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PUMA kicks off 2026 strong with the launch of the new Deviate Nitro 4 and Deviate Nitro Elite 4
New year, new shoes. After an outstanding 2025 season—marked in particular by the Fast-R 3 spotted on numerous Major marathon start lines—PUMA has clearly stepped into a new dimension. The German brand is no longer just present in the performance running market: it is shaping it, with models that have become true benchmarks among runners. And 2026 starts fast. Very fast. With the release of the Deviate Nitro 4 and Deviate Nitro Elite 4, two carbon-plated shoes that perfectly embody PUMA’s DNA: speed, dynamism, and pure running enjoyment. The key to this success? A strong technological identity built around nitrogen-infused NITRO foam, top-tier grip, and a carbon plate designed to energize every stride and chase new personal bests. Two shoes, two different uses—but one shared ambition: deliver speed without ever sacrificing running pleasure.
| PUMA Deviate Nitro 4: the ideal shoe for daily training
The Deviate Nitro 4 is arguably one of PUMA’s most versatile models. It’s aimed at runners who want the benefits of a carbon-plated shoe without the extreme demands (and occasional discomfort) of a pure racing shoe.
What’s new in version 4
✔ PUMA has refined the formula across several key areas:
✔ –15 g on the scale (250 g in EU 42), thanks to upper optimization
✔ Upgraded NITRO foam, now PEBA-based for a softer underfoot feel (A-TPU is gone)
✔ Reworked PWRPLATE, offering more flexibility
✔ Premium mesh upper, more comfortable with a padded collar and tongue
✔ Stack height: 38 mm / 30 mm (1 mm lower than the previous version)
✔ Drop reduced to 8 mm (down from 10 mm on the Deviate 3) for a more natural transition
Ride feel and usage
On the road, the Deviate Nitro 4 positions itself as a fast daily trainer capable of handling a wide range of sessions:
➜ Easy runs
➜ Dynamic steady runs
➜ Tempo sessions
➜ Fast intervals
➜ Even race day, for runners who want a lively shoe without giving up comfort
The carbon plate adds snap without making the shoe overly rigid, thanks in part to the softer PEBA foam. This smart combination of technologies is exactly what makes the Deviate 4 so strong: a near-perfect balance between cushioning, speed, and comfort. PUMA even claims an impressive 800 km lifespan, a real asset for a carbon-plated model. Another big plus: the price remains unchanged at $180.
| PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4: uncompromising race performance
For runners ready to shift into top gear, PUMA has also refined its flagship racing line with the Deviate Nitro Elite 4. Here, we are firmly in the realm of pure performance. This fourth iteration represents a major step forward compared to the V3, with a dramatic weight reduction that places it among the lightest shoes on the market.
Lighter, snappier, faster
✔ Just 170 g in EU 42 (–24 g vs V3)
✔ NITRO ELITE foam, lighter, more explosive, and less firm than before
✔ Full-length PWRPLATE carbon plate, optimized for propulsion
✔ ULTRAWEAVE upper, ultra-lightweight and highly breathable
✔ PUMAGRIP outsole, still exceptionally reliable on dry and wet surfaces
✔ Stack height: 40 mm / 32 mm (World Athletics approved)
✔ Drop: 8 mm
Who is it for?
The Deviate Nitro Elite 4 is built for runners chasing performance from the 5 km to the marathon. More demanding than the Deviate 4, it is also lighter and more dynamic, clearly designed for race day rather than daily training. It prioritizes weight savings and propulsion while maintaining a degree of stability thanks to the carbon plate geometry. Suitable for a wide range of foot strikes, it truly shines under runners with a high cadence.
PUMA estimates a lifespan of around 400 km, which is in line with expectations for a carbon-plated racing shoe. Priced at $250, the Deviate Elite 4 sits within the average range for its category—though it does represent a $20 increase over the previous version.
| The PUMA rotation: a clear and efficient lineup
One of PUMA’s biggest strengths today is the clarity of its shoe rotation. The brand offers a reliable option for every category:
➜ Velocity Nitro 4: classic daily trainer, comfort and versatility
➜ MagMax Nitro 2: maximal daily trainer for long runs
➜ Deviate Nitro 4: fast training, key workouts, tempo—arguably the one-shoe solution
➜ Deviate Nitro Elite 4: race day from 5 km to marathon
➜ Fast-R 3: ultimate performance for experienced runners with efficient mechanics
| What really matters
PUMA isn’t multiplying models without direction. With these two launches, the brand sharpens a clear strategy. The Deviate Nitro 4 is an accessible, durable, and highly versatile carbon-plated shoe, while the Deviate Nitro Elite 4 is its finely tuned counterpart for race-day performance. Two complementary shoes, not competitors, each designed to meet specific needs. Above all, they highlight the depth of expertise PUMA has built in recent years around its NITRO foam technology.
With the Deviate Nitro 4 and Deviate Nitro Elite 4, PUMA opens 2026 in style. Its performance lineup keeps improving year after year, and the brand continues to strengthen its identity around NITRO innovation. Whether you’re looking for a carbon shoe to train faster or to chase a PR on race day, there’s a Deviate made for you.
✔ The Deviate Nitro 4 and Deviate Nitro Elite 4 will be available soon on puma.com, priced at $180 and $250 respectively.
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
