Puma Deviate Nitro 2 has been my favorite this year as a do everything shoe. I'm a casual runner with no plan and it's so versatile that it can do whatever I feel like doing on the day.
The DN2 is the absolute standout of the year for me. For the price especially. But i gotta say, the most impressive part of that shoe is the PumaGrip for me, i started disliking all my other shoes rubber outsoles after using the DN2 😂. I do think it's not a very stiff shoe, the plate is very flexible and therefor i think it's a great allrounder. I would gravitate to the DN2 whenever it was wet/slippery outside in the winter because of that grip. But i prefer the Endorphin Speed 3 for my speed sessions still.
@@Tommygimbal I think it would be a great choice for a marathon. I’m not sure I would call it a super shoe in the racing sense. But a lot of those super trainers would be great for marathon distance. The Deviate Nitro Elite 2 is the racing companion, but I think you get almost as much awesomeness out of the Deviate Nitro 2 for less money and a more trainable package.
@@Tommygimbal It's not really a supershoe imho. It's a great allrounder. But for a supershoe i'd be looking at the Superblast or SC Trainer V2 (or for the real OG's, the V1, which is my fav still tbh).
This category is what I like. You can buy one of these shoes for your only shoe. Since shoes are getting way too expensive it's become difficult to buy multiple shoes for different workouts plus to race in. The rebel v3 has been my go-to.
Absolutely agree on the DN2. Got it from your reviews earlier and every pace is such a joy in that shoe. Currently pairing it with 1080 v13 - another recommendation of yours - and absolutely enjoying the runs. All the best and happy holidays 🎉
Hoka Mach 5’s too, love that shoe despite overthinking every run that it’ll be gone from me right away because of its durability. Solid shoe but the durability, have heard some people complaining about the durability. I’m eyeing for the Puma DN2 or 3 (if there will be a new version if I decide to retire my Mach 5) as a new speed stuff shoe.
Forget the Nike shoe of the same name, it's pew pew pew-magrip that _really_ makes me feel invincible! I'm amazed at how quickly the DN2 has risen to the #3 slot in my rotation behind the NB FC SC Elite V3 and ASICS Superblast. And on mixed terrain or if the ground is at all wet, it "cat"-a-pults into my first choice. Congrats Puma!
Topo Cyclone 2 and Deviate Nitro 2 for sure. I put a ton of fast miles on these shoes. I use the Cyclone for really fast turnover workouts such as fartleks, hill repeats, and VO2 max. I use the Deviate for tempo and threshold workouts. Love these two shoes. Thanks, Mike.
Absolutely love the Puma Deviate Nitro 2. Always keep going back to it. Have fun running in it and a little more stability compared to the Saucony Speed 2 which I was using previously. Might have to try get another pair before Puma start introducing the 3rd interation
So glad DN2 got the recognition it deserves! Such a fantastic shoe - 300 miles in and still feels as good as new and hasn't lost any grip or bounce! Been my go to shoe all year ❤
My race shoes are that, race shoes. Currently I’m using NB Fresh Foam More V13, easy, ASICS Evoride for tempo or faster paces, and switch between Asics Glyderide 3 and Saucony Triumph 20 for long runs. Pretty happy with overall rotation…Thanks to your videos I’ve discovered some great shoes!
I have 4 shoes in my rotation list and the top 1 is Deviate Nitro 2. I really love it, the run on it is just seemless as it's very versatile, can just speed up and slow down, no matter what pace is good on this.
Mike! You never fail to throw in something unexpected! The Invincible under tempo😂. Love my Invincible 2, which I used for endurance runs. Just caught your video with Sage! Excellent content. May I suggest a future video on explaining the different types of workout? Think there’s an overload of info out there and would really appreciate some clarification in the definitions, like tempo , threshold, critical velocity etc. keep up the great job !
Interesting you reference the Boston series when discussing the deviate nitro 2. I use both and find the Boston 12 more propulsive for tempo work with the nitro2 for daily miles, especially in winter. Both are pretty awesome though
I actually won a free pair of the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 from my local Marathon Sports when they had a raffle. Best freebie ever! Also, I would love to see a full "day in my life" video sometime! I know you sometimes post get-ready-with-me shorts and you used to make what-I-eat-in-a-week videos, but it would be neat to see your training/eating/editing/etc schedule for a full day :).
so many comments but i gotta thank you Kofuzi ...Prime X changed the game for me. when i was in my twenties i ran a 6:30 mile. now in Prime X i can run a 7 minute mile.....61 years old 210 pounds. been a fan since you ran in NB Beacons.....4 years? Thanks so much!
