Puma has announced the third iteration of their Deviate Nitro running shoe line-up. This time, both the Deviate NITRO 3 and Deviate NITRO Elite 3 are getting a same day release, with Puma pushing the idea of the Deviate NITRO 3 being a "premium everyday hero” and the Elite version the one you need if PBs are on the cards.

The Deviates have been our favourites out of Puma’s new Nitro based running lineup, offering a generally light-weight shoe with a carbon plate that does well during training as well as race day.

The Deviate NITRO 3 sticks in the carbon fibre PWR Plate, with even more of PUMA’s NITROFOAM technology, which the company notes offers “supreme cushion and responsiveness”. No mention is made of NITROFOAM Elite, as found in the previous version, but if some sources are believed there is actually a thin layer included in the midsole. By the looks of it the shoe is 3g heavier than the Deviate Nitro 2 (review) at 265 g for a UK8, with a the heel measuring 39 mm, 1 mm up from v2, and with a 10 mm drop (2 mm more).

There’s also a lightweight engineered mesh upper which features strategically placed PWR Tape to provide support in high stress areas, with a padded collar offering additional comfort and fit. The excellent PUMAGRIP provides the outsole.

Puma notes the Deviate Nitro 3 will be available come 1 July for R3 799, R200 bucks more than the previous version.

If you feel that you need something even speedier, then the Deviate NITRO Elite 3 should be under consideration. At 194g (UK8) you have one of the lighter race day shoes on the market, complete with a stack height of 32mm - 40mm. Puma says the shoe features more NITROFOAM Elite in the midsole – the elite version of its advanced nitrogen-infused foam technology.

Moreover, there’s an improved, stiffer carbon fibre PWR Plate which “increases propulsion and allows wearers to unlock maximum speed.” Mono-mesh uppers enhances breathability, with PWR Tape in prominent stress areas, underpinned by “best-in-class” PUMAGRIP on the outsole.

As far as pros vouching for the Deviate NITRO Elite 3, well, Puma notes Fiona O’Keeffe wore the shoes when running 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 10 seconds to win the U.S. Marathon Trials in March 2024, in her first ever marathon. South African ultra runner Nkosikhona Mhlakwana is training and then racing in these for the Comrades this coming Sunday, as will Glenrose Xaba.

The Deviate NITRO Elite 3 will be released on 1 July, going for R5 399 in the Fireglow colourway.