ASICS Novablast 5 vs Puma Deviate Pure Nitro
On paper, compared with the ASICS Novablast 5, the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is 35 g lighter, 2.2 mm more drop, 3.7 mm less heel stack, ₹4,800 cheaper, Ride +0.8.
 ASICSNovablast 5 |  PumaDeviate Pure Nitro | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.33 | 8.77 |
| Ride | 8.0 | 8.8 |
| Design & Comfort | 9.0 | 8.5 |
| Value | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹15,000 | ₹10,249 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Versatile trainer | Versatile trainer |
| Weight | 250 g | 215 g |
| Heel stack | 40.9 mm | 37.2 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 33.5 mm | 27.6 mm |
| Drop | 7.4 mm | 9.6 mm |
| Foam | FF Blast Max | PEBA (supercritical) |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | neutral | neutral |
| Fit | – | – |
| Sizing | – | – |
| Recommended runner weight | Up to about 90 kg | Up to about 90 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsTempo | Easy runsTempo |
| Pros | 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 | Enjoyable ride at all paces · Lightweight and stable-neutral · Premium upper and lockdown · Excellent grip |
| Cons | 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 | Lacks the bounce and snap of the Evo SL |
| 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. | 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 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.
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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