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Puma Challenges Adidas with Its Own Take on the Wildly Popular Evo SL Trainer

It looks like the longstanding rivalry between Puma and Adidas won’t be ending any time soon.

Close-up of a white Puma Nitro running shoe with black logo and red accent on the sole.Puma
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By Jack Seemer

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As runners like to say, it was just matter of time.

The Deviate Pure Nitro is Puma’s answer to the wildly popular Adizero Evo SL from Adidas, which has dominated roads (and trails) since its debut in late 2024.

Of course Puma and Adidas are longstanding rivals, founded by two brothers whose joint venture in the first half of the 20th century outfit legends like Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics.

Since then, the brands have competing at all levels of running, with the budget super trainer category representing the latest battleground for their separate endeavors.

Pair of white Puma running shoes with black logo and bright red soles.
Priced at $150, the Deviate Pure Nitro is Puma’s answer to the Adizero Evo SL from Adidas.
Puma

Mass movement

Like the Adizero Evo SL, the Deviate Pure Nitro features a full slab of super foam underfoot.

In this case, that means a nitrogen-infused (a.k.a. supercritical) PEBA-based version of NitroFoam borrowed from the brand’s high-profile plated racers.

White Puma running shoe with black logo, gray stripe, and bright red sole detail.
NitroFoam has come in many forms over the years. This version is PEBA-based and infused with nitrogren for extra bounce.
Puma
White Nike running shoe with black swoosh and bright red segmented sole.
The Deviate Pure Nitro features a 38mm stack height. There’s an 8mm drop.
Puma

Despite the fancy tech, however, the model competes on price with entry-level daily trainers like the Nike Pegasus and Hoka Clifton.

“Our ambition … was to make speed more accessible, but still retain the performance benefits that have made Deviate loved by runners across the globe,” says Romain Girard, the vice president of innovation at Puma.

White Puma running shoe with black logo and "Nitro" text on the sole with red accents.
The engineered mesh upper and padded collar are tuned for daily miles.
Puma

PEBA has been one of the signature foams of super shoes since the arrival of the Vaporfly almost a decade ago. But its prized properties extend beyond energy return.

The compound is famously light, and its inclusion in the Deviate Pure Nitro translates intro a truly featherweight trainer that clocks in at just 7.76 ounces in a men’s size 9 US (despite considerable outsole coverage).

White Puma running shoe with mesh upper and bright red rubber sole showing PUMAGRIP tread pattern.
PEBA keeps the weight down, despite considerable outsole coverage.
Puma

Availability and pricing

Available from June 4, the Deviate Pure Nitro costs $150. It comes in two launch colorways, both white but one with red and black accents.

The stack height measures 38mm in the heel and there’s an 8mm drop.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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