ASICS Novablast 4 vs Puma Deviate Pure Nitro
On paper, compared with the ASICS Novablast 4, the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is 51 g lighter, 1.6 mm more drop, 5.8 mm less heel stack, ₹2,200 pricier, Ride +0.8.
 ASICSNovablast 4 |  PumaDeviate Pure Nitro | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.00 | 8.77 |
| Ride | 8.0 | 8.8 |
| Design & Comfort | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| Value | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹8,000 | ₹10,249 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Versatile trainer | Versatile trainer |
| Weight | 266 g | 215 g |
| Heel stack | 43 mm | 37.2 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 35 mm | 27.6 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 9.6 mm |
| Foam | FF Blast Plus Eco | PEBA (supercritical) |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | neutral | neutral |
| Fit | wide | – |
| Sizing | – | – |
| Recommended runner weight | Up to about 90 kg | Up to about 90 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsTempoBeginners | Easy runsTempo |
| Pros | Smooth, stable ride with a moderate bounce · Works from 8:00 to 4:30/km · Perfect heel lockdown and snug midfoot · Wide, stable forefoot (about 120 mm) · Foam should last about 800 km · Strong value even at ₹10,000 | Enjoyable ride at all paces · Lightweight and stable-neutral · Premium upper and lockdown · Excellent grip |
| Cons | Poor breathability, feet got hot after about 18 km · Average traction in the wet · Feels flatter above 7:30/km · Limited availability in India, hard to identify authorised resellers | Lacks the bounce and snap of the Evo SL |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you want the very bouncy trampoline feel of the Novablast 3 or Novablast 5, or you run long in hot, humid conditions and need a very breathable upper. | You want the Evo SL's top-end speed. It is very close at faster paces, but not quite the same level. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Novablast 4
After 100 km, the Novablast 4 is one of the best-value lightweight daily trainers, with a smooth, stable, moderately bouncy ride across all my paces. I rate it 7.75 out of 10.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you want the very bouncy trampoline feel of the Novablast 3 or Novablast 5, or you run long in hot, humid conditions and need a very breathable upper.
Read reviewPuma
Deviate Pure Nitro
A lighter, more direct and agile shoe that keeps you closer to the ground. Works well for both easy runs and faster efforts.
Avoid if: You want the Evo SL's top-end speed. It is very close at faster paces, but not quite the same level.
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