Bought the Deviate Nitro 2 last year based on your review. After the 50km mark, I didnt look back. Used it for Tempo, Interval, Easy Run and even Long Run. Bought it around late March and Im still using it. Excited for the shoe of the year video. Thanks again!
Excellent video and I LOVE the way you address this category of shoes at the start. You made it so simple to understand which is helpful since other shoe-tubers describe this category so differently. I might need to try the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 after I finish with the Mach X 2. I love the Puma DNE 3 and was excited to see if was your #1 pick for race shoe of the year! Keep it up Kofuzi!
I bought Puma Deviate Nitro 3 based on your recommendation few months ago for my interval and tempo trainings. I like it, it was great for a half marathon race as well where I needed a good grip. The only small downside: It's not the lightest shoe
Used the Boston 12 for most part of the year (great shoe, but awful laces) - retired them and now switched to Saucony Endorphine Speed 4 due to all the positive reviews - 35k so far and feeling good.
Have you run in the adios pro 3? If so hire did it compare to the Boston 12? I love the pro 3 but the outsoles wear out super fast so I need something more durable but with the rebound.
I love Adidas energy rod shoes. Currently have two Boston 12s, an Adipro 3 for long runs, Adipro 4 for races & the Takumi Sen 10 for speed work. And speed work only.. at lower speeds it's stiff & unstable simultaneously - at top speed it's the greatest shoe ever made. It's a special shoe but it's a "nice to have" rather than an essential. Brilliant at what it does but it's niche* *I also think the Adipro 3 is a better daily than the Boston 12 so I might be a little bit insane.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 has been my go to speed work shoe also great for long runs. The underrated Hoka Mach 6 has been a wonderful speed shoe as well. Especially for some long tempo runs!
Holy cow! You made the right call! I thought for sure you were gonna go with the ES4 since you already declared it SotY months ago lol. But yeah the extra stiffness of the carbon and the extra energy return from the Nitro foam puts it over the top -- even if it's a tad heavier. But you really can't go wrong with either shoe. A serious sneakerhead/runner should have both! (But last year's DN2 beats both.)
I'd like to try the Deviate Nitro 3 but I've got the Deviate Nitro 2 at almost 700 miles and it just refuses to die. Everybody talks about PumaGrip but the Nitro foam is really underrated. I haven't heard anything about Puma updating their core training models this year though.
Love the Takumi Sen 10, only one pace though FAST as a pure speed shoe, feels like its for advanced athletes!. Still rocking the superceeded Deviate Nitro 2, a great versatile shoe - superb for a 22-25 minute parkrun. ALL of my plated shoes are either the Puma bi-split plate or Adidas Energy Rods.
I love my endorphin speed 4! Put at least 70 miles on mine. My suggestion to whomever sees this, it’s the shoes is True to size? However, if you prefer a wider toe box, it’s not the one for you.
Was looking forward to this review Kofuzi. Been wanting to check out the DN3 and may have to now in place of the magic speed 4. Was wondering if I’d see that in your top 5 and nope. Keep up the great work!
Since you’re including the Takumi Sen 10 in this category, I’m going to submit the NB Fuelcell Pacer v2 as a performance trainer. I know I’m cross-categorizing, but that’s where it works in my rotation. Still though, I think the Valkyrie Speedworks is superb and sitting at or near the top of that category.
Did not like the Puma Deviate 2 (outsole too thick, midsole too thin) but really liked the Boston 12, still Nike Tempo Next is my fav! Honorable mention to Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 : very comfy and breathable upper. Takumi is not bad either.
I feel like the tempo trainer is an experimental category that shoe manufacturers are still trying to figure out. I think some guys (with disposable incomes) just buy two copies of the same racing shoes -- training in one and racing in the other. (I myself use a retired DNE1 for some speed days.) But as one of the (apparently) few people who are true fans of this particular genre of shoes, I feel like I need to rush out and buy every one that comes out so as to "vote with my dollars" and see more shoes like them. So I guess I still need to add the (still boring-looking) TYR to my collection. I would have put the Magic Speed 4 in the Hoka's spot. You are working very hard to fight accusations of ASICS bias!
