ASICS Megablast vs ASICS Novablast 5
On paper, compared with the ASICS Megablast, the ASICS Novablast 5 is 30 g heavier, 2.5 mm less drop, 4.2 mm less heel stack, ₹8,000 cheaper, Ride −1.
 ASICSMegablast |  ASICSNovablast 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.33 | 8.33 |
| Ride | 9.0 | 8.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| Value | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹23,000 | ₹15,000 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Versatile trainer | Versatile trainer |
| Weight | 220 g | 250 g |
| Heel stack | 45.1 mm | 40.9 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 35.2 mm | 33.5 mm |
| Drop | 9.9 mm | 7.4 mm |
| Foam | FF Turbo Squared | FF Blast Max |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | – | neutral |
| Fit | narrow | – |
| Sizing | – | – |
| Recommended runner weight | 60 kg up to 110–120 kg; better above 70 kg | Up to about 90 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Long runsTempoRace dayRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsLong runsTempo |
| Pros | Explosive, springy FF Turbo Squared ride · Fastest and easiest 10K in months · Light at 220 g for its stack · Soft, breathable, durable woven upper · Gusseted tongue and secure heel · Heel padding works well · ASICSGRIP outsole rated for 1,000 km · One shoe for training, long runs and races | 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 | ₹23,000–24,000 price · Narrower than the Superblast 2 and 3 · Not for beginners · Not for sprinting · Overkill for slower runners | 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 a beginner, run slower than about 5:00/km, or cannot comfortably spend ₹24,000. | 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
Megablast
The Megablast is one of the best running shoes ever, with an explosive, springy FF Turbo Squared ride I have never felt before. It is only worth ₹23,000–24,000 if you run 2:30–5:00/km and can spare the money.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you are a beginner, run slower than about 5:00/km, or cannot comfortably spend ₹24,000.
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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