Was listening to the Doctors of Running podcast today and they were talking about the NB Beacons. I miss that show, even if k did have to buy 3M spray adhesive to keep the insole in place
I'm also using the DN2, but due to winter in Europe the WTR (winterized) version with water repellant upper. I use it for speedwork on the track as well as light trails - so versatile
Totally agree, my top shoe ever (apart from Alphafly 1) picked up some Boston 12s for a change instead of getting a third pair of DN2 and I don’t think it offers anything better at any pace/distance.
I got the winterized version of the Deviate Nitro 2 and love it, especially the grip for the winter runs. I only have one problem: I find it hard to get a good heel lock, even with the heel lock lacing, I need to tighten the laces really hard - don't know if the upper is "too" stretchy, or the laces or what is going on. For warm weather I have the Endorphin Speed 2 and Pro 2. And a barely used Adios 3(! - the old Boost one, not the pro 3) for some hardcore old-school 5k tempo workouts.
Very interesting list again. I couldn’t find Topo my size all sold out so I got the Adios 8 on Puma DN2 both on sale. This year I’ve mainly used the Rebel 3 and On Cloudflow for my speed workouts. I’m surprised you never reviewed the Noosa Tri 14/15 or the Hyper Speed 3. I have a feeling they must be both underrated tempo shoes.
I think they are shoes of a different time. I tested the first Evo ride and maybe the second version. I really liked the first Evo ride for tempo work, back in the flytefoam days. The Noosa’s have the same midsole as the Evorides (and both now have FF Blast, I think?) but the difference with the Noosa is a triathlon friendly upper, if I’m not mistaken. I suspect I would find them fun for tempo but firmer than I would like
I bought the Puma DN2;a while ago but haven’t run in much due to some nagging injuries. I wore it around somewhat for casual use and always liked it but had to stick with 1 or 2 shoes for a while. Anyway, I wore it for the first time today for a real workout and it felt great! I got to appreciate the Pumagrip today as it was a little wet here in the east and purposely ran on some road paint to check out the grip - it was amazing! It will be a multi-purpose shoe for me and I’ll check RW for sales. 👍🙏
110% agree with the Deviate Nitro 2. I didn't get this shoe in the rotation until Aug 2023 and I've since put 400 miles on this great shoe. I skipped the Endorphin Speed 3 because of this shoe because I love it so much. It's subjective but some shoes have that certain something that's different/special for everyone and this fits the bill for me
I have been using my Adidas Adizero Adios 7 and Asics Magic Speed 3 for those faster training sessions. Next year, I'm thinking of trying the ON Cloud Flow 4 to replace my old Adios 7.
I don’t race much, so typically just use stuff like the Endorphin Pro 3. I adore the PX2S and it’s my long run shoe. Really comfortable for me even at easy pace. Cyclone 2 is in the mail. The Invincible is my biggest question. It sounds great, but wondering if V4 is close enough to just wait and see.
DN 2 is the greatest running shoes of all time, i can use as daily trainer, speed workout also i run a half marathon on it, just a perfect budget shoes for everyone
I love the Deviate Nitro 2. Loved it enough to get the Water Repellent version which by the way worked amazing in the rain. Waiting to use it in the snow. My original DN2 I ended up returning though because the plastic in the heel cracked and was starting to split the back of the shoe.
@kofuzi I was really bummed when my normal DN2 version was breaking because it was a staple in my rotation. Thankfully I was given a refund. I replaced that shoe with the Boston 12 and couldn't resist when I saw the DN2 in a water repellent version on sale.
Deviate Nitro 2 also my favorite tempo shoe, also did some racing in them. And here can be found as low as 85-90 euros on sale.(Velocity 2 - 55 euros). Nothing comes close to price/perf ratio.
The Invincibles in the Tempo shoes list is a shocker to me, personally 🤯. Its mindblowing considering how Nike positioned & marketed the shoes. But, when listening to your point, i believe it does make sense. Considered myself who never try yet the Invincibles 3 because im still has some mileage left with the version 2. But im also agreed with your stance, which is no matter how the shoes been made, positioned or marketed, only us, the runners will know how does the shoes actually work. The Cyclone 2 is so underrated, im totally agreed with your opinion on that shoes. Definitely i will try the Topo brands next year. At first i thought there will be Magic Speed 3, NB SC Pacer or Adios 8 in this year’s list, Mike. Are those close 6 or honorable mentions?
There’s a common thread with all three of those shoes for me. They are great for running short and fast. But they were all a bit harsh for longer distances or easier efforts. Fwiw, my junior high school daughter has been running track and some of her friends race in spikes. I think she might be a bit young for such aggressive shoes, and these three shoes are high on the list of what I’m considering to get for her this spring.
Puma Deviate Nitro 2 for speed works although I sometime take them for a little bit of trail (great grip lol) Asics Gel Nimbus 25 for those long and slow runs - 5:30 to 6:00 min per km Asics Noosa Tri 15 mostly for shorter / faster runs but also when the Gel Nimbus needs a day for the foam to reset
I absolutely love my Cielo Road's. I wear them for longer reps on the track, progressive long runs, and recently wore for a 9 mile race. The heal counter is somewhat sharp, so I stick moleskin on my Achilles, which protects against blisters.
