ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 vs ASICS Novablast 5
On paper, compared with the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27, the ASICS Novablast 5 is 50 g lighter, 2.1 mm less heel stack, ₹1,900 pricier, Ride +0.5.
My take
Just starting and over 70 kg: Nimbus 27. Lighter and want a livelier, faster ride: Novablast 5.
 ASICSGel-Nimbus 27 |  ASICSNovablast 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 7.83 | 8.33 |
| Ride | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| Value | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹8,159 | ₹10,079 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Max cushion | Versatile trainer |
| Weight | 300 g | 250 g |
| Heel stack | 43 mm | 40.9 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 35 mm | 33.5 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 7.4 mm |
| Foam | FF Blast Plus Eco | FF Blast Max |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | neutral | neutral |
| Fit | standard | – |
| Sizing | – | – |
| Recommended runner weight | Suitable for heavy runners | Up to about 90 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Long runsBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsLong runsTempo |
| Pros | Huge impact protection for any body weight · Slightly bouncier foam, no sinking feeling · Taller toe box and more breathable jacquard upper than the 26 · Forgiving, premium comfort from the first step · Good for long runs up to the full marathon | 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 | Heavy at 300 g (UK 8) · Expensive at the ₹16,000 launch price · Less sock-like plushness than the 26's knit upper · Not for fast running · Not a stability shoe | 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 want a light shoe for fast running or need a stability shoe. | 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-Nimbus 27
A premium, highly protective max-cushion shoe for beginners, heavy runners and long distances, and one of my top three max-cushion daily trainers. ₹16,000 is too expensive, but at around ₹11,000 I'd pick it over the 26 without a second thought.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you want a light shoe for fast running or need a stability shoe.
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.
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