The Run Testers's Puma Deviate Pure Nitro Review

Puma · Footwear · Reviewed by The Run Testers · Published 2026-07-14

Rating 4.5/5Source quality 85/100Evidence 15Claims 10Q&A 7Pros 6Cons 3FootwearIndependent creator

Based on a review by The Run Testers (accessed 2026-07-14).

This page converts The Run Testers's review of the Puma Puma Deviate Pure Nitro into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.

Product Evidence hub pending. This is currently the only analysed source for this product. A full evidence hub becomes available once a second qualifying source is processed.

Source verdict

The reviewers collectively conclude that both the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro and ASICS Novablast 6 are excellent and highly versatile daily trainers. The Puma excels at speed due to its lighter, more nimble nature, while the ASICS offers greater comfort and stability, making it superior for longer, easier runs. Both shoes perform well for a range of daily efforts but are noted to "cap out" when pushed to very fast, sustained paces.

About this source

The video provides a comparative review of two new running shoes, the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro and the ASICS Novablast 6. Three different runners offer their perspectives on the design, key specifications, fit, and performance characteristics of both shoes across various running conditions.

Review notes

The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is a highly recommended daily trainer, excelling particularly in versatility for various runs due to its light and nimble feel. Its lightweight 217g (UK 8.5) design and lower stack height of 38mm at the heel translate into a delightfully quick turnover, making it strong for steady and tempo paces. While the stripped-back upper and ample midfoot lockdown contribute to comfort, its lack of a plate or significant rocker can limit performance during long, sustained fast efforts. If you prioritize a lighter, nimbler shoe for daily runs and speed workouts up to tempo paces, this is an excellent choice. If you require maximum efficiency for long race-pace efforts, consider alternatives with a more aggressive rocker or plate.

What the reviewer liked

  • Very lightweight (217g UK 8.5)
  • Nimble and quick-turning feel
  • Good for steady and tempo paces
  • Reliable PumaGrip outsole with good coverage
  • Surprisingly comfortable for long easy runs despite being light
  • Stripped-back upper is better in hot conditions

What the reviewer criticised

  • Not ideal for long sustained fast paces due to lack of plate/rocker
  • Slightly narrower fit compared to Novablast 6
  • Tongue is thinner/flimsier than Novablast 6

Structured claims

The ASICS Novablast 6 is slightly more expensive than the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro.

comparison_claimstrong

The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro weighs 217g (UK 8.5) while the ASICS Novablast 6 weighs 262g (UK 9), making the Puma significantly lighter.

measurement_claimstrong

The ASICS Novablast 6 has a heel stack height of 41.5mm and forefoot of 33.5mm, which is more than the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro's 38mm heel and 30mm forefoot.

specification_claimstrong

The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro has a stripped-back design, a PEBA Nitro foam midsole, and a thick, grippy PumaGrip outsole with good coverage.

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The ASICS Novablast 6 uses a comfort-focused woven upper, a midsole combining FF BLAST Max and FF Turbo Squared, and a dual-material outsole with ASICS grip for traction and high abrasion rubber for durability.

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Multiple reviewers found the ASICS Novablast 6 to fit true to size, offering a very comfortable experience with ample padding, a roomy forefoot, and good midfoot lockdown.

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The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is generally comfortable but noted as having a narrower fit compared to the Novablast 6. One reviewer recommended going half a size down, especially if between sizes, due to Puma's tendency to run long.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is praised for its lightness and nimble feel, making it suitable for steady, tempo, and short interval speed workouts. However, it lacks a plate or significant rocker, limiting its effectiveness for long, sustained fast efforts or race paces.

reviewer_claimstrong

The ASICS Novablast 6 excels in comfort and stability, with a soft, wide base that protects legs on long, easy runs. The FF Turbo Squared foam enhances responsiveness, making it surprisingly capable for tempo workouts and more versatile for speed than previous versions.

reviewer_claimstrong

The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro features a "fantastic" Puma Grip outsole with a really thick layer and extensive coverage, which the reviewer states is better than the ASICS Novablast 6's outsole.