I've just bought the Deviate Nitro 2 and own the Deviate Nitro Elite v1. I've already used the Elite for a couple of races but as soon as I've worn the Deviate 2 I started doubting that maybe it's even better for an half marathon race since I feel it more protective and cushioned than the Elite v1.
On cloud monster has been my daily and all around workout shoe lately. The puma has got my attention though, I will definitely grab a pair if I see one.
I’m using my DN2 for daily and speed work for sometimes. Then once I used my ESpeed 2 for speed work I just disregard my DN2 they are fast shoes but weights matter once you run fast.
I have been using the DN2 a lot this year in the same way you’ve been using the invincible 3. Lots of long runs and medium long runs with marathon pace in them. I also used the Invincible 3 as a long run shoe at moderate efforts surprisingly! But I also used it a lot for easy days. My favorite workout shoe though was the Nike Streakfly, surprisingly. Used them for everything from 200s to tempo runs. I think their sweet spot is in the shorter interval realm - up to about 1K repeats, but really good shoe overall as long as you have strong ankles. Very kinvara-y and probably a lot like the cielo road.
I try to think of shoes by how they feel, rather than what are the components. If you like running in it every day and it’s not causing problems, then I think it’s fine. As far as I know, there isn any science that says otherwise (I.e. there hasn’t been a study on carbon that is used in a non-racing shoe)
Hey Ko. Very interesting and always enjoy your thoughts behind each. This year I used 2022 models such as rebel v3, and Magix speed 2. Smart money moves. Surprised magic speed 3 didn't make your list? Where would you put that one if this list extended?
I think it starts to get either very arbitrary or very idiosyncratic after the 4th or 5th spot on these lists. But I will say it is somewhere between 6 and 8 or 9
It fluctuates over time and by region. When I filmed this, it was on sale in the US. People were getting it for under $100. It seems that some regions still have it for sale (people message me or leave comments when they get a good deal) Now, it’s no longer on sale in the US. But who knows what will happen the day after Christmas or one month from now 🤷🏻♂️
I'm still in love with the Prime X Strung v1 for almost any run, tested the v2 but for me it lacks the liveliness of v1. I think I will get the Nitro 2 as a daily/tempo for shorter runs
@@kofuzi I still have my OG but rarely use it due constantly rolling my ankle, I'm not sure what is with the Strung that feels way more stable. I do love the weight and feel of the OG when going fast thou...
I really fall in Love with Puma DN2 and DNE2 design esthetics, and have tried very hard to make (either of) them work as my tempo/interval shoes. However I failed, due for some reason both my heels seem to always “fallen off” the medial side of these lovely looking shoes inward. Same thing happen when I tried to test run with Adizero Takumi Sen 10, which would’ve been another awesome tempo/interval training shoes, had it not been for the same heel fallen inward thing.
it can certainly handle those kinds of paces, but with a shorter race distance of the 5k, you can also consider some lighter options, such as the Takumi Sen
Daily train in Novablast 3 and some workouts. Most workouts are in Hyperion Max which I especially love for tempos. For my fastest workouts I use my Takumi Sen 8s.
The Mach X is my pick in this category. Off topic, but I would love to hear your thoughts on shoes better suited to treadmill work as a lot of us wander into the cold dark winter. Cheers, Merry Christmas!.
Treadmills are bouncy. It opens up the range of daily trainers I can use. I’ll save the most run most springy shoes for the roads. Things that are a bit firmer can go on the treadmill Otherwise, i dont really change my recommendations for the treadmill (I suppose in certain situations there could be bigger variations in recommendations, like if you have injury prone joints and you live in a rocky road type situation)
Non-plated, I've always been a Kinvara fan. Some probably only do shorter efforts in them, but I've done a marathon in them, so it's ok for me. Plated, Sketchers Razor Excess 2 (2022 release, but I didn't get it until this year).
Threw some curve balls in this one, Jesus lol. I saw a Nike invisible 3 at Dicks the other day and I’m not a Nike fan but it was so appealing when I picked it up. Kinda wanna try it now.
I have the puma Deviate nitro 2s. They are OK but I wouldn't take them out foe more than 10km. My favorite trainers are Clifton 9s and my race shoes are Hoka Rocket x2 or previously Vaporfly 2
Love the DN2! I've been using it all year as a daily trainer and for my build up to the Valencia marathon (used the Superblast for long runs). I'm close to a 1000K now and they're still in excellent shape, although the lugs are disappearing a bit. Very curious about the DN3.
I only wear Endorphin Speed v2 for workouts. I have another pair ready after these ones due. I get over 400 miles per pair and they feel soooooo good on my feet 🦶
