FuelCell Rebel 5 vs Deviate Nitro 4

The FuelCell Rebel 5 is New Balance at its most likeable: a lightweight, plateless running shoe that wants to do almost everything in your week. At 220g it is genuinely light for the stack you get, and the FuelCell midsole gives you a soft, springy pop that flatters easy miles and comes alive when you lift the pace. There is no carbon plate here, so this is not a marathon racer. Think of it as the fun, do-it-all uptempo trainer that handles easy days, strides, tempo efforts and even a parkrun without complaint. If you loved the FuelCell Rebel 4, the 5 keeps that playful character and refines the fit. For runners who want one versatile daily training shoe with a bit of race-day spirit, we rate it highly at the price.

The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is a carbon-plated do-it-all running shoe, and that is the point of it. Puma pitches this as one pair for almost everything: easy miles, tempo work, long runs and the occasional race. At 245g it is heavier than a pure marathon shoe, but that weight buys you a plush, durable ride you can rack up training miles in without babying it. The carbon plate sits under a tall 33.6mm heel and a 7mm drop, so you get a smooth, propulsive roll rather than the aggressive snap of a race-day shoe. In our view this is the sweet spot for one runner who wants a single versatile trainer instead of a rotation. It rewards a controlled tempo more than a flat-out sprint. If you want the widest use per pound at £150, few carbon shoes are as adaptable. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is the obvious rival, and it is lighter, but the Deviate feels the more robust daily companion.