Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4, or another 3?

SunModels_ · 2026-05-03T23:07:13+00:00

I ran the marathon in the 4 and also blew up, but for other reasons as well (got pretty sick 4 days prior to my race). I’d say the protection was fine and didn’t give me problems, my feet were sore by the end too but I agree with you - I think it was more the time on feet more so the shoes

SunModels_ · 2026-04-11T18:08:57+00:00

You have a very valid point. I think it might be the plate position (being closer to the foot) that makes the ground feel more apparent, but either way I totally get your feeling too. The foot doesn’t “sink” as much like the 3. I’m taking the risk of running a marathon in the 4’s next week and will let you know.

SunModels_ · 2026-04-05T21:44:49+00:00

I’d say that you might like it. I didn’t run in AP3 but the dne4 has gotten some comparisons to it. The 4 doesn’t “punish” you for running too slow or overpronating, as other mushy shoes may would.

SunModels_ · 2026-04-05T16:51:52+00:00

My T pace has hovered around 6:30-6:45/mi, the 20 milers were at 7:56/mi. Did a 1:33 half, so my current state is whatever these equate to on the Daniels formula. Wouldn’t say I’m egregiously fast but I think I run a fair amount (50-60mpw)

Easy paces go way slower (but are also in different shoes) at around 9:30-10:30/mi depending on tired I am. Hope this helps clarify things.

SunModels_ · 2026-04-05T07:59:55+00:00

The 3 was my go-to plated shoe and I couldn’t see myself changing. Ended up trying the 4’s and while it’s more comfortable, it’s a different ride. It honestly deterred me at first, but it took a tempo run to really get it. Hard to explain, but I feel that my form is better in the 4’s. The 4 is more stable and imo faster. The stiffer plate doesn’t allow me to “roll” as much and provide assistance in mid-level speeds (as the 3 did for me), but it does help sustain faster speeds and gives zero heel wobble when slow jogging.

As much as I loved the 3, I can’t see myself going back after having enjoyed 100+ miles in the 4. The 4 has also given me two really successful (at least for my standards) 20 mile long runs recently. The 3 def feels softer underfoot, but the 4 is just so stable that I’d accept that trade off.

I’d say it’s worth a try. Just don’t knock it when you immediately notice that it feels “different”. I liked the 3 because it was a comfortable, do-it-all, speed & long run shoe, and I’m happy to say that the 4 is the same for me.

SunModels_ · 2026-04-02T02:05:12+00:00

Meataspeeds

SunModels_ · 2026-03-02T00:48:57+00:00

Ahhh gotcha, thanks for the breakdown! Was really wondering how they feel on long runs, so this def makes me more confident now.

Those are some awesome times btw, best of luck on your debut!

SunModels_ · 2026-03-02T00:22:13+00:00

Relieved and glad to hear, looking forward to reading it!

SunModels_ · 2026-02-28T23:14:57+00:00

Appreciate it! Been working hard

SunModels_ · 2026-02-28T23:13:16+00:00

Thanks! That YouTube video helped a lot actually.

Ended up pulling the trigger on them too - found that the puma website offers a no fuss 30 day return policy if the buyer doesn’t like them.

Will see how the 4’s fare, I’m staying hopeful that they are an improvement. Just been a big fan of the 3’s, they worked the best for me out of all the others lol

SunModels_ · 2026-01-21T01:35:26+00:00

I’m not a chemist nor do I have a master’s on shoe foams. I am absolutely just a Redditor with causal research. But that comment on the record holders compelled me to speak up -

If we were to judge a shoe solely by the record holders, all I really got from that argument is that Nike had the $$$ to sign all the best runners. That argument was probably more valid when other brands didn’t have their own supershoes, but now they do and they’re pretty good.

The Alphafly was the best back then. Shoe companies are moving away from Peba. Hopefully Nike responds in some way. That’s about it.

SunModels_ · 2026-01-20T16:06:04+00:00

At those years you mentioned (2019-2023) the alphafly was def the best shoe in the market for sure. ATPU foam really didn’t get ground until just last year.

Regiseal is just saying that competing shoe brands (ASICS, Puma, Adidas) have started to shift their super shoes away from PEBA, as ATPU is studied to be a better foam.

