ASICS Novablast 5
Pros
- Improved energy return with FF Blast MAX foam
- Plushiest foam in a Novablast yet
- Keeps the same price as v4
- Higher stack height for extra cushioning
- Enhanced flexibility
- Lighter than its predecessor
- Best Novablast ever for wide feet
- Exceptional weight-to-cushion balance
- Works for short, medium and long runs
Cons
- Breathability could be improved
- Toebox durability
Key Features
- Maximal Midsole Cushioning: The ASICS Novablast 5 features a maximalist midsole design that enhances comfort and shock absorption, making it suitable for longer runs.
- Grippy Outsole: The outsole is engineered with high-traction rubber to provide reliable grip on various surfaces, enhancing stability during your runs.
- Engineered Fit: Designed with a focus on improving fit, these shoes ensure a secure lockdown, allowing you to focus on your performance without distractions.
- Synthetic Materials: Both the outer and inner materials are crafted from synthetic components, optimizing durability and breathability.
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Shaft Height: Ankle Strap
- Outer Material: Synthetic
- Inner Material: Synthetic
The Novablast 5 is ideal for runners with a heel-strike pattern, providing substantial cushioning and comfort across various distances and paces.
This shoe features exceptional softness, particularly noticeable during heel landings, with a measured cushion height of 40.9 mm. Our durometer tests indicated that the midsole is 38.4% softer than average, which contributes to a pillowy yet responsive underfoot experience.
Unlike many maximalist shoes that may compromise stability, the Novablast 5 offers increased width in the midsole, with an added 8.3/6.9 mm in the forefoot and heel. This design helps secure footing while minimizing the risk of ankle rolls, even during sharp turns.
The lightweight build, at only 9.0 oz (254g), combined with its uncomplicated midsole, makes Novablast 5 an excellent choice for daily training. Our flexibility test confirmed this, showing it to be 32.2% more flexible than average, allowing for a natural stride.
A key drawback is that the outsole does not provide sufficient traction on wet surfaces, making it less suitable for those requiring maximum grip.
ASICS Gel Nimbus 27
Pros
- Even more foam underfoot!
- Premium-feel, breathable upper
- Fantastic stability
- Improved toebox with extra wiggle room
- Flexible knit tongue
- True maximalist comfort for recovery runs
- Amazing heel lockdown
- Top-tier grip
Cons
- Feels bulky and heavy
- Minor price increase
- Lacks energy return
Key Features
- Engineered jacquard mesh upper: Wraps your foot in a soft feel while ensuring breathability.
- Sustainable materials: At least 75% of the main upper material is made from recycled content, reducing waste and carbon emissions.
- Eco-friendly dyeing process: The sockliner utilizes a solution dyeing process that cuts water usage by approximately 33% and reduces carbon emissions by about 45% compared to conventional methods.
- PureGEL technology: Delivers lightweight cushioning for softer landings, enhancing comfort during runs.
- FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning: Made with around 24% bio-based content sourced from renewables, this technology offers both a plush landing and responsive toe-off.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber for enhanced grip and durability
- Outer material: Mesh for improved breathability
- Inner material: Knit for added comfort and flexibility
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 is best suited for runners seeking a stable and cushioned daily running shoe. Its significant midsole provides excellent impact protection while ensuring confidence in both rigid construction and grip, based on extensive lab tests and field runs.
Equipped with Hybrid ASICSGRIP, the Nimbus 27 delivers notable traction, achieving a score of 0.84 and surpassing the lab average by 82.6%. The shoe's performance in shock absorption is also impressive, registering a high 136 SA rating.
The foam underfoot measures 42.7/34.4 mm, offering cushioning that exceeds the average by 8.3/8.6 mm. Runners, particularly heel strikers, will appreciate the benefits of the PureGEL technology, which ensures each step remains comfortable.
Despite its plush design, the Gel Nimbus 27 maintains a stable feel, attributed to its sidewalls, wide platform, and stiff midsole. The shoe demonstrated the highest 5/5 torsional rigidity score, confirming its stability during testing.
However, it should be noted that the Nimbus 27 is 12.8% heavier than some alternatives, which may not appeal to those looking for a more agile running option.