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Evidence items

Price comparison

comparisonneutralt=00:39–00:50

The ASICS Novablast 6 costs £140 or $155, while the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is slightly cheaper at £130 or $150.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

Weight comparison

measurement_testneutralt=00:50–01:05

The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is lighter at 217g (7.7oz) for a UK 8.5, compared to the ASICS Novablast 6 at 262g (9.2oz) for a UK 9.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

Heel-to-toe drop

specification_claimneutralt=01:05–01:08

Both the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro and ASICS Novablast 6 have an 8mm heel-to-toe drop.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

Stack height comparison

specification_claimneutralt=01:08–01:17

The Novablast 6 has a higher stack height (41.5mm heel, 33.5mm forefoot) compared to the Puma (38mm heel, 30mm forefoot).

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

Puma Deviate Pure Nitro design and materials

visual_inspectionpositivet=01:17–01:54

The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro features a lightweight mesh upper and a midsole made entirely of PEBA Nitro foam. It also has a Puma grip outsole with good, thick rubber coverage, noted as reliable and grippy.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

ASICS Novablast 6 design and materials

visual_inspectionneutralt=01:54–02:13

The Novablast 6 has a comfort-focused woven upper with ample padding and a stiffer heel counter. Its midsole uses FF BLAST Max primarily, with a FF Turbo Squared puck in the forefoot. The outsole features two rubber materials: ASICS grip for the forefoot and high abrasion rubber at the back.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

Reviewer 1's fit experience and sizing recommendation

reviewer_claimneutralt=02:27–03:42

Reviewer 1 found the Novablast 6 very comfortable with loads of padding and roomy forefoot, recommending true to size. The Deviate Pure Nitro was also comfortable with plenty of toe space but was noted as narrower, although not as narrow as other Puma shoes. This reviewer also recommended true to size for the Puma.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

Reviewer 2's fit comparison

reviewer_claimmixedt=03:42–04:54

Reviewer 2 found both shoes true to size (UK 8.5) with roomy toe boxes and good midfoot lockdown. The Novablast 6 had more structured uppers, padded tongue, and plush heel collar, suggesting better accommodation for longer mileage. The Deviate Pure offered more flex, a malleable feel, and a thinner tongue, which saved weight.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

Reviewer 3's fit experience and sizing recommendation

reviewer_claimneutralt=04:54–05:28

Reviewer 3 recommended true to size for Novablast 6 (UK 9), noting its padded back can be sweaty but isn't an issue. For the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro, this reviewer sized down by half (from normal Puma size), suggesting others might consider sizing down if between sizes. They noted the Puma's stripped-back upper could be better in hot conditions.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

Puma Deviate Pure Nitro run performance

hands_on_demomixedt=05:28–07:37

Reviewer ran 55km in Puma Deviate Pure Nitro. It offers a nimble, light feel, with a slight edge at speed, performing well for steady, tempo, and short intervals. It caps out for long sustained fast efforts due to lack of plate/rocker but provided more comfort and support than expected during a 90-minute easy run.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

ASICS Novablast 6 run performance

hands_on_demopositivet=07:37–09:12

Reviewer ran 70km in ASICS Novablast 6. It offers more comfort and stability, with a wider base and softer feel, making it excellent for protecting legs during long easy runs. The FF Turbo Squared in the forefoot adds bounce, benefiting all runs, including tempo workouts (5-miler, threshold mile). It's considered more versatile for speed than previous Novablast models.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

Side-by-side run comparison of ride feel

comparisonmixedt=09:12–10:30

In a side-by-side test, the Puma had a flatter, more direct ride, feeling closer to the ground, lighter, and quicker in transitions at speed. The Novablast felt more rockered, offered good bounce for speed, and was softer/cushier at easy paces.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

Novablast 6 vs Novablast 5 comparison

comparisonpositivet=10:55–12:00

The Novablast 6 is a significant improvement over the Novablast 5, particularly in versatility for faster running. The FF Turbo Squared foam makes it bouncier and more responsive, enhancing overall performance compared to its predecessor.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

Both shoes cap out at high speeds

hands_on_demoneutralt=12:00–13:30

The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro performs well for track and tempo sessions but 'caps out' at very high speeds, not offering significant assistance for full-on performance. The reviewer expects similar limitations for the Novablast 6 at high speeds, positioning both as versatile daily trainers rather than dedicated race shoes.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

Outsole comparison

visual_inspectionpositivet=13:30–14:14

Both shoes have good outsoles with thick rubber and good coverage. However, the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro's Puma Grip outsole is rated as 'fantastic' and 'better' than the ASICS Novablast 6's outsole.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgGpf-8JKSg