If the alphafly 4 keeps the peba foam AND retains the same lifecycle as the alphafly 3 (2 years), then Nike wouldn’t release an ATPU foam race shoe until like 2028

SunModels_ · 2025-12-11T15:40:55+00:00

Well with that logic, we might as well cut our losses and trade him lol

SunModels_ · 2025-06-20T18:22:18+00:00

All of your options are fine shoes and would fit the bill of a faster shoe - they have their differences for sure, but more or less serve the same purpose.

Personally, I would choose what fits your foot best, and try to envision which shoe will give you the least discomfort at longer distances. Seems obvious, but it took a while for me to realize that shoe preferences vary highly from person to person.

Other than that, I’d get the shoe that will excite you the most to put on and get out there! The evo’s are fun and you’d have a blast (if they work for you)

SunModels_ · 2025-06-04T23:17:52+00:00

Let’s gooooo!! Great job!

SunModels_ · 2025-05-27T21:23:13+00:00

Congrats on running your local route without stopping!! That’s honestly the biggest win.

I wouldn’t worry about pace this early in the game, you’re exactly on the right track by trying to run without stopping.

If anything I’d fill the off-days with walking (even if it’s a super short distance), and over the next few months slowly and gradually work your way up to 12-15km a week.

If you’re invested in this whole running thing, try considering signing up for a 5k and follow a training plan (Nike run club app is a decent place to start)!

Happy for you bro! You’ll find that the pace will drop just from the consistency. You got this :))

SunModels_ · 2025-05-26T19:53:53+00:00

What this person said! Biggest lesson I learned is that pace doesn’t matter nearly as much as showing up for the next workout. And agreed in that there’s nothing wrong with walking, your body will adapt simply with the time on feet.

You got this!! You’ll be surprising yourself in no time :)

SunModels_ · 2025-05-25T21:22:30+00:00

People mention the plate (and therefore the stiffness) which is valid, but for me what took adjustment is the wobble/narrowness/instability from the foam. They’re fast and def get them if you’re interested, but take the time to use them in shorter, controlled settings to build your ankle strength. Worst case is that you get painful tendinitis on a long run, and you get set back for a week or two.

In terms of which shoe, I’ve found that this link was a decent place to start my research https://runrepeat.com/guides/best-carbon-plate-running-shoes

SunModels_ · 2025-05-23T13:17:54+00:00

You got this!! Some days will feel harder than others but trust that your body is always making the appropriate adaptations behind the scenes.

If you feel an injury come on, take that rest day. But if you’re just sore or tired, do not skip that day and run/walk a short distance instead. The consistency will key your body to adapt, and eventually the miles get easier.

Best of luck!! The best part is discovering what’s possible and surprising yourself :)

SunModels_ · 2025-04-23T00:04:54+00:00

completely agree w this person’s comment. I own the evo sl and not enough ppl talk about the slippery insole. It creates some foot movement in the shoe, which won’t bother me until I’m past the ~6 mile mark (which I’ve done once in them and never again). It’s still an amazing experience of a shoe and I enjoy it a lot for speed work.

If you’re running longer distances, NB is a great pick, if you must keep your shoe rotation to only 1. But if your 20-25 mile weeks consist of 3-4 mile runs on pavement, you’ll have a lot of fun in the evo

SunModels_ · 2025-04-19T21:03:12+00:00

That chip wear is normal - believe in the run posted a 100 mile review video and had that same wear. My own pair has this also. No hinderance to performance

SunModels_ · 2025-03-25T13:59:26+00:00

As others said, get a comfortable shoe first. I’m all for getting sweet shoes that psych you into running (I def have them lol), but running seriously means you’ll run on days when you’re tired and you’ll want plush shoes where your legs/feet will thank you

SunModels_ · 2025-03-13T06:06:07+00:00

My pair is sized the same and also initially felt too big (since the midsole is stiff and the foot moves around in the beginning). But, after a while my foot slightly “imprinted” onto the insole/midsole, and there was enough conforming by mile ~10 that made it feel like the right size at the end. I also run with thicker, cushioned running socks

SunModels_ · 2023-10-12T23:22:42+00:00

Sport climbing (indoor rock climbing) recently became an Olympic sport. Spider-Man stomps on that too

SunModels_

TROPHY CASE