HOKA Rocket X 3 vs PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4
We haven't tested HOKA Rocket X 3 or PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 yet, so their role suitability is estimated from published specs.
PUMA
Deviate Nitro Elite 4
Check priceReview Pulse · Strongly positive · 97/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning and split on the upper and durability.
The differences that matter
- PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 is 33 g lighter.
What reviewers say
Ride
HOKA Rocket X 3
No Review Pulse yet.
PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4
Praised
Fast, smooth and more natural than Puma's aggressive Fast-R, with a softer, springier midsole than the v3; it is less rockered and bouncy than some rivals, and the stiff forefoot suits rearfoot strikers best.
Cushioning
HOKA Rocket X 3
No Review Pulse yet.
PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4
Praised
A protective, marathon-ready stack that stays comfortable deep into long races without feeling mushy, with lab shock absorption among the best in the category.
Upper
HOKA Rocket X 3
No Review Pulse yet.
PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4
Divisive
The breathable Ultraweave upper and roomier forefoot are comfortable and secure, but the paper-thin tongue, minimal padding and barely structured heel counter irritate some testers.
Durability
HOKA Rocket X 3
No Review Pulse yet.
PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4
Divisive
Pumagrip rubber and the foam hold up better than the v3 in lab tests, but reduced outsole coverage and the removed medial heel patch worry heel strikers and testers who have already torn a heel pad.
Grip
HOKA Rocket X 3
No Review Pulse yet.
PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4
Praised
Pumagrip provides confident traction on dry and wet pavement, even at race pace, though the thin coverage is best kept on roads.
Stability
HOKA Rocket X 3
No Review Pulse yet.
PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4
Praised
More stable and forgiving than most carbon racers thanks to a wider midfoot platform and controlled geometry, though the narrow rear and minimal heel counter still demand decent mechanics.
Value
HOKA Rocket X 3
No Review Pulse yet.
PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4
Praised
At $250 it undercuts most top-tier super shoes while matching their weight and energy return, making it one of the better-value racers available.
Which one to choose
Choose HOKA Rocket X 3 if…
On paper there is little to separate them.
Choose PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- its ride is what you care about most
- its cushioning is what you care about most
- its stability is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- 5K to marathon racing
- Rearfoot strikers
- Runners new to carbon plates
Specifications
- Category
- Race shoe
- Race shoe
- Price
- $250
- $250
- Weight
- 210 g
- 177 g33 g lighter
- Drop
- 7 mm1 mm lower drop
- 8 mm
- Stack
- 40 / 33 mm
- 40 / 32 mm
- Plate
- Carbon plate
- Carbon plate
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- dual-density PEBA
- NITROFOAM ELITE
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE