ASICS Gel Pulse 16 vs ASICS Magic Speed 5
On paper, compared with the ASICS Gel Pulse 16, the ASICS Magic Speed 5 is 40 g lighter, 3.2 mm less drop, ₹11,600 pricier, Ride −1.
 ASICSGel Pulse 16 |  ASICSMagic Speed 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 9.00 | 7.00 |
| Ride | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| Design & Comfort | 9.0 | 6.0 |
| Value | 9.5 | 7.5 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹3,401 | ₹15,000 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Budget | Race day |
| Weight | 240 g | 200 g |
| Heel stack | 36.5 mm | 37 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 26.3 mm | 30 mm |
| Drop | 10.2 mm | 7 mm |
| Foam | – | FF Leap with FF Blast Plus carrier |
| Plate | – | carbon plate |
| Fit | ||
| Support | mild support | – |
| Fit | narrow | narrow |
| Sizing | true to size | – |
| Recommended runner weight | 60–90 kg | Lighter runners (under about 75 kg) |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ | Tempo |
| Pros | Soft, max-cushion midsole · Very comfortable | About 200 g in UK 8, much lighter than the Magic Speed 4 · Stable thanks to the carbon plate · Superb ASICSGrip traction · Breathable engineered mesh with a snug fit · Suited to interval and track sessions |
| Cons | Narrow forefoot · Little energy return | Not explosive at 5:00/km · Firm at moderate paces · Narrow fit · Pressure on the right arch · Aggressive, hard to survive a half marathon unless you run fast · Puma Deviate Nitro recommended over it at the same price |
| Avoid if | You have a wide forefoot or want a bouncy, energetic ride. | Avoid it if you run slower paces, want a bouncy shoe for extra push, or need a wider fit. |
My verdicts
ASICS
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.
Read reviewASICS
Magic Speed 5
For interval and track work it is light, stable and grippy, but at my pace it felt firm and not explosive, somewhere between good and excellent. At the same price I would highly recommend the Puma Deviate Nitro instead.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you run slower paces, want a bouncy shoe for extra push, or need a wider fit.
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