Our verdict

PUMA's maiden voyage into the supershoe world delivers a fantastic performance at a reasonable price. Even though it's built as a marathon shoe, we think this modern-day racing flat excels for interval training and 5K/10K races.

Puma Cell Alien Kotto Black Black Black Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers 369802-04 Pros

  • Mighty fast
  • Stable
  • Racer fit
  • Natural ride
  • Secure heel clutch
  • Breathable
  • Durable
  • Looks amazing
  • Soft and bouncy midsole
  • Fantastic grip

Puma Cell Alien Kotto Black Black Black Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers 369802-04 Cons

  • Scratchy upper with subpar durability
  • Narrow fit
  • el producto Puma-select Cell Endura EU 41 Puma White Classic Green

Audience verdict

92
Superb!

Who should buy

For those immersed in the PUMA universe or seeking a durable racer with excellent grip and stability, we've discovered that the Deviate Nitro Elite emerges as a top-tier option. In our tests, its versatility and plush midsole just shone. We found it's great for everything from short to long intervals, races, and even daily runs if needed.

Puma slip-on workout shoes side

Who should NOT buy

However, we think that you should steer clear of this PUMA if you:

  • Спортивний топ бра puma. ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ Світяться кросівки puma speeder illuminesc
  • favour high-stacked shoes for long-distance races—Nike Alphafly 2 is a better choice
  • aren't keen on using a carbon plate. Take a look at the Ботинки puma 22 р instead!

Puma slip-on workout shoes parts

Breathability

The moment we picked up the shoe in our lab, we immediately sensed its fantastic airflow. Its upper, made of a plasticky material, breathes with minuscule holes that encourage airflow and effortlessly release heat.

Even under a crazy heatwave, running in this shoe resulted in neither blisters nor discomfort. The Deviate Nitro Elite it's definitely a safe bet even for our wild 20-mile summer long runs.

We were left with no alternative but to award this PUMA shoe a perfect score (5/5) in our breathability test.

The Deviate Nitro Elite design goes above and beyond, not only dissipating heat through the tongue area—like most running shoes—but also delivering superior airflow in its toe box, which is a must for long distance shoes.

The upper looked ultra-thin and almost transparent when exposed to light in our lab.

Now, let's move to one of our favourite tests: the microscope.

Puma slip-on workout shoes microscope

The breathability secrets of the Deviate Nitro Elite reveal themselves under our microscope. As you can observe, thousands of ventilation holes result from the unique threading of this synthetic mesh. Air and heat can escape without any issue.

Puma slip-on workout shoes microscope close

The Puma slip-on workout shoes upper it's almost hypnotising under our microscope, isn't it?

Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 226 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

The Deviate Nitro Elite from PUMA doesn't just feel light—it's incredibly featherweight. Weighing a mere 7.1 oz (200g), it's a whopping 34% lighter than the average running shoe.

Puma Cell Alien Kotto Black Black Black Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers 369802-04 | Toebox durability

Breaking away from the pack of racing shoes that often glue down their insoles—making them, in theory, non-removable—PUMA takes a different path. Third party insoles and orthotics are not a problem in the Deviate Nitro Elite.

Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 1
Average 2.4
Compared to 160 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Although the Deviate Nitro Elite is slightly narrower than the average shoe, at 109.8 mm we still view it as wide for its purpose. This smart tactic from the German brand enhances stability and positions the shoe competitively against its rivals, making it a clear selling point for many long distance runners.

Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 4
Average 3.1
Compared to 156 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Puma Cell Alien Kotto Black Black Black Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers 369802-04 | Outsole hardness

Transitioning to the outsole, we observed a notably low value (71.8 HC) in our durometer test, which is typical—and desirable—for a racing shoe.

Puma slip-on workout shoes grip

Similar to car or Formula 1 tyres, the softer the compound, the greater the grip. It's essential to remember this shoe isn't designed for everyday training—although PumaGrip it's a compound renowned for its durability, so it definitely can be used for that purpose.

Another standout feature of this PUMA shoe is the generous cover of rubber it boasts, more than you'll find on most racing shoes. This results in truly impressive durability, which makes this shoe also fantastic for interval training or running in other surfaces.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Outsole hardness
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 71.8 HC
Average 80.5 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 277 running shoes
Number of shoes
54.9 HC
Outsole hardness
92.8 HC

Outsole thickness

Of course, a racing shoe equals thin outsole. Adding thicker rubber would increase weight, which isn't ideal when the goal is to race as quickly as possible. A measurement of 1.9 mm aligns perfectly with other world-class competition shoes that we also tested in our lab, such as the ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ or the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Outsole thickness
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 1.9 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 296 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.6 mm

Weight

The Deviate Nitro Elite from PUMA doesn't just feel light—it's incredibly featherweight. Weighing a mere 7.1 oz (200g), it's a whopping 34% lighter than the average running shoe.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Weight
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 7.05 oz (200g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 297 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.56 oz (356g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

Here's a time when our findings deviate considerably from what the brand says. Our meticulous measurements using a calliper revealed a heel height of 31.1 mm, which is substantially lower than stated by PUMA (36 mm).

