I was fortunate enough to take the PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 on their maiden voyage this weekend at Joburg’s Toughest 21km. The weather conditions saw some light wind and drizzle, which got progressively heavier as the race wore on—perfect for running, maybe not so much for wearing my woolen COW onezee!
First Impressions:
Right off the bat, I absolutely love the colourway—bold and vibrant, exactly my style. These shoes are designed to make you go faster, and they don’t just look fast—they feel it too.
Performance and Feel:
The PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 is built for speed, with a carbon fibre PWRPLATE that ensures stability while providing crazy responsive propulsion on foot strike. Every step felt explosive, giving me that extra push, especially on the uphills. This, combined with the NITROFOAM™ ELITE cushioning, delivered a superbly responsive yet lightweight ride. Despite the generous cushioning, the shoes never felt heavy or bogged down.
Grip and Stability:
The roads were wet and slippery due to the drizzle, which progressively turned into heavier rain. This was the ultimate test for the PUMAGRIP rubber outsole, and it came out with flying colours. The grip was solid, and I never once felt like I was losing traction, even on slick corners and steep descents.
Comfort and Fit:
The ULTRAWEAVE upper was incredibly lightweight and breathable. It wrapped
comfortably around my foot, offering just the right amount of stretch without feeling
restrictive. The structured, 4-way stretch fabric reduced friction, preventing any
discomfort or blisters, even over the long distance.
Technical Specs:
– Regular fit
– ULTRAWEAVE upper for lightweight, friction-free performance
– Stack height: 40mm (heel) / 32mm (forefoot)
– Weight: 205g (UK 8) – Light enough to make you forget you’re wearing them
– Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
Recommended Retail Price: R5 499
Final Verdict:
The PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 exceeded my expectations. From the insane
propulsion provided by the carbon fibre PWRPLATE to the incredible grip of the
PUMAGRIP outsole, these shoes are engineered for speed and performance. They’re
perfect for race day or those fast-paced long runs. Plus, the eye-catching design gets
extra style points.
If you’re looking to take your running to the next level and shave seconds off your PB,
the PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 is worth every cent.
Would I run Joburg’s Toughest 21km in these again? Absolutely—just maybe without
the woolen COW onezee next time, alright we know that’s not going to happen.
Review by Richard Laskey