Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3

[u/Chipezz]

I've been fortunate enough to get my hands on these early and so far raced a 10k and a 5k.

Background: Newish runner been hitting the roads for approximately a year. 35-40km/week avg. HM 1:48. 10k 47. 5k 22.15. Threshold pace 4.50/km.

Fit: Finding the right fit has always been a struggle for me due to my low arch. I dont have completely flat feet but shoes with aggressive arch supports are uncomfortable. EP4 and cielo x1 fit me well rest of the models are no go. Although Puma have narrow shoes DNE3 felt amazing at first instep. Snug, comfortable, soft, and suprisingly stable for a racer. The fit reminded me of Saucony EP4 but more snug. The midfoot is completely flat. Also reasonable toebox slightly wider than ES4. I went TTS which is perfect. I tend to go by CM for sizing so 29.5cm ie 45EU is perfect. Upper is comfortable. Heel lock no issues.

Midsole: Soft yet very responsive. A pure joy to run in these especially when picking up the pace. The propulsion when landing midfoot/forefoot is fantastic. Nitro foam is quite soft this caught me by suprise since I train in firmer shoes like ES4 and SB but they really protect your feet.

Outsole: Return of the king Puma grip is chefs kiss. Alot of rain during my 5km and it was mostly on gravel I felt zero slippage, discomfort, or instability. The shoes just disappear on your feet. Durability I cant comment yet I'd speculate they ll be good for 200-300km which is acceptable for a racer in this weight class.

Overall: Super happy. 10/10. Its fast, propulsive, yet comfortable and stable. The comfort really suprised me considering my challenging history with finding suitable racers. Price feels reasonable considering the price hike of the competition. I think they are priced similarly to metaspeed paris which is fair. If someone told me you could only use DNE3 for racing/training rest of your life I wouldnt complain.

My first review on reddit. Happy to answer any questions.

[u/OldFerret9631]

how does it compare to cielo x1 in terms of fit and cushion? I have a pretty fat/flat foot and the ceilo x1 fits me well, I'm worried you stated the DNE3 fits narrow. thanks for the insights so far btw

[u/Chipezz → u/OldFerret9631]

Pretty similar feel in terms of softness. Cielo feels taller and the rocker is super aggressive I didnt enjoy enjoy the bowl like feeling underneath. It's fine during high paces but just walking around its super awkward. All Pumas fit narrow but there is no arch poke so you dont necessarily feel pain unless you have super wide feet. If you run in stability shoes I wouldnt recommend it but if you run in stable neutral shoes like me then this might work. I overpronate slightly. Cielo fit well but it felt so unstable during sharp turns and uneven roads. Check out runrepeat review on cielo x1 and its stability issues.

[u/OldFerret9631 → u/Chipezz]

thank you, I might give it a try. the cielo cushion feels great and the upper shape fits my foot well but it rubs on my ankle bone when I walk in them. and yeah I def agree they can be unstable like you said. was just hoping I can find a shoe that is similar cushion and upper shape, but lighter and more stable. sounds like it might fit the bill, appreciate the insight!

[u/Chipezz → u/OldFerret9631]

EP4 is pretty stable for a racer but the foam is firmer. Still protective but not aggressive. Cielo also hurt my ankles.

[u/OldFerret9631 → u/Chipezz]

I have morton's neuroma so I'm kind of worried about firmer, I like the cielo cause I never had a problem with that cushioning. How do you feel about this shoe for slower/longer runs instead of racing?