Currently, takumi Sen 10 for intervals, rocket x2 for tempo soon to be replaced by Evo SL. Did use endo pro 4 earlier in the year 😉, and couldn’t stop running in the metaspeed edge Paris. 2025 I’m trying less racers for speed day and more non racers like Evo SL, speed 5, Mach x3. Btw just got deviate nitro 2 for $60 and wow, can’t believe I slept on this shoe. I am doing on cloud eclipse for daily runs and deviate 2 for steasy daily runs
Please consider adding a list of contenders that were considered for the ranking. It's difficult to tell what was the pool of models that you picked your winners from. I'm surprised you've picked a 10 mm drop shoe for tempo while running more mid to forefoot - I thought maybe Mizuno Wave Neo Rebellion Flash 2 with cut heel would be a more unorthodox model better for you but I get why Speed 4 and DN3 are so high. Especially during winter Pumas are hard to beat with their outsoles.
@@kofuzi That's fair. I didn't get it in my recommended videos so I missed it but remembered the model as an example of a low drop tempo shoe. I appreciate your time to test and review as many models as possible. To me, a list of contenders would help everyone in the audience when not every video gets into individual feeds - especially with your experience with so many brands and models it just makes the top5 that much more special when they get the top place. Cheers!
Deviate Nitro 3 - They tinker it too much, DN3 have 10mm drop while DN2 have 6mm. They have more elite foam in forefoot which will compress more and make the drop feel higher. Though the shoes increase in weight, the heel stack increased by 6mm.
I’m a Boston 12 fan for tempo and just got a discounted Black Friday and gift certificate reduced on cloud monster hyper as new tempo shoe. I did not get deviate nitro 2 to work for me, not tried nitro 3. I am much bigger than kofuzi always wonder if that plays a major role in my preferences.
I previously loved the endorphin speed 3 which I used for longer/marathon effort sessions but didn’t like the fit of the speed 4. How did you find the deviate nitro 3 performed during longer/marathon effort runs?
I was searching for this comment. I’m looking at getting the Magic Speed 4 for my tempo and interval runs and wanted to see what people’s thoughts are on it
My expectations were high for the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, but I experienced heel drag when I bought these shoes. It's possibly because the insoles are not thick enough and do not provide sufficient energy return. To fix the issue, I used custom insoles, but it’s not practical to buy custom insoles every month. As a result, I sold the shoes and switched to the Asics Magic Speed 3 and Asics Superblast Version 1 for my tempo and long runs, which have worked really well for me. I hope the 5th version of the Endorphin Speed improves its midsole and insole to prevent the heel drag feeling. Otherwise, I will no longer buy this brand and model and will look for alternatives from Asics or New Balance or Adidas."
@ yes…. Only negative I would say is they not as versatile as the Saucony speed 4…. But rock the race day vibes more which I appreciate. I was a massive speed 1 and 2 fan but the shoe has been diluted and widened too much for me now. Go the Puma…. I have a set of velocity 3 and love how they fit. I can imagine the nitro 3 would be great also.
@@craigelliott5028I’m not too worried about versatility, as I’d only be using it for a tempo/interval training for an upcoming marathon I have and then I’d be using the Metaspeed Sky Paris for the marathon.
The Adidas models (Boston 12, Adizero 8, Takumi Sen 10) are good for tempo workouts; however, they are not comfortable for long-distance runs in zone 1 or zone 2, especially when the shoes have accumulated more than 150 to 200 km of mileage. I prefer shoes with better cushioning, propulsion, bounce, and leg protection, such as those from Asics, Brooks, Puma, Hoka or New Balance
Where would you class the New Balance SC Trainer 3? I'd use it in the same category as all these, and it's better. It's my Shoe of the Year for its versatility. (Not a racer)
I don't remember if I've evaluated the SC Trainer in prior years as a tempo shoe or as a max cushion shoe. But this year's v3 made it clear to me that it's not a tempo shoe. This year, I'll be making a new category for Long Run Shoe and it will be considered against other shoes in that class
Not a good pick for a speed shoe, in my opinion. It is a little heavy and the midsole is too thick and soft to provide quick turnover needed for speed workouts. The Nike Zoom Fly 6 would overtake the SC Trainer for speed workouts ….easily. The SC Trainer seems to be an easy/long run shoe only. And for that price, it should really do more.
