Head-to-Head
Wave Sky 9vsDeviate Nitro Elite 4
The Wave Sky 9 is a recovery / easy run shoe while the Deviate Nitro Elite 4 is a race shoe. The Wave Sky 9 retails for $180 while the Deviate Nitro Elite 4 comes in at $250 — a $70 difference. The Deviate Nitro Elite 4 is the lighter shoe at 6.0 oz versus 10.0 oz for the Wave Sky 9. In our ratings, the Wave Sky 9 edges out the Deviate Nitro Elite 4 — 9.0/10 versus 8.4/10.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 8.4 / 10 | |
| Price | $180✓ | $250 | |
| Weight | 10.0 oz | 6.0 oz✓ | |
| Category | Recovery / Easy Run | Race Shoe | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | High | Medium | |
| Softness | Soft | Balanced | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 6 mm | 8 mm | |
| Stack | 44 mm | 40 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Medium | |
| Energy Return | Low | High✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium | Breathable✓ | |
| Traction | High | High | |
| Shock Absorption | High | High | |
| Durability | Good✓ | Decent |
