Puma Deviate Nitro 2

Puma Black

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.

Featuring extra-deep stacks of midsole foam, extra-cushioned shoes offer improved impact absorption, comfort, and even performance. With modern foams providing energy return through your stride, the more foam under your foot, the bigger the spring forward. The trade-off of extra foam is additional weight and reduced ground feel. It can also be expensive to create and stabilise so much foam.

Neutral running shoes are designed to provide a smooth sensation without correcting your gait. They allow your natural motion to flow, while still offering a snug fit and a cushioned feel underfoot. As such, they’re ideal for runners who don’t overpronate.