Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Performance Review

The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 fixes the small issues from the original, adds some extra fun, and delivers great performance for all types of running. It’s in line to be one of my favorite shoes of 2022. It also made our Best Running Shoes, Best Running Shoes for Men, Best for High Arches, Best Road Running Shoes, Best Neutral Running Shoes, Best for Long Distances, and Best Puma Running Shoes lists. Here’s why:

Pros

Though the Puma Deviate Nitro 2’s bounce isn’t quite as pronounced as the in the original Deviate Nitro, Puma added two millimeters of forefoot stack and a full-length layer of Nitro Elite foam to add a bit of plushness. The heel is also slightly denser than the midfoot/forefoot Nitro foam (introduced in 2021 on the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite) resulting in a feel that’s similar to but not quite as abrupt as the Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite.

The result? A shoe that doesn’t feel immediately bouncy upon try-on but really shines as you run. Heel strikes are controlled, and the foot rolls onto the plusher, bouncier foam, and you get a nice pop from the carbon plate. It’s not a flashy ride, but it’s effective. Getting to and maintaining paces you usually only hit in your racing shoes seems easier than normal. It’s not a shoe that feels particularly fast, but the resulting splits will be fast. It’s a powerful punch in an unassuming package. My legs felt enthusiastic during speedy runs and felt great the next day as well. Cushioning that helps during a workout and protects your legs from wear and tear is what you want out of a shoe like this.

The firmer heel and the flared midsole make the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 more stable than the original, and it handled longer distances of 10+ miles better than the Deviate Nitro.

Speaking of the heel, the Achilles heel (Editor’s Note: that’s not even a good joke) of the Deviate Nitro was the fit around the back end. Plenty of wearers ended up with heel or Achilles blisters as it was hard to curtail the everpresent heel slip. Personally, I had some irritation on my first run but was able to find a lace tightness level that negated the heel issues and prevented hot spots. Others weren’t so lucky.

The heel collar of the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 features ample padding and feels great. You won’t have any heel issues. In fact, I think almost everyone will enjoy the Deviate Nitro 2’s upper. It’s incredibly breathable, has a good structure thanks to Puma’s PWRTAPE, and features a super comfortable padded and gusseted mesh/polyester tongue. The upper checks all the comfort boxes.

Finally, we can’t talk about a Puma running shoe without mentioning Puma Grip. It’s still one of the better running outsole rubbers and is reliable no matter the circumstances. Additionally, the rubber on the Puma Deviate Nitro 2’s outsole is beefy and will last a long while. The outsole is the total package.

Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Fit

The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 fits true to size. The shoe is a bit on the narrower side so wide footers will likely want to order up a half size from their normal running shoe size in order to get enough room in the toebox and midfoot.

Cons

The only con of any consequence (Editor’s Note: that’s even worse than the last one) is the narrow forefoot and midfoot. Narrow footers will LOVE it, but it means wide footers will have a harder time finding that perfect fit. Puma running shoes are starting to become available in specialty running stores so that should help somewhat as wide footers will be able to try on a pair before buying. Also, as Puma running grows, we’ll hopefully get wide-foot versions so everyone can enjoy this amazing ride.

Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Summary

The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 is a great all-around running shoe with the only concern being a narrower fit. It doesn’t feel great in terms of the initial step-in squish but feels amazing the more you run, and the faster you run.

The Deviate Nitro 2 is one shoe that can do it all. You can buy it and be confident using it for both training and races. It also looks super cool so it’ll work casually and easily pass the theme park test. It’s a shoe that will make your running life easier as you chase your running goals, whatever they may be.