Puma slip-on workout shoes Heel stack
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 31.1 mm
Average 33.6 mm
Compared to 296 running shoes
Number of shoes
7.6 mm
Heel stack
42.7 mm

Forefoot stack

We ran into a similar problem with the forefoot. PUMA's advertised 28 mm of foam fell short, with our lab measurements revealing only 25.4 mm. While not as huge a discrepancy as in the heel, it's still far from ideal.

For today's marathon-running standards, this under-30-mm thickness seems subpar, especially when most competition shoes boast a foam layer exceeding 30 mm in the same region in order to protect your muscles for the last third of the race.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Forefoot stack
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 25.4 mm
Average 25.0 mm
Compared to 296 running shoes
Number of shoes
7.6 mm
Forefoot stack
35.8 mm

Drop

Considering these figures, the stated 8-mm heel-to-toe drop, in reality, measures out to be 5.7 mm.

While this isn't necessarily a drawback—many experienced runners, like midfoot or forefoot strikers, might even find it advantageous—it's essential for us to emphasise that this actual measurement doesn't align with PUMA's advertised specifications.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Drop
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 5.7 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 296 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Insole thickness

At 3.3 mm, the insole is leaner than what we usually find in the lab. However, just like happened with the outsole, the need to cut weight in a racing shoe dictates this approach. Every gramme counts, and indeed, the insole presents a good opportunity for such diet.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Insole thickness
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 3.3 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 292 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Our durometer tests reveal a pleasantly soft compound in the Nitro Elite foam that we measured at 14.8 HA of softness. This foam The latest PUMA x Diamond Supply Co:

  1. Durability: By adding EVA to the equation, the midsole's lifespan significantly extends.
  2. Affordability: PEBA, while effective, is really expensive. EVA, on the other hand, is an ultra-cheap foam.

The end product delivers a soft and springy run, although it doesn't quite match the bounce level of the PEBA-only foams found in ASICS or Nike racing shoes.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Midsole softness
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 14.8 HA
Average 21.5 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 224 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.5 HA

Чорні кросівки на пінці puma hybrid racer

Puma platform kiss кроссовки.

However, there's a catch. While it's true the Nitro Elite remains soft in cold temperatures, it does harden up way more (34.7%) than its PEBA or TPEE competitors, which typically fall in the 5-15% ballpark. So, why does this happen?

The answer is quite simple! PEBA performs outstandingly under cold conditions, but EVA, unfortunately, does not. Since the Nitro Elite foam is a blend of PEBA and EVA, we observed a result that's pretty much what we expected—an average performance.

If you're interested in understanding more about how foams react to extreme temperatures, we have a detailed guide that covers everything you need to know.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Чорні кросівки на пінці puma hybrid racer
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 34.7%
Average 25.6%
Compared to 223 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Чорні кросівки на пінці puma hybrid racer
100%

Stability

Lateral stability test

The stability of the Puma slip-on workout shoes stands as one of its most noteworthy features when compared to other racing shoes. Contrary to our initial expectation of the typical instability found in racing shoes, we were greeted with a pleasant surprise by its secure ride.

Puma slip-on workout shoes outsole shape

PUMA has Rebound design elements from daily training shoes into this racer to enhance stability. The noticeably wide midfoot, unusual for a racing shoe, is evident in the photo above. Its similarity to the Deviate Nitro 2—a training shoe—is pretty obvious.

Torsional rigidity

Whenever we encounter shoes with carbon-fibre plates in our lab, we anticipate a maximum level of rigidity. True to our expectations, this shoe delivers a 5/5 in our manual assessment.

Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 275 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

This test shows the total opposite of the last one. Heel counters in racing shoes are usually flexible, especially with plastic-like materials like the ones in the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0 or this PUMA. So, the lowest score possible (1/5) is what the Deviate Nitro Elite ended up with.

If you experience any kind of heel slippage, try an alternative lacing technique.

Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 1
Average 2.8
Compared to 259 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Puma Felpa Power Graphic

Although the Deviate Nitro Elite is slightly narrower than the average shoe, at 109.8 mm we still view it as wide for its purpose. This smart tactic from the German brand enhances stability and positions the shoe competitively against its rivals, making it a clear selling point for many long distance runners.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Puma Felpa Power Graphic
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 109.8 mm
Average 113.7 mm
Compared to 297 running shoes
Number of shoes
100.5 mm
Puma Felpa Power Graphic
126.5 mm

Puma Cell Alien Kotto Black Black Black Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers 369802-04

This theme continues to the back of the shoe, where we found that, at 84.7 mm, it's 7.7 mm wider than the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0 and a jaw-dropping 9.7 mm wider than the Vaporfly Next% 2.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Puma Cell Alien Kotto Black Black Black Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers 369802-04
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 84.7 mm
Average 90.5 mm
Compared to 297 running shoes
Number of shoes
74.9 mm
Puma Cell Alien Kotto Black Black Black Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers 369802-04
106.6 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Here's the deal. Running shoes with carbon plates are fantastic for racing, but they can be uncomfortable for everything else. That's why companies are introducing nylon plates in training shoes that aren't as rigid, yet still provide some carbon plate benefits.

