Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 vs Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4:
Which to Choose

Start with what's shared, because it's a lot: both pair a full-length carbon plate with a bouncy, snappy (not plush) nitrogen- or PEBA-type foam, both score 6/6 on pace and responsiveness and just 2/6 on stability, and both warn that the tall, narrow platform feels tippy at easy jog paces and only settles once you're pressing hard. The decisive differences are weight, stack, and intended distance. The Puma is the lighter, lower-slung shoe: 173g in a men's US 9 on a 37mm heel / 28mm forefoot stack, which gives it a quicker, more connected-to-the-road feel and explains why its range extends down to the 10K, with the half marathon as its sweet spot. The Saucony is the taller, more substantial racer at 199g in a men's US 9 on a 39.9mm heel / 32.4mm forefoot stack — noticeably more foam underfoot and about 26g more mass, which trades a little of that 10K sharpness for protection that holds up over the longest efforts, with the marathon as its sweet spot. The drop is effectively a wash (8mm for the Saucony versus 9mm for the Puma), so it shouldn't sway the decision. In short: the Deviate Nitro Elite 4 is the lighter, more versatile short-to-middle-distance weapon, while the Endorphin Elite 2 is the more cushioned, marathon-first tool.