i feel like this isn't a comment in good faith but an attempt to either troll or pick a fight, but to the extent you are expressing an opinion on the general consensus, i really don't think i'm in a minority position here
@ no bad intentions at all so confused with the defensiveness. Just seen a lot of reviewers say it’s not as good as the previous iteration and more of an easy day shoe as opposed to a speed shoe which you like it for. Just interesting how everyone sees shoes differently
New Balance has been telling me for years that the Rebel is and always has been developed as a daily trainer. For this year, and last year, I evaluated it against other daily trainers
I've been with the NB 1080v13 for anything easy and long. Absolutely love them. For a slightly faster tempo run ill usually put on the topo cyclone 2s.
I didn't experience the same problem that some have reported to me regarding chafing in the back of the heel, but in v3 it'll be a very different heel design
I literally just got done with a run and am now eating breakfast. Couldn't ask for a better video to watch while I recover ❤
enjoy!
How far was your run
@@dnice362 asking the real questions
Same! I literally just finished a sprint session and got the video notification
@@PedroManuelHN how many miles
Bought the Deviate Nitro 2 last year based on your review. After the 50km mark, I didnt look back. Used it for Tempo, Interval, Easy Run and even Long Run. Bought it around late March and Im still using it. Excited for the shoe of the year video. Thanks again!
glad to hear it's been working so well for you!
Oh man Mach X2 best shoe ever and I've tried so many. No issues for fit with me and worked at all paces as well.
Agreed, if the fit works it's shoe of the year.
Thank you for all year end shoe rating videos sir, Been really enjoying them!!
thanks for watching!
Endorphin Speed 4 have been mine. I bought the Nitro per your review and will try them this week. Thank you for what you do Kofuzi!
have fun!
Excellent video and I LOVE the way you address this category of shoes at the start. You made it so simple to understand which is helpful since other shoe-tubers describe this category so differently. I might need to try the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 after I finish with the Mach X 2. I love the Puma DNE 3 and was excited to see if was your #1 pick for race shoe of the year! Keep it up Kofuzi!
stay tuned for shoe of the year video next week
I bought Puma Deviate Nitro 3 based on your recommendation few months ago for my interval and tempo trainings. I like it, it was great for a half marathon race as well where I needed a good grip. The only small downside: It's not the lightest shoe
glad to hear it treated you well in a race situation!
Used the Boston 12 for most part of the year (great shoe, but awful laces) - retired them and now switched to Saucony Endorphine Speed 4 due to all the positive reviews - 35k so far and feeling good.
I agree about the laces. I ran my first half in them and had to triple knot to make sure they didn’t untie
Have you run in the adios pro 3? If so hire did it compare to the Boston 12? I love the pro 3 but the outsoles wear out super fast so I need something more durable but with the rebound.
I've been using the Endorphin Pro 4 for speed workouts. It's surprisingly durable and forgiving for a shoe that's marketed as a racer.
I think that's the Endorphin Pro 4's biggest problem: it's too similar to the Endorphin Speed 4
@@kofuzi yea thats true
I love Adidas energy rod shoes. Currently have two Boston 12s, an Adipro 3 for long runs, Adipro 4 for races & the Takumi Sen 10 for speed work. And speed work only.. at lower speeds it's stiff & unstable simultaneously - at top speed it's the greatest shoe ever made. It's a special shoe but it's a "nice to have" rather than an essential. Brilliant at what it does but it's niche*
*I also think the Adipro 3 is a better daily than the Boston 12 so I might be a little bit insane.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 has been my go to speed work shoe also great for long runs. The underrated Hoka Mach 6 has been a wonderful speed shoe as well. Especially for some long tempo runs!
Yo! I am so Glad to see the Non Elite Runner Mr Kofuzi having the top 2 tempo shoes that I also have. Awesome Vlog
Kofuzi great review really appreciate it keep up the great work
thank you
Holy cow! You made the right call! I thought for sure you were gonna go with the ES4 since you already declared it SotY months ago lol. But yeah the extra stiffness of the carbon and the extra energy return from the Nitro foam puts it over the top -- even if it's a tad heavier. But you really can't go wrong with either shoe. A serious sneakerhead/runner should have both! (But last year's DN2 beats both.)
