Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 vs Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4: Which is best for you?
Below we are breaking down the different foams, rocker geometries, fit, weight, and heel to toe drops of the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 and the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 to help you decide which one of these two new top tier race shoes will work best for you.
Two elite race day options built for speed, but they go about it very differently. The Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 brings a massive 48mm stack of PEBA with an aggressive rocker that wants you up on our toes and rolling fast, while the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 keeps things lighter and lower with a firmer, more stable ATPU ride and that trusted PUMAGRIP outsole. One leans max cushion and geometry driven, the other leans efficiency, grip, and versatility.
Hoka Cielo Overview
Specs: 48mm stack, 7mm drop, 202 grams
Midsole: Bouncy PEBA midsole that's protective and peppy
Rocker: Aggressive rocker takes center stage, encouraging you to get on your toes
Outsole: Grippy compression-molded polyurethane outsole
Upper & Fit: Streamlined upper with a more tapered, narrow midfoot fit
Hoka Cielo X1 3.0
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 Overview
Specs: 40mm stack, 8mm drop, 170 grams
Midsole: Reliable, firmer, and robust ATPU midsole
Rocker: Flatter platform that places greater emphasis on midsole compound than geometry
Outsole: Durable, tried-and-true PUMAGRIP outsole
Upper & Fit: Wider, accommodating fit
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4
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Choose the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 if:
- You land on the midfoot & forefoot, particularly at your goal race paces.
- You want a more protective, highly-cushioned ride but still want plenty of speed assistance and energy return.
- You don’t mind if a rocker outshines the midsole foam itself, such as in the Puma Fast-R 3. The PEBA Hoka used is excellent, but the geometry is the star of the show in the Cielo X-1 3.0.
- You loved the underfoot comfort of the Cielo X-1 OG, but felt that it lacked pop and aggression. Hoka has stepped it up here, producing a true race day contender.
For the full first-run video review of the Cielo X1 3.0 from Yowana, check out the Supwell YouTube channel:
Choose the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 if:
- You primarily land on the midfoot-heel.
- You want the most reliable and approachable racer on the market with an accommodating fit and stable underfoot feel.
- You want a flatter, more neutral rocker geometry and a smooth, bouncy ride that’s on the firmer end of the race shoe spectrum.
- You loved the previous-gen Deviate NITRO Elite 3 and want a near-identical ride experience in your next race shoe.
For a 23-mile long run video review of the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 from Yowana, check out the Supwell YouTube channel:
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