ASICS Gel Kayano 32
Pros
- Amazing shock absorption
- Plush and breathable upper
- Made to last
- Dependable for most pronators
- Heavy-duty outsole with excellent grip
- Stable as a table
- Pillow-soft heel padding
- Improved fit
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Not for soft-foam lovers
- Bad energy return
- Overpriced in Europe
Key Features
- Engineered Mesh Upper: A lightweight and breathable material that minimizes overlays, providing enhanced ventilation.
- Knit Heel Pull Tab: A convenient feature that allows for easier on-and-off wear, adding to the overall comfort.
- 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM: A dynamic pod that adjusts under load, offering adaptive stability and comfort during your runs.
- Rearfoot PureGEL Technology: An updated version of GEL technology, approximately 65% softer than standard options, delivering superior cushioning.
- FF BLAST PLUS Cushioning: This midsole foam combines cloud-like cushioning with a lighter weight, enhancing responsiveness.
- Reflective Details: Designed to improve visibility in low-light conditions, making it safer for early morning or late-night runs.
- HYBRID ASICSGRIP Outsole: Combines ASICSGRIP rubber and AHARPLUS materials for enhanced grip and durability across various terrains.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Polyester
- Inner Material: Polyester
- Rating: 4.3 out of 5 from 506 reviews
The ASICS Gel Kayano 32 is a reliable choice for runners seeking substantial stability and cushioning. Its bottomless cushioning provides an exceptional underfoot sensation while ensuring significant support during runs. In laboratory tests, the GK32 excels in stability among daily running shoes.
Central to the GK32's design is the 4D Guidance System, which offers tailored support by adjusting to the contours of each foot. This system enhances midsole width to facilitate safe and steady landings. Our measurements show a platform width of 119.8/97.2 mm, compared to the standard 114.3/90.7 mm.
The midsole height reaches 39.9/30.6 mm, delivering a low-impact and forgiving ride. Our shock absorption tests confirmed its effectiveness, with scores of 133 SA in the heel and 116 SA in the forefoot. This performance contributes to a pleasant on-foot experience.
Additionally, the shoe features a breathable upper that received a score of 4/5 in our ventilation assessment. However, its heavier build at 10.4 oz (295g) exceeds the average weight of 9.3 oz (265g) for running shoes, which may deter those seeking a lighter option.
ASICS Magic Speed 4
Pros
- Enhanced midsole
- Exceptional grip
- Superior durability
- Awesome traction
- Excellent value for a supertrainer
- Colossal cushioning
- Carbon plate!
- Ideal for marathon-paced workouts
- Fantastic upper
Cons
- Limited stability
- Low bounce
- Narrow fit
Key Features
- Ultra-lightweight construction for maximum speed.
- Bouncy cushioning with FF BLAST™ TURBO technology for enhanced responsiveness.
- Full-length carbon plate for superior propulsion and stride support.
- 5mm additional midsole cushioning for a softer footstrike and energetic toe-off.
Specifications
- Outer material: Mesh
- Closure type: Lace-Up
- Water resistance level: Not Water Resistant
The ASICS Magic Speed 4 is designed for all types of runners seeking joint protection and comfort during their runs. With its notable height and superior breathability, it offers significant shock absorption capabilities among ASICS running shoes, as confirmed by both user experience and lab results.
This model features an impressive stack height of 42.5/32.9 mm, providing maximum protection. Our findings indicate a strong performance in shock absorption, with scores of 144 SA in the heel and 122 SA in the forefoot, delivering a cushioned feeling that mitigates landing impacts.
The MS4 incorporates bouncy FF Turbo foam in the forefoot, resulting in a high energy return score of 61.8%. Additionally, a curved carbon plate in the midsole contributes to a propulsive ride, while our bend test showed that the MS4 is 76.7% stiffer than average.
The upper construction promotes unobstructed airflow, achieving a maximum breathability rating of 5/5 in our smoke test, ensuring that heat does not accumulate. This feature enhances comfort during longer runs.
At a weight of 8.4 oz (237g), the fourth version is relatively lightweight yet has gained some heft compared to supershoes. Runners prioritizing weight savings for racing may prefer a shoe weighing under 8 oz.
ASICS Megablast
Pros
- Outstanding energy return
- Exceptional impact protection
- Durable, grippy outsole rubber
- Astonishingly low weight
- Performs at any pace and distance
- Breathable, lightweight upper
- High-quality materials from heel to toe
- Suitable for all footstrikes
- Top performance without a carbon plate
Cons
- Extremely expensive for a training shoe
- Limited outsole coverage
- Poor toebox durability
Key Features
-
Engineered Mesh Upper: A lightweight and breathable mesh material reduces the need for additional overlays, promoting airflow to keep your feet cool.
FF TURBO² Cushioning: This pinnacle foam is designed to deliver the bounciest and most energetic midsole experience, providing advanced cushioning and rebound.
Curved Sole Design: Helps conserve more energy in each step, allowing for a more efficient running style.
ASICSGRIP Outsole Rubber: A proprietary rubber outsole that ensures advanced grip across various terrains.
Sustainable Construction: At least 50% of the shoe's main upper material is made from recycled content, contributing to reduced waste and carbon emissions.
Specifications
-
Origin: Imported
Sole Material: Rubber
Outer Material: Faux Leather
Closure Type: Pull-On
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 31 reviews
The ASICS Megablast is an excellent choice for runners seeking a combination of speed and comfort. Its innovative foam technology provides significant energy return, while its lightweight design offers relief during intense speed sessions.
Lab tests confirm the Megablast as a top-performing shock-absorbing tempo running shoe. The cushioning effectively dampens impact, as evidenced by its impressive 160/144 SA score in the heel and forefoot, which indicates a reduction in load on the legs by 24.0% and 35.8% better than average, respectively.
When assessing the midsole’s energy return, the heel registered 73.0% and the forefoot 73.8%, demonstrating notable propulsive takeoffs. This performance ensures that comfort and responsiveness remain consistent even over longer distances, enhancing the overall running experience.
The lightweight construction of 7.8 oz (218g) further contributes to a more enjoyable ride, making it easier to maintain speed. However, the Megablast's advanced features come at a premium price of $225, which may deter some runners from purchasing.
ASICS Versablast 4
Pros
- Stable ride
- Cushioned for long runs
- Good performance-to-price ratio
- Ideal for beginners
- Solid outsole durability
- Great option for heel strikers
- Can be used as a casual shoe
- Inspired by Novablast DNA
Cons
- Not for summer
- Upper durability concerns
- Narrow fit
- Probably a bit heavy
Key Features
- Repeat mesh upper: This component ensures excellent breathability, allowing your feet to stay cool during intense activities.
- AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning: A standout feature that provides soft cushioning along with a responsive rebound, promoting a fast feel underfoot.
- Fast feel underfoot: The design focuses on energy return, making it ideal for quick movements and agile workouts.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Polyester
- Inner material: Polyester
The Versablast 4 is designed for runners seeking long-run comfort and a stable yet forgiving ride. Its versatility makes it suitable for easy runs and daily wear, confirmed by lab results. With a price of just $80, significantly lower than the average ASICS running shoe at $140, it offers a durable outsole, earning it recognition as a top budget-friendly option.
This shoe provides sufficient comfort for long slow distance runs (LSDs) while remaining responsive enough for speed sessions. The midsole features a stack height of 36.1/26.7 mm for impact protection and achieves an impressive energy return score of 53.3% for its price point. This combination supports varied running needs effectively.
During performance testing, the shoe demonstrated agility in fast corners, aided by a flexible midsole that adapts quickly to movement. The bend test indicated flexibility slightly above average, requiring 14.7N to achieve a 30-degree angle. This responsiveness enhances overall stability during aggressive movement.
The robust outsole also contributes to its appeal, exhibiting minimal wear during the Dremel test with only 0.8 mm damage compared to the 1.0 mm average. This durability suggests that the Versablast 4 can endure extended use beyond competitors.
However, the upper design may hinder breathability in warm weather, receiving a low 2/5 breathability score. This could impact the overall comfort during hotter conditions, highlighting a notable drawback for potential buyers.