Deviate Nitro 3

Yes, for most runners it fits true to size, so order your normal number. The midfoot is standard-to-snug with a secure heel and a toe box that holds without pinching. If you have wider feet you may find it a little narrow up front and could size up half a size. Runners doing very long runs where feet swell might also prefer the extra room, but the standard size gives the best locked-in feel for fast running.

It is a strong choice for many marathoners, especially if you want one durable shoe for both training and race day rather than a fragile racer saved for a handful of runs. The carbon plate and responsive foam give real propulsion at marathon pace, and the firm, stable platform holds up over the distance. If you are chasing an outright personal best and want maximum lightness, a dedicated racer like the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 will feel faster, but the 3 is a superb value do-it-all.

It can work for a newer runner who wants one shoe to grow into, thanks to its stable, durable and forgiving nature at easy paces. That said, beginners often do best in a softer, simpler daily trainer without a plate while they build mileage and strength. If this is your first pair, weigh it against a straightforward cushioned shoe first. If you already run regularly and want to add some speed to your routine, the Deviate Nitro 3 is a sensible, versatile step up.

Both are plated do-it-all tempo trainers, but they feel different underfoot. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is lighter and bouncier with a nylon plate, so it feels friskier on fast reps. The Deviate Nitro 3 is firmer, steadier and more durable, with a carbon plate that rewards a strong push at tempo. If you want lively fun, lean Saucony. If you want a grounded, hard-wearing all-rounder, the Puma makes a strong case, often at a friendly price.

Durability is one of its strengths. The grippy outsole rubber and firm, resilient foam are built to take daily mileage, so this holds up better over time than many lightweight racers that wear quickly. That toughness is a big part of why it works as a one-shoe rotation: you can train and race in the same pair without burning through it. Most runners will get a full, reliable training block and plenty of everyday miles out of a pair before the ride starts to fade.

No, it is a neutral shoe with no medial posting or motion-control features. It does ride in a steady, planted way for a plated shoe, so neutral runners and some mild overpronators find it calm and predictable at steady paces. But if you need genuine support or motion control, you should choose a dedicated stability model instead rather than relying on this. For neutral runners who dislike twitchy carbon racers, though, the grounded feel is a real plus.