Article by Jen Schmidt
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail ($230)
Introduction
The Deviate Nitro Elite Trail represents Puma entry into the carbon plated, supercritical foam cushioned trail super shoe race.
At commendable weights of women’s 8.25 oz / 284g US 8, men’s 9.25 oz / 262g US9, with a substantial but not extreme 36mm heel / 30mm forefoot stack height it is powered by the same NITROFOAM Elite as in Puma’s Elite 3 marathon shoe and is shod in always excellent PumaGrip rubber, here the ATR flavor with 3mm lugs.
Pros:
Energy rebound is superior to other trail supershoes - Jen
Very lightweight - Jen
Midsole is well-cushioned but energetic, not soft - Jen
Great stability despite the high 36 mm stack - Jen
Outsole is grippy even on muddy singletrack and wet rock - Jen
Handles surprisingly well on moderately technical trails - Jen
Cons:
Heel collar may take some breaking in or cause rubbing for some - Jen
Extra long laces don’t always stay put - Jen
Stats
Approx. Weight: women’s 8.25 oz / 284g US 8, men’s 9.25 oz / 262g US9
Sample Weights:
women's 8 oz / 225 g US 8.5
Stack Height: 36 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot (6 mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 87 mm heel / 60 mm midfoot / 107 mm forefoot US W8.5