Puma has launched its latest entry in the Puma Deviate line, called the Pure, a throwback to the simpler times of running, ditching the carbon plate and offering a more natural running experience.
While the Deviate Pure does go for a less-is-more approach, the shoe still features Puma’s beloved Nitro foam in the sole, delivering a very elevated, soft, and comfortable experience. It still has a squishy element to it, but isn’t as radical or ‘floaty’ as some of the other shoes on the market currently.
In terms of drop, the Pure includes an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, which does put you up on your toes a bit, but due to the wide and denser foam, you don’t feel that natural ‘roll’ as much as you do in other highly-stacked running shoes. You still obviously feel very free in the Deviate Pure, and that’s due to the ultra soft upper made from Puma’s textile and synthetic upper, which features a really nice knitted tongue, which is a great touch from Puma.
At 250 grams (in a UK9), the Deviate Pure is also a little bit lighter than the other Deviate models, which bodes well for those who like to have that airy feel on foot. It’s not a lot, but it’s noticeable.
Admittedly, the Puma Deviate Pure has shot up to my favourite running shoe of the year. Daily runs and some light trots around the neighbourhood have felt great, and the ‘need for speed’ that plated shoes create isn’t there, and in the best of ways. This is a back-to-basics, no-nonsense running shoe that delivers the necessary top-grade tech from Puma without the more gnarly components.
The Puma Deviate Pure is priced at R3,199.