You find the second better than this year's deviate nitro?
Yes! Full length Nitro is nice, but last year's was lighter and faster.
I love my Pumas for speed days. They are so fun. I got them on a whim and they have been amazing. I have 160 miles in them and they are perfect.
My favourite speedwork shoes currently is asisc magic speed 3 ❤
Excellent choice sir
I actually have a pair of 1st generation Magic Speed still in use. Don't know how many miles, but much closer to 1000 than 100.
major omission: zoom fly 6. should replace the spot of takumi sen 10 which was a dud
I'd like to try the Deviate Nitro 3 but I've got the Deviate Nitro 2 at almost 700 miles and it just refuses to die. Everybody talks about PumaGrip but the Nitro foam is really underrated. I haven't heard anything about Puma updating their core training models this year though.
This is what I've been waiting for! ... But I’m also really excited to check out the best of Max Cushion lol
Speed 4 is great. Keep up the good work, fantastic video.
Love the Takumi Sen 10, only one pace though FAST as a pure speed shoe, feels like its for advanced athletes!. Still rocking the superceeded Deviate Nitro 2, a great versatile shoe - superb for a 22-25 minute parkrun. ALL of my plated shoes are either the Puma bi-split plate or Adidas Energy Rods.
I loved the Endorphin Speed 4 as well! I’ll probably buy another pair again
Nice shirt! 👐🏽
Wu Tang forever
Hi. Saucony E. Speed 4 all day. ¡¡¡¡Find your strong!!!!. Like to Kofuzi. Happy Monday.
I love my endorphin speed 4! Put at least 70 miles on mine. My suggestion to whomever sees this, it’s the shoes is True to size? However, if you prefer a wider toe box, it’s not the one for you.
Was looking forward to this review Kofuzi. Been wanting to check out the DN3 and may have to now in place of the magic speed 4. Was wondering if I’d see that in your top 5 and nope. Keep up the great work!
Nice Wu Tang shirt!
Wow idol your top 1 last year is Puma,,Now Is Puma Again,Great Job Puma.Merry Christmas in Advance GOAT KOFUZI..
Since you’re including the Takumi Sen 10 in this category, I’m going to submit the NB Fuelcell Pacer v2 as a performance trainer. I know I’m cross-categorizing, but that’s where it works in my rotation. Still though, I think the Valkyrie Speedworks is superb and sitting at or near the top of that category.
great list mike! sad to see my favorite speed shoe of 2024 the Asics Magic Speed 4 didn't make the list
Can't wait for the Stability section 👌
By far my best efforts have been on the Takumi Sen 10
Did not like the Puma Deviate 2 (outsole too thick, midsole too thin) but really liked the Boston 12, still Nike Tempo Next is my fav! Honorable mention to Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 : very comfy and breathable upper. Takumi is not bad either.
Congrats PUMA for be number 1 in kofuzi heart❤
I feel like the tempo trainer is an experimental category that shoe manufacturers are still trying to figure out. I think some guys (with disposable incomes) just buy two copies of the same racing shoes -- training in one and racing in the other. (I myself use a retired DNE1 for some speed days.) But as one of the (apparently) few people who are true fans of this particular genre of shoes, I feel like I need to rush out and buy every one that comes out so as to "vote with my dollars" and see more shoes like them. So I guess I still need to add the (still boring-looking) TYR to my collection. I would have put the Magic Speed 4 in the Hoka's spot. You are working very hard to fight accusations of ASICS bias!
Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is my favourite🔥
Have you had a chance to wear the Zoom Fly 6? I don't really think it would have made the list, but just curious lol
Have to get my hands on those pumas. Mostly I go for the audios pro 3 or superblast if I want to run faster.
In Mexico Puma Deviate 3 is by far cheaper than Endorphin Speed 4. So Puma has been my go to for that reason and it turned out to be a great shoe too.
very interesting
Nice shirt!
