KUALA LUMPUR – Global sports company PUMA has officially expanded its flagship running franchise with the unveiling of the Deviate NITRO™ 4 and Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4. The fourth generation of the series marks a significant leap in the brand’s performance running category, aiming to capitalize on the momentum of its industry-leading NITROFOAM™ technology.
Since the franchise’s re-launch in 2021, the Deviate line has become a staple in the local Malaysian running community. The 2026 update focuses on refined energy return and weight reduction, positioning the shoes as technical benchmarks for both elite competitors and “everyday” performance-driven runners.
Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4: Engineered for the Starting Line
The Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4 serves as PUMA’s premier race-day offering. Engineered to meet the demands of high-cadence marathoners, the shoe has undergone a rigorous redesign to return lighter and more efficient than the award-winning Elite 3.
A technical standout is the redesigned carbon fiber PWRPLATE. The plate has been stiffened and re-contoured to reduce stress in the metatarsal area—a common fatigue point for distance runners. This optimized geometry, paired with an enhanced NITROFOAM™ ELITE cushioning, is designed to deliver a smoother, faster stride by maximizing energy transfer from landing to toe-off.
At a weight of just 170g (UK8), the Elite 4 offers a maximum stack height of 40mm, pushing the boundaries of the World Athletics regulations for competition. For Malaysian athletes targeting personal bests in the upcoming race season, the Elite 4 is presented as a definitive option for achieving a “beyond fast” feel.
Deviate NITRO™ 4: The Speed Trainer for the Everyday Athlete
While the Elite caters to the race day, the Deviate NITRO™ 4 is built for the “everyday athlete” who prioritizes speed during training cycles. The shoe introduces an evolved dual-layer, nitrogen-infused NITROFOAM™ midsole. This new configuration provides a higher rebound, offering runners an energetic “pop” without sacrificing the durability required for daily miles.
Durability remains a core focus of the Deviate 4, featuring a reengineered PWRPLATE that offers more flexibility than its elite counterpart to accommodate varied footstrike patterns during tempo runs. The shoe also features PUMA’s signature PUMAGRIP outsole, which provides the necessary traction for Malaysia’s often humid and rain-slicked urban running routes.
“The Deviate franchise has been at the center of our performance running business since 2021, winning multiple awards and helping athletes earn podiums,” said Erin Longin, Vice President, BU Run/Train, PUMA. “We’re excited to bring our latest installment of speed to the market, continuing to empower runners to unlock their full potential.”
Strategic Market Release and Availability
The launch of the Deviate 4 series signals PUMA’s commitment to capturing a larger share of the performance footwear market in Southeast Asia. The staggered release strategy—incorporating “limited drops” ahead of the global rollout—is designed to build hype among the core running community.
In Malaysia, the Deviate NITRO™ 4 will see a limited supply launch on January 23, 2026, priced at RM799. This will be followed by a limited drop of the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4 on February 12, 2026, retailing at RM999. Both models will be available for a full global release on February 26, 2026.
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The collection will be available via PUMA.com and at selected flagship stores, where local runners can undergo gait analysis to determine which of the two speed-driven models best suits their training profile.
