ASICS Magic Speed 5 vs Puma Deviate Nitro 4

Magic Speed 5 or Deviate Nitro 4? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want a lighter, nimble plated shoe for workouts and races? Get the Magic Speed 5.

Want carbon-plated speed for everyday training? Get the Deviate Nitro 4.

Get the Magic Speed 5 if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You need a touch more room than the Deviate Nitro 4 gives
• You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot
• You want the lighter shoe, by about 1.7 oz

Get the Deviate Nitro 4 if

• You like a firmer, more stable feel
• Long runs are your thing
• You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
• You need a wide width

On the run

Magic Speed 5: A nimble, plated speed shoe. Low, nimble and race-inspired, with a reconfigured carbon plate and a lively FF Leap top layer. The firmer FF Blast+ base limits the bounce, and the shape suits midfoot strikers better than heel strikers.

Deviate Nitro 4: Carbon-plated, everyday speed. A PEBA top layer over a stiff carbon plate makes it smooth and quick from tempo runs to long runs. It’s firmer at slow paces than at speed.

Specs side by side

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Magic Speed 5. True to size, with a very breathable upper. Wide available.

Deviate Nitro 4. True to size with a secure heel. It’s roomier than earlier Deviates, though the toebox still measures on the narrow side. Wide available.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the Magic Speed 5 · Shop the Deviate Nitro 4 · Compare other running shoes