Deviate nitro 3 suit me very well and already over 400k still going strong 💪
Currently, takumi Sen 10 for intervals, rocket x2 for tempo soon to be replaced by Evo SL. Did use endo pro 4 earlier in the year 😉, and couldn’t stop running in the metaspeed edge Paris. 2025 I’m trying less racers for speed day and more non racers like Evo SL, speed 5, Mach x3. Btw just got deviate nitro 2 for $60 and wow, can’t believe I slept on this shoe. I am doing on cloud eclipse for daily runs and deviate 2 for steasy daily runs
Please consider adding a list of contenders that were considered for the ranking. It's difficult to tell what was the pool of models that you picked your winners from. I'm surprised you've picked a 10 mm drop shoe for tempo while running more mid to forefoot - I thought maybe Mizuno Wave Neo Rebellion Flash 2 with cut heel would be a more unorthodox model better for you but I get why Speed 4 and DN3 are so high. Especially during winter Pumas are hard to beat with their outsoles.
i've already made a review of the Flash 2 and I think the video makes it clear why it wouldn't make it into my top 5 tempo shoes
@@kofuzi That's fair. I didn't get it in my recommended videos so I missed it but remembered the model as an example of a low drop tempo shoe. I appreciate your time to test and review as many models as possible. To me, a list of contenders would help everyone in the audience when not every video gets into individual feeds - especially with your experience with so many brands and models it just makes the top5 that much more special when they get the top place. Cheers!
Deviate Nitro 3 - They tinker it too much, DN3 have 10mm drop while DN2 have 6mm. They have more elite foam in forefoot which will compress more and make the drop feel higher. Though the shoes increase in weight, the heel stack increased by 6mm.
Your shirts are fire lately
thank you
PUMA!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I’m a Boston 12 fan for tempo and just got a discounted Black Friday and gift certificate reduced on cloud monster hyper as new tempo shoe. I did not get deviate nitro 2 to work for me, not tried nitro 3. I am much bigger than kofuzi always wonder if that plays a major role in my preferences.
The big cat did it again ❤️
I previously loved the endorphin speed 3 which I used for longer/marathon effort sessions but didn’t like the fit of the speed 4. How did you find the deviate nitro 3 performed during longer/marathon effort runs?
Nice shirt.
How do you like the magic speed 4, I haven’t tried the nitro 3 but I like the magic speed 4
I was searching for this comment. I’m looking at getting the Magic Speed 4 for my tempo and interval runs and wanted to see what people’s thoughts are on it
@ before I bought I heard nothing but positive reviews. So far I love them.
My expectations were high for the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, but I experienced heel drag when I bought these shoes. It's possibly because the insoles are not thick enough and do not provide sufficient energy return. To fix the issue, I used custom insoles, but it’s not practical to buy custom insoles every month. As a result, I sold the shoes and switched to the Asics Magic Speed 3 and Asics Superblast Version 1 for my tempo and long runs, which have worked really well for me. I hope the 5th version of the Endorphin Speed improves its midsole and insole to prevent the heel drag feeling. Otherwise, I will no longer buy this brand and model and will look for alternatives from Asics or New Balance or Adidas."
As a bigger runner/hybrid athlete I LOVE the Takumi Sen 10 for fast efforts and workouts 4 miles and under. So much fun to run in
Which version is preferred by most people, the deviate nitro 2 or this year's version? I haven't tried either.
that Wu Tang Tee is absolute fire!!!! where did you get it? I need one ASAP!!!! Great video as well as always.
Just bought Puma Nitro 3.. tried it and got my 21km with it
Magic speed 4 for me…. I love the race day vibes
I’m looking at getting the MS 4. You obviously rate it for tempo and interval runs?
@ yes…. Only negative I would say is they not as versatile as the Saucony speed 4…. But rock the race day vibes more which I appreciate. I was a massive speed 1 and 2 fan but the shoe has been diluted and widened too much for me now. Go the Puma…. I have a set of velocity 3 and love how they fit. I can imagine the nitro 3 would be great also.
@@craigelliott5028I’m not too worried about versatility, as I’d only be using it for a tempo/interval training for an upcoming marathon I have and then I’d be using the Metaspeed Sky Paris for the marathon.
That tee is just very good. Shoe talk was informative but mostly I’m wondering where to get that shirt
pretty sure it got fed to me as an IG ad
For those who have used the TYR Valkyrie Speedworks, did you find that the foam softens up and is at its' best after a few runs in them?
I found them extremely soft, springy and unstable right from the box. I have no idea how someone can use them as casual shoes.
@Kofuzi Would you have put the ASICS Magic Speed 4 as a close 5th position?
