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.
Nike Pegasus 41
Pros
- Enhanced for heel strikers
- New ReactX foam!
- Improved breathability
- Plush upper
- Good durability
- Several stability enhancements
- Newly designed rocker and bevel
- Solid performance
- Superior lockdown
- Sustainable features
Cons
- Price increased by $10
- Worse than the v40 in cold temperatures
- Poor grip
Key Features
- Excellent Cushioning: The ReactX foam midsole combined with Air Zoom elements provides a highly responsive ride, enhancing comfort with every stride.
- Superior Breathability: Constructed with improved technical mesh upper, these shoes ensure exceptional ventilation, keeping your feet cool and dry even during extended periods of running.
- Increased Comfort: Features like the soft tongue on the collar and insole deliver a stable feel, providing additional support during your runs.
- Lightweight Design: The use of innovative materials reduces shoe weight without sacrificing stability, which is crucial for longer runs.
- Enhanced Energy Return: The combination of ReactX foam and Air Zoom elements optimizes energy return, allowing for powerful and efficient strides.
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Synthetic
- Inner Material: Manmade
- Closure Type: Clasp
- Weight: Approximately 10 oz (for men's size 10)
- Drop: 10 mm
- Model Fit: MR-10 last for the best and most consistent fit
The Nike Pegasus 41 is designed for runners who engage in heel-strike patterns, making it a dependable daily trainer. It offers a balanced ride with reliable cushioning and smooth transitions, suitable for various running styles including steady runs and speed bursts.
This model promotes foot strength through its straightforward midsole, which adapts well to natural strides and provides an effortless feel. The curved sole enhances the toe-off experience, and lab tests reveal it is **34.0%** more flexible than average.
Another notable feature is the new ReactX foam, measured at **33.6/22.2 mm**, which effectively balances impact protection at the heel with surface feedback at the forefoot. With a high **11.4 mm** drop, it caters specifically to heel strikers, and the foam's plushness is rated at **15.8 HA**, enhanced by two Air Zoom units for additional comfort.
The Pegasus 41 includes discreet support features, ideal for beginners or long-distance runners seeking extra guidance as fatigue sets in. The midsole sidewalls help prevent excessive movement, while the heel area, measuring **89.2 mm**, provides stability during landings.
Although the weight of **9.9 oz (281g)** is not considered heavy, runners accustomed to lighter footwear may find it less agile.
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.
Mizuno Neo Vista 2
Pros
- Massive stack height
- Super-plush Enerzy NXT foam
- Perfect for long runs
- Lightweight for its huge size
- Good durability
- Breathable knit upper
- Roomy toebox height
- Insanely fun!
Cons
- Not enough energy return
- Price hike feels unjustified
- Not stable for heel strikers
Key Features
- MIZUNO ENERZY NXT: This next-generation midsole material maximizes energy return and cushioning, ensuring optimum performance and responsiveness.
- Knit Upper: The completely knit upper offers a sleek design while providing a natural fit suitable for all foot types.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Made from recycled materials, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
- MIZUNO WAVE: The innovative MIZUNO WAVE plate disperses impact energy across a broader area, resulting in superior cushioning and stability.
- Smooth Speed Assist: Features a significant heel bevel for efficient midfoot landing, supporting the calf, with an aggressive forefoot rocker for smooth transitions.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Nylon
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is a unique running shoe designed for individuals who seek comfort and energy efficiency during their runs. It features a supersized stack that effectively absorbs impact, helping to keep legs feeling fresh over extended distances. Our lab tests confirm this model provides the best shock absorption among supination running shoes.
This shoe incorporates foam that scored **170 SA** in shock absorption—**32.8%** above average—which contributes significantly to reduced strain on the legs. With a **46.0/37.5 mm** stack height, the cushioning is generous regardless of landing position, with the forefoot being taller than most competitors’ heels.
Despite its thick platform, the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 offers a lively ride, characterized by a springy return confirmed by energy tests showing rebound scores of **60.3%** in the heel and **59.8%** in the forefoot. The flexible midsole further enhances the ride quality, demonstrating **10.0%** more pliability than average in our bend test, which promotes both comfort and adaptability.
However, these premium features come at a price point of **$200**, which may not suit all budgets. For runners seeking more affordable training options, alternatives are available.
Nike Vaporfly 4
Pros
- 13% lighter than the Vaporfly 3
- Awesome for 5K, 10K and 21K races
- Full ZoomX midsole
- Spring-loaded carbon-fiber Flyplate
- Fantastic lockdown with premium laces
- Moderate rocker for a more natural ride
- Improved perforated, removable insole
- Better rubber coverage in the forefoot
- Gets improvements from the Alphafly 3
- Great upper featuring breathability and durability
Cons
- Less ideal for marathon racing
- Still lacks the snappy feel of the Vaporfly 1&2
- Narrow midfoot and heel limit stability
Key Features
- Full-length carbon fiber Flyplate: Offers a higher angle compared to its predecessor, providing a propulsive feel.
- Nike ZoomX foam: Known for its responsiveness, this latest iteration is lighter and provides exceptional energy return.
- Reduced weight: A slight midsole reduction enhances the bouncy, feathery feeling during your runs.
- Engineered mesh construction: Contributes to a lighter shoe while ensuring a more consistent fit throughout your run.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Carbon fiber Flyplate and mesh
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is an excellent choice for competitive female runners seeking a combination of speed, lightness, and comfort. After extensive lab tests and runs, it emerged as a leading contender in racing performance.
This shoe features a stiff and uniquely spoon-shaped carbon FlyPlate, enhancing turnover efficiency for impressive speed. The soft yet responsive ZoomX foam cushioning minimizes muscle strain, providing a comfortable ride with each landing supported by a plush 19.9 HA midsole.
With a weight of only 5.9 oz (166g), the Vaporfly 4 is among the lightest options available, allowing for effortless movement during races. Its breathable upper, which achieved a score of 4/5 in our smoke test, further enhances comfort, reducing the risk of blisters during prolonged runs.
However, rear foot strikers may experience instability due to the narrow heel design of the Vaporfly 4. For those whose biomechanics align with this style, it can be a powerful addition to their racing gear.
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.