ASICS Novablast 5 vs Puma Velocity Nitro 4
On paper, compared with the ASICS Novablast 5, the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 is 12 g lighter, 2.3 mm more drop, 7.2 mm less heel stack, ₹3,100 cheaper, Ride +0.5.
My take
Velocity Nitro 4 bounces more, but Novablast 5 is the better all-round pick for beginners.
 ASICSNovablast 5 |  PumaVelocity Nitro 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.33 | 8.07 |
| Ride | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| Design & Comfort | 9.0 | 7.2 |
| Value | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹10,079 | ₹7,019 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Versatile trainer | Daily trainer |
| Weight | 250 g | 238 g |
| Heel stack | 40.9 mm | 33.7 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 33.5 mm | 24 mm |
| Drop | 7.4 mm | 9.7 mm |
| Foam | FF Blast Max | Nitro |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | neutral | neutral |
| Fit | – | narrow |
| 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 | Energetic, responsive ride · Lightweight with excellent grip · Best value in this test |
| 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 | Narrow midfoot |
| 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 pronate or have a wider foot. |
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
Velocity Nitro 4
The best daily trainer in this test: fast, lively and the best value of the eight.
Avoid if: You pronate or have a wider foot.
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