ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 vs ASICS Novablast 5
On paper, compared with the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33, the ASICS Novablast 5 is 50 g lighter, ₹6,900 cheaper.
My take
Different purposes. Ankle discomfort or pronation: Kayano (over 85 kg) or GT-2000 (under 85 kg). Neutral: Novablast 5.
 ASICSGel-Kayano 33 |  ASICSNovablast 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.33 | 8.33 |
| Ride | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Value | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹16,999 | ₹10,079 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Stability | Versatile trainer |
| Weight | 300 g | 250 g |
| Heel stack | 39 mm | 40.9 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 31 mm | 33.5 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 7.4 mm |
| Foam | FF Blast Max (top) + FF Blast Plus Eco (base) | FF Blast Max |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | stability | neutral |
| Fit | standard | – |
| Sizing | – | – |
| Recommended runner weight | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) | Up to about 90 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Long runsRace dayBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsLong runsTempo |
| Pros | Soft, bouncy FF Blast Max top layer · Stable firmer base layer · Plush heel and tongue padding · More breathable than the Kayano 32 · 8 mm drop · Comfortable on 20 km long runs · Safe option for a first full marathon · Suits flat, neutral and high arches | Soft, very bouncy FF Blast Max ride · New light, breathable upper fixes Novablast 4's issue · Versatile from 4:00/km to 6:30/km · Wide base adds stability · Good heel padding and counter for long runs · No issues in 100+ km of testing |
| Cons | Durability doubts for runners over 90 kg · About 20% less structure than the Kayano 32 · Too soft for severe overpronators who dislike soft foam · Not for wide feet in the standard width · Expensive at ₹17,000 | Not for beginners or runners slower than 6:30/km · Wet grip only above average · Bouncy foam won't last as long as the Novablast 4's · Unlikely to be discounted |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you are over 90 kg with flat feet, or overpronate heavily and dislike soft foam; the Kayano 32 suits you better. | Avoid it if you are a beginner or regularly run slower than about 6:30/km, because the bouncy foam gives less stability and ground feel at those paces. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Gel-Kayano 33
This became my favourite Kayano of all the ones I have tested, and at ₹17,000 it is one of the safest full marathon shoes in India for most runners. Very heavy runners and severe overpronators who dislike soft foam should stick with the Kayano 32.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you are over 90 kg with flat feet, or overpronate heavily and dislike soft foam; the Kayano 32 suits you better.
Read reviewASICS
Novablast 5
If I were training for my first marathon and wanted one shoe, this is the one I would pick. I would not recommend it to beginners or to runners slower than about 6:30/km pace.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you are a beginner or regularly run slower than about 6:30/km, because the bouncy foam gives less stability and ground feel at those paces.
Read reviewNot sure which one is right for you?
Answer 8 quick questions and get matched with shoes you can buy in India.