Adidas Pureboost 5 vs ASICS Gel Pulse 16
On paper, compared with the Adidas Pureboost 5, the ASICS Gel Pulse 16 is 20 g lighter, ₹800 cheaper, Ride +0.5.
My take
Pureboost 5 is the better shoe as a lighter daily trainer, especially around ₹4,500, but it's tighter in the midfoot. Pulse 16 suits slow beginners.
 AdidasPureboost 5 |  ASICSGel Pulse 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 7.67 | 9.00 |
| Ride | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| Design & Comfort | 7.0 | 9.0 |
| Value | 8.0 | 9.5 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹4,549 | ₹3,779 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Daily trainer | Budget |
| Weight | 260 g | 240 g |
| Heel stack | – | 36.5 mm |
| Forefoot stack | – | 26.3 mm |
| Drop | – | 10.2 mm |
| Foam | Light Boost | – |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | neutral | mild support |
| Fit | wide | narrow |
| Sizing | – | true to size |
| Recommended runner weight | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) | 60–90 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsBeginnersRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ |
| Pros | Balanced, bouncy Light Boost with good energy return · Bounce is still there at slow paces · 10/10 step-in comfort · Thin, breathable upper · Spot-on heel lockdown and snug midfoot · Wide, stable forefoot for beginners · Expected 600–800 km durability · Excellent value under ₹6,000 | Soft, max-cushion midsole · Very comfortable |
| Cons | Can feel flat after about 18 km at slow pace · Traction a bit lower than premium Adidas models · Lower stack than premium daily trainers · Not worth the ₹12,000 retail price | Narrow forefoot · Little energy return |
| Avoid if | Avoid it at the ₹12,000 retail price, or if you need full cushioning beyond about 18 km at slow paces. | You have a wide forefoot or want a bouncy, energetic ride. |
My verdicts
Adidas
Pureboost 5
The Pureboost 5 is one of the best daily trainers you can get under ₹6,000, with balanced, bouncy Light Boost that stays fun even at slow paces. Grab it under ₹6,000; it is not worth the ₹12,000 retail price.
Avoid if: Avoid it at the ₹12,000 retail price, or if you need full cushioning beyond about 18 km at slow paces.
Read reviewASICS
Gel Pulse 16
The best budget max-cushion shoe for beginners: soft and very comfortable.
Avoid if: You have a wide forefoot or want a bouncy, energetic ride.
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