Quick answers

  • How do the ASICS Novablast 6 and Puma Deviate Pure Nitro compare as daily trainers? The Novablast 6 and Deviate Pure Nitro are both highly versatile shoes suitable for daily training, capable of handling a variety of runs.
  • What is the price difference between the ASICS Novablast 6 and Puma Deviate Pure Nitro? The ASICS Novablast 6 costs £140 or $155, while the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is a little less expensive at £130 or $150.
  • Which shoe is lighter, the Novablast 6 or the Deviate Pure Nitro? The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is noticeably lighter, coming in at 217 grams (7.7 ounces) for a UK 8.5, while the ASICS Novablast 6 weighs 262 grams (9.2 ounces) for a UK 9.
  • How does the fit of the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro compare to the ASICS Novablast 6? The ASICS Novablast 6 consistently fits true to size, offering a comfortable and roomy fit with ample forefoot space.

Buyer questions answered

How do the ASICS Novablast 6 and Puma Deviate Pure Nitro compare as daily trainers?

The Novablast 6 and Deviate Pure Nitro are both highly versatile shoes suitable for daily training, capable of handling a variety of runs. The Puma is lighter and feels more nimble, giving it an edge in speed workouts, while the ASICS is comfier and more stable, making it better suited for long, easy runs and leg protection.

What is the price difference between the ASICS Novablast 6 and Puma Deviate Pure Nitro?

The ASICS Novablast 6 costs £140 or $155, while the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is a little less expensive at £130 or $150.

Which shoe is lighter, the Novablast 6 or the Deviate Pure Nitro?

The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is noticeably lighter, coming in at 217 grams (7.7 ounces) for a UK 8.5, while the ASICS Novablast 6 weighs 262 grams (9.2 ounces) for a UK 9. This weight difference contributes to the Puma's more nimble feel.

How does the fit of the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro compare to the ASICS Novablast 6?

The ASICS Novablast 6 consistently fits true to size, offering a comfortable and roomy fit with ample forefoot space. The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is also comfortable but has a narrower feel. While some reviewers stuck to true size, one suggested going half a size down, especially if you're between sizes, as Puma shoes can run long. The Novablast also has more padding in the upper and heel.

What are the main differences in cushioning and stability between the two shoes?

The ASICS Novablast 6 has a higher stack height (41.5mm heel) and uses a combination of FF BLAST Max and FF Turbo Squared foams, providing a comfier, softer, and more stable ride, especially beneficial for protecting legs on long runs. The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro has a lower stack height (38mm heel) and uses PEBA Nitro foam, offering a lighter, more nimble, and direct underfoot feel, though it still provides more comfort than expected for its weight.

How does the ASICS Novablast 6 compare to its predecessor, the Novablast 5?

The Novablast 6 is a noticeable improvement over the Novablast 5, particularly in its versatility for faster running. The inclusion of FF Turbo Squared foam makes the 6 bouncier and more responsive, allowing it to keep up better at higher speeds than the 5, which was less versatile at the top end.

How do the outsoles compare in terms of grip and durability?

Both shoes feature good outsoles with thick rubber coverage. The ASICS Novablast 6 uses ASICS grip in the forefoot and high abrasion rubber at the back. However, the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro's "fantastic" Puma Grip outsole, with its really thick layer and extensive coverage, is explicitly rated as better than the Novablast 6's.

Specs mentioned in this review

Weight comparison
The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is lighter at 217g (7 g
Heel-to-toe drop
Both the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro and ASICS Novablast 6 have an 8mm heel-to-toe drop
Stack height comparison
The Novablast 6 has a higher stack height (41

Why this source is included

85/100 source quality

  • ✓ Independent of the brand
  • ✓ Hands-on demonstration
  • ✓ Specific testing or measurements
  • ✓ Clear sponsorship / relationship disclosure

Transcript summary

The Run Testers compare the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro and ASICS Novablast 6, identifying them as versatile daily trainers. Key differences include the Puma's lighter weight (217g vs 262g for specific sizes) and lower stack height, which contributes to a nimble, speed-oriented feel. In contrast, the ASICS offers more cushioning (41.5mm heel stack) and stability, making it ideal for comfort on longer runs. While fit opinions vary, one reviewer suggests sizing down in the Puma. Both shoes are praised for their significant improvements over previous models (Novablast 6 vs 5) and durable outsoles, though neither is positioned as a full-on racing shoe.

Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.

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