New Balance SuperComp Elite 6 vs PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4

New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

+ Praised

A light, rockered race ride that feels natural and fast without demanding elite form; some testers find it firm and less bouncy than rivals.

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.

New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

± Divisive

The heel is well protected and the foam returns energy strongly, but the forefoot stack is lower than stated and feels firm for midfoot and forefoot strikers.

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.

New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

+ Praised

A thin, breathable FANTOMFIT upper with a secure heel and comfortable tongue; the fit is narrow and runs about half a size short.

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.

New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

+ Praised

The TPEE foam holds its bounce well and the heel lining is durable, though the outsole rubber is thin.

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.

New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

+ Praised

Wet-road traction is strong for a super shoe, and testers report confident grip in rain.

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.

New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

− Criticised

The narrow heel and soft foam make it unstable for anyone with pronation or late-race fatigue; it suits neutral, efficient mechanics.

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.

New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

± Divisive

Reviewers see a fast, durable racer, but the price increase makes it hard to choose over cheaper rivals.

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.