ASICS makes two of the most popular cushioned neutral trainers on the market — the Novablast 5 and the Gel Nimbus 27. They’re both high-stack, well-cushioned shoes, but they deliver very different running experiences. The Novablast is bouncy and energetic; the Nimbus is plush and protective.
Here’s the quick take: the Novablast 5 is lighter, bouncier, and more fun for daily training at various paces, while the Gel Nimbus 27 is softer, more cushioned, and built for easy-pace comfort. Your choice depends on whether you want energy return or pure plushness.
ASICS Novablast vs Nimbus: Quick Verdict
Choose the ASICS Novablast 5 if you want a bouncy, energetic daily trainer that feels lively underfoot. It’s lighter, cheaper, and more versatile — a great one-shoe option for runners who like to vary their pace.
Choose the ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 if you want maximum soft cushioning for easy runs, recovery days, and long slow distance. It’s ASICS’ premium comfort shoe — built to pamper your legs and absorb impact above all else.
Key Specs Compared
| Spec | ASICS Novablast 5 | ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (Men’s) | 9.0 oz / 255g | 10.7 oz / 305g |
| Heel-Toe Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Stack Height | 41.5mm / 33.5mm | 43.5mm / 35.5mm |
| Midsole | FF Blast Max | FF Blast Plus Eco |
| Best For | Daily training, bouncy runs, varied paces | Easy runs, recovery, long runs |
| Price | $140 | $165 |
Weight and Energy Return: Novablast 5 Wins
FF Blast Max vs FF Blast Plus Eco
At 9.0 oz vs 10.7 oz, the Novablast 5 is a full 1.7 oz lighter — a huge difference you’ll feel immediately. But it’s not just the weight: the Novablast’s FF Blast Max foam is designed for bounce and energy return. Each stride feels springy and propulsive, making it one of the most fun daily trainers on the market.
Why the Novablast Feels Bouncier
The Gel Nimbus 27 is a much heavier shoe, and its foam prioritizes softness over spring. It absorbs impact beautifully but doesn’t give much energy back. For runs where you want to feel light on your feet, the Novablast is the clear choice.
Cushioning and Comfort: Gel Nimbus 27 Wins
Bouncy vs Plush: A Key Distinction
The Nimbus 27 has 2mm more stack height than the Novablast 5 and uses a softer foam compound. The result is a deeply cushioned, almost pillow-like ride that absorbs road impact exceptionally well. It also features PureGEL technology in the heel for additional shock absorption on landing.
The Novablast 5 is well-cushioned too, but it trades some of that plushness for responsiveness. If your primary goal is protecting your joints and legs on easy and recovery runs, the Nimbus is the better tool for the job.
Versatility: Novablast 5 Wins
Which Covers More Ground?
The Novablast 5 is one of the most versatile shoes ASICS makes. Its bouncy foam and lighter weight make it comfortable for easy runs yet responsive enough for tempo efforts and faster workouts. It’s a genuine do-it-all trainer that many runners use as their only shoe.
The Nimbus 27 is squarely an easy-day shoe. Its weight and soft ride make it less suitable for faster running. It’s a specialist, not a generalist.
Upper and Fit: Gel Nimbus 27 Wins
The Nimbus 27 features a more refined, plush upper with excellent padding around the heel collar and tongue. It feels like a premium shoe from the moment you slip it on. The Novablast 5’s upper is lighter and more breathable but somewhat simpler in construction. Both fit true to size, but the Nimbus offers a more luxurious in-shoe experience.
Value: Novablast 5 Wins
What Each Price Tag Gets You
At $140 vs $165, the Novablast 5 is $25 cheaper and arguably the more useful shoe for most runners. It’s lighter, more versatile, and delivers excellent performance across a wider range of workouts. The Nimbus 27 is a premium product with a premium price, but the Novablast offers better overall value.
The Bottom Line
The ASICS Novablast 5 is the better all-around daily trainer — lighter, bouncier, more versatile, and cheaper. The ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 is the better choice if maximum plush cushioning is your top priority and you have other shoes for faster days. For a one-shoe rotation, the Novablast wins. For an easy-day specialist in a multi-shoe rotation, the Nimbus is hard to beat.
Shop ASICS Novablast 5
Shop ASICS Gel Nimbus 27
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