The Adidas models (Boston 12, Adizero 8, Takumi Sen 10) are good for tempo workouts; however, they are not comfortable for long-distance runs in zone 1 or zone 2, especially when the shoes have accumulated more than 150 to 200 km of mileage. I prefer shoes with better cushioning, propulsion, bounce, and leg protection, such as those from Asics, Brooks, Puma, Hoka or New Balance
Where would you class the New Balance SC Trainer 3? I'd use it in the same category as all these, and it's better. It's my Shoe of the Year for its versatility. (Not a racer)
I don't remember if I've evaluated the SC Trainer in prior years as a tempo shoe or as a max cushion shoe. But this year's v3 made it clear to me that it's not a tempo shoe.
This year, I'll be making a new category for Long Run Shoe and it will be considered against other shoes in that class
Not a good pick for a speed shoe, in my opinion. It is a little heavy and the midsole is too thick and soft to provide quick turnover needed for speed workouts. The Nike Zoom Fly 6 would overtake the SC Trainer for speed workouts ….easily. The SC Trainer seems to be an easy/long run shoe only. And for that price, it should really do more.
Deviate Nitro 3 in the running for back to back Shoe of the year?! (Deviate Nitro line)
I just wish Puma would make a wider last. Even their wide models are still too narrow in the midfoot
Loving the wu tang shirt 👐🤌
What is better New Balance SC Trainer v3 or the Nike Zoomfly 6 (disregard price difference)?
I have not tried the Zoomfly 6
@ look forward to your review of your do.
Need a Kofuzi x Puma collab. I will be there
Wot! No Asics Magic Speed 4's?
Auww yeeaahhhh..!!
🙌
Interesting take on the puma deviate nitro as a lot of people have said the total opposite.
i feel like this isn't a comment in good faith but an attempt to either troll or pick a fight, but to the extent you are expressing an opinion on the general consensus, i really don't think i'm in a minority position here
@ no bad intentions at all so confused with the defensiveness. Just seen a lot of reviewers say it’s not as good as the previous iteration and more of an easy day shoe as opposed to a speed shoe which you like it for. Just interesting how everyone sees shoes differently
how about the Asics Magic Speed 4?
Hey Michael, what do u think about a new category awards : Best Brand Lineup 🧐
No New Balance Rebel v4?
New Balance has been telling me for years that the Rebel is and always has been developed as a daily trainer. For this year, and last year, I evaluated it against other daily trainers
Non carbon tempo shoes recommendation pls?
tried zoom fly 6 yet?
i have not
@ its getting alotta love from other runners. Maybe giv em a sus
Yey for DN3! but no Zoom fly 6?
DEVIATE FOR THE WIN!!!! UNITE PUMA SICKOS!!!
No honorable mention of the magic speed 4?
for 2024, i have been reserving honorable mention for shoes that are not technically available until 2025
Hoka Mach X2
No honorable mention for the magic speed 4's?
for 2024, i have been reserving honorable mention for shoes that are not technically available until 2025
Got the Deviate Nitro 2 for 90€ because of your reviews and I have lots of fun in this shoe. You need some speed to let the magic start (
wu-tang shirt goes hard
it's for the children
What is your t-shirt? 👐
🎉
The deviate nitro 3 was super underwhelming. The upper isn't all that comfortable and it's hard to get a lock down feel in it
I've been with the NB 1080v13 for anything easy and long. Absolutely love them.
For a slightly faster tempo run ill usually put on the topo cyclone 2s.
Wu Tang!
I still think there is no reason why a retired racing shoe can’t function as a tempo shoe
very true
No nike?
which shoe am I missing?
@kofuzi nike shox 12 springs
Sauconys way to narrow for me
sorry to hear that
@@kofuzime too they feel nice 2E feet is unfortunate though
i bought 19pairs of running shoes this year, except the takumis none of these are in my arsenal
sounds like you had a fun running year with 19 pairs!
You can wear these shoes every day. These are daily trainers.
the mach x2 upper is no bueno
I didn't experience the same problem that some have reported to me regarding chafing in the back of the heel, but in v3 it'll be a very different heel design
Tempo comment!
yo!
me waiting for On to make it on the scene
first!
yo!