Well, after our flexibility test, we found that the Deviate Nitro Elite, with its "PWRPLATE" carbon plate, finds itself squarely in between these two at 41N. It's significantly less rigid than your average racing speedster, but it's also firmer than the typical shoe and the majority of nylon-plated ones.

Puma slip-on workout shoes flex

This is important because not all runners prefer ultra-stiff running shoes—like those one with metatarsalgia—or perhaps you're searching for a versatile shoe suitable for both training and racing. If that's the case, this shoe strikes the perfect balance.

Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 41.0N
Average 29.1N
Стильні жіночі кросівки білі кеди puma.
Compared to 279 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Stiffness
94.4N

Difference in stiffness in cold

The same scenario that we experienced about midsole softness happened with the Deviate Nitro Elite regarding stiffness. When we tested it in cold conditions, it exhibited a slightly more rigid behaviour at 57.3N, being less pleasant.

At 39.8% of change, the Deviate is keeping in line with the whole PEBA+EVA foam behaviour. We were gearing up for a typical, nothing-to-write-home-about change aaaand bingooo—that’s what we got!

Shoes PUMA Flyer Runner 192257 31 Puma Black Rose Gold.

Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 39.8%
Average 36.2%
Compared to 279 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Difference in stiffness in cold
148%

Size and fit

Puma Slipstream First Sense Kadın Krem Rengi Spor Ayakkabı

PUMA does another trick here in order to boost stability. We found that they mixed a narrow upper (91.6 mm) with a wide midsole, thus obtaining an stable and solid ride. However, there's a catch—it leaves less room inside the shoe. And that's a problem for many of us.

Our testing reveals that runners with medium-to-wide feet might find this shoe a bit tight, while those with narrow or narrow-to-medium feet will likely find them comfortable for racing.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Puma Slipstream First Sense Kadın Krem Rengi Spor Ayakkabı
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 91.6 mm
Average 98.3 mm
Compared to 297 running shoes
Number of shoes
89.5 mm
Puma Slipstream First Sense Kadın Krem Rengi Spor Ayakkabı
109.1 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

In an interesting move to add a bit of extra space in the toebox—and trying to please more runners despite its narrow toebox—the German brand designed the big toe area to mimic most training shoes. It's almost the average size at 72.8 mm, and that's a good thing.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 72.8 mm
Average 78.2 mm
Compared to 171 running shoes
Number of shoes
60.4 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
92.5 mm

Toebox feel

After some back-and-forth, we decided to label the fit of this shoe as "medium" for our test, but it’s teetering on the edge of being tight. Runners with medium-to-wide feet can try to go half-size up, and those with wide feet must stay away from this one.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Midfoot feel
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite Medium

Midfoot feel

The midfoot fit is truly impressive, positioning this shoe among the best options for those with flat feet. It's right up there with the ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ Puma Anzarun Lite Trainers Girl.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Midfoot feel
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite Normal

Heel feel

The heel is an absolute dream to slip into, especially for a racing shoe. We had no heel slippage during our test runs.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Heel feel
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite Normal

Tongue: gusset type

We've got to hand it to PUMA for their out-of-the-box thinking in many areas. Take the tongue gusset as an example. It's unique in that it's only fixed partially to the shoe on one side, leaving the other free. This unconventional approach isn't something we see every day in our lab.

Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite One side (semi)

Comfort

Tongue padding

Lace bite it's a common problem and it usually traces back to those paper-thin tongues in racing shoes. So imagine our indentation when we saw the Deviate Nitro Elite. Despite its racing approach, it sports a huge amount of padding in the tongue.

To paint a clear picture, let's crunch the numbers. This PUMA's tongue padding, at 5.1 mm of thickness, outpaces the competition by 4x or 5x. Let's put this into context:

  • It's a whopping 4.2 mm thicker than the tongue in the Nike Vaporfly Next% 2
  • It surpasses the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ by 4.3 mm
  • It leaves behind the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 by a solid 3.9 mm

That's C-O-M-F-O-R-T... in a racing shoe!

Puma slip-on workout shoes Tongue padding
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite 5.1 mm
Average 5.6 mm
Compared to 294 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Removable insole

Breaking away from the pack of racing shoes that often glue down their insoles—making them, in theory, non-removable—PUMA takes a different path. Third party insoles and orthotics are not a problem in the Deviate Nitro Elite.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Removable insole
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

The Deviate Nitro Elite offers us high-visibility, eye-catching reflective details for our fast-paced night runs.

Puma slip-on workout shoes Reflective elements
Test results
Deviate Nitro Elite Yes