ASICS GT-2000 13 vs ASICS Novablast 5
On paper, compared with the ASICS GT-2000 13, the ASICS Novablast 5 is 14 g lighter, 2 mm less drop, 4.3 mm more heel stack, ₹5,000 pricier, Ride +0.5.
My take
Ankle discomfort or overpronation: GT-2000 13 (under 85 kg). Neutral and want a bouncier daily trainer: Novablast 5.
 ASICSGT-2000 13 |  ASICSNovablast 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 7.33 | 8.33 |
| Ride | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 7.0 | 9.0 |
| Value | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹5,069 | ₹10,079 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Stability | Versatile trainer |
| Weight | 264 g | 250 g |
| Heel stack | 36.6 mm | 40.9 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 27.2 mm | 33.5 mm |
| Drop | 9.4 mm | 7.4 mm |
| Foam | FF Blast Plus | FF Blast Max |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | mild support | neutral |
| Fit | narrow | – |
| Sizing | go up half | – |
| Recommended runner weight | Under 85 kg | Up to about 90 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsBeginnersWalking | Easy runsLong runsTempo |
| Pros | FF Blast Plus midsole: stable, cushioned, with energy return · No break-in needed · Extra heel softness from PureGEL · Moderate, non-intrusive 3D Guidance support · Wide, stable platform · Premium, breathable engineered mesh upper · Strong heel counter, padding and tongue · Thick, durable outsole rubber · Light at 260 g (US 9) · Excellent value at ₹5,000–6,500 | 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 | Snug, narrow forefoot, needs half a size up · Thick, not very soft upper mesh · Short laces, runner's knot came loose · Below-average traction on wet surfaces · Not for interval or speed sessions · Not enough for heavy runners or severe overpronators | 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 weigh over 85 kg or overpronate heavily, where the Kayano 31 is the better choice. | 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
GT-2000 13
For me the GT-2000 13 is the best lightweight moderate-stability shoe on the market and one of the best shoes under ₹6,000. Beginners and flat-footed runners under 85 kg can buy it with their eyes closed, as long as they size up for the snug forefoot.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you weigh over 85 kg or overpronate heavily, where the Kayano 31 is the better choice.
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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