PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 vs Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2
We haven't tested PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 or Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 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.
- PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 has 3 mm more foam under the heel.
- PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 costs $25 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
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.
Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2
No Review Pulse yet.
Cushioning
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.
Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2
No Review Pulse yet.
Upper
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.
Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2
No Review Pulse yet.
Durability
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.
Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2
No Review Pulse yet.
Grip
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.
Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2
No Review Pulse yet.
Stability
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.
Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2
No Review Pulse yet.
Value
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.
Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2
No Review Pulse yet.
Which one to choose
Choose PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- you want more foam under you
- price matters
- its ride is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- 5K to marathon racing
- Rearfoot strikers
- Runners new to carbon plates
Choose Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 if…
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
Specifications
- Category
- Race shoe
- Race shoe
- Price
- $250$25 less
- $275
- Weight
- 177 g33 g lighter
- 210 g
- Drop
- 8 mm1 mm lower drop
- 9 mm
- Stack
- 40 / 32 mm3 mm more stack
- 37 / 28 mm
- Plate
- Carbon plate
- Carbon plate
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- NITROFOAM ELITE
- Salomon S/Lab Phantasm
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE