10K.
The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 will be available on February 26, 2026, at puma.com.
About the Tester:
Jeff is the Runner-in-Chief for Runner's World and the director of product testing. He brings nearly two decades of experience to the table, having tested and reviewed everything from running shoes and GPS watches to headphones and apparel. He typically puts more than 100 pairs of shoes through their paces each year, and he once maintained a 257-day streak of running in different models! Jeff can usually be found on the roads, competing in races ranging from the mile to the marathon, but he also enjoys tackling mountain races and snowshoeing. When he's not running, you'll likely find him up on a ladder, working on repairs and renovations to his house (he's also the director of product testing for Popular Mechanics).
Now, here's a thought: Some runners prefer a softer, more cushioned feel, while others crave that firm, responsive ride. Could the changes to the midsole of the Deviate Nitro Elite 4 alienate runners who loved the more plush feel of the v3? Or is the increased responsiveness and control a welcome improvement for everyone? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Are you excited about the lighter weight and tweaked midsole, or are you concerned about sacrificing some of the original shoe's feel? Let's discuss!
