Puma Womens Deviate Nitro Elite Racer

One of the biggest brands in sport – and the creators of Usain Bolt’s record-breaking spikes – PUMA have entered the road running market with the Nitro range.

Produced by injecting super-critical nitrogen into the raw material used to make their midsoles, PUMA’s Nitro foam is 50% lighter than standard EVA foams, with superior energy return and cushioning. That means every shoe in the range gives you an edge, whichever one you choose.

Combining killer performance with a durable build, the PUMA Deviate Nitro excels both as a daily trainer and a long-distance recovery shoe. But don’t be misled: this is a seriously fast shoe. Equipped with a carbon plate for propulsion, it can help you smash your goals on race day, making it a truly versatile distance runner.

Carbon plates have well-researched benefits and a seemingly endless list of race wins and world records.

They create the firmer feel that fast racers are looking for and help to guide the foot through your stride, providing a touch of extra support. They can also help create a rocker feel, with the stiffness allowing the shoe to pivot – as the toe goes down, the heel must come up, easing you into your next stride.

Although stiff, they do flex, providing an energised pop of forward momentum as the plate fights to retain its shape.

Each brand, and almost every shoe, uses a plate differently. Different shapes, thicknesses, and designs are used to prioritise a different aspect of performance. Some aim exclusively to guide the stride, while others focus solely on propulsion.