ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 vs Novablast 5: Which Daily Trainer Deserves Your Money?

Introduction

ASICS has two daily trainers that, on paper, seem to overlap: the Gel Nimbus 28 and the Novablast 5. Both are cushioned, both are comfortable, and both can handle the bulk of a training week. After extensive time in both, though, the differences are clear, and one of them emerges as the more versatile pick for most runners. We also look at the New Balance Fresh Foam More v6, a softer and cheaper alternative that competes directly with the Nimbus for max-cushion buyers.

Fit and Sizing: True to Size for Most Runners

Across several testers, the fit story is remarkably consistent. Both shoes fit spacious with a very accommodating forefoot, plenty of toe-box wiggle room, and generous clearance across the top of the toes. The heel collars lock the foot in securely, with the Nimbus 28 offering noticeably more plush padding around the heel. Midfoot lockdown is reliable in both, with no lace pinch, slipping, or hot spots reported.

The consensus is to go true to size in both shoes. One tester found extra length in the Gel Nimbus 28 compared to a usual UK 8, so if you dislike space in front of your big toe, a half size down is worth trying, particularly in the Nimbus. Runners with narrow feet or those who prefer a snug fit may also want to size down half a size.

The uppers differ slightly in feel: the Novablast 5 sits a little closer to the foot, while the Nimbus 28 has more volume and a roomier toe box. The Nimbus also uses a stretchy tongue that makes dialling in fit easier, whereas the Novablast 5 may need a bit more fiddling with the tongue and laces for a secure lockdown.

Ride and Performance

Both shoes feature large cushioned platforms built to absorb road impact and protect your feet over long miles. The character of that protection, however, is very different.

The Nimbus 28 uses FF Blast Plus Eco foam paired with Pure Gel technology, a combination that stabilises the ride and makes it a comfortable, highly reliable shoe for longer runs. It offers a nice rocker, protective foam with a touch of bounce, and rolls you through in a smooth, stable fashion. It is lighter than the Nimbus 27 and feels like it has a bit more energy, rolling through more nicely thanks to updates to the upper and outsole.

The Novablast 5 runs on FF Blast Max, a new midsole foam that is lighter, springier, and more lively. The result is a markedly different feeling: snappier, more responsive in the forefoot, and noticeably faster when you pick up the pace. Think of the Nimbus 28 as a luxury saloon car and the Novablast 5 as a sporty hatchback. The Nimbus excels at cruising long, easy miles in comfort, while the Novablast 5 brings speed along with its comfort.

Testing mileage reflects the shoes’ characters: one tester covered well over 100 miles in the Novablast 5, including a four-hour solo marathon test, and more than 25 miles in the Gel Nimbus 28 with a longest run of about 90 minutes.

Stability and Durability

Stability is where the Nimbus 28 pulls ahead. It is the steadier, more reliable platform of the two, while the Novablast 5 has a bit more wobble at slower paces, which some runners may find challenging. That slight instability is less noticeable at faster speeds on a mid-to-forefoot strike, but at heavier or slower efforts the Novablast can feel a little less solid than the Nimbus, which is a steady-eddy of a shoe.

On the outsoles, the differences are small. The Novablast 5 has more rubber coverage and slightly different patterns, but both have exposed foam areas. Grip and traction on pavements and roads were fine in both, and durability looks similar, with the Nimbus 28 potentially lasting a little longer if you bank big mileage on it during a marathon training block.

Which One Should You Buy?

The Novablast 5 is the clear value and versatility pick. It is roughly 20 grams lighter than the Nimbus 28, a difference you can feel on the foot, and the FF Blast Max midsole simply does more: easy runs, tempo sessions, faster work, and even marathon racing, with some runners training and racing in the same pair. It is also considerably cheaper, and it does everything the Nimbus can do and a lot more. It is not the most versatile shoe on the market, mind you; against something like the Adidas Evo SL it maxes out early, so it is not a race-day weapon for faster runners. But as a one-shoe-does-it-all daily trainer, it strikes an excellent balance of cushion, energy return, and accessibility.

The Nimbus 28 remains the shoe to choose if all you want is reliable, plush, foot-cradling cushioning. It is an improvement on the Nimbus 27, more enjoyable for longer easy sessions, and better suited to moderate paces than before. But it is firmly an easy-run and recovery-run shoe, it is too heavy for most runners to get out of first gear, and its premium pricing is hard to justify when the Novablast 5 offers a similar level of comfort for considerably less.

The Max-Cushion Alternative: New Balance Fresh Foam More v6

If max cushion is really what you are after, the Nimbus 28 is not the only option. The New Balance Fresh Foam More v6 came up as a softer, smoother shoe that rolls through more nicely, and it is considerably cheaper, around 30 less than the Nimbus 28. For runners weighing up a premium-priced max-cushion shoe, that comparison matters: if you are spending that much, you want the best shoe for your style of running, and the More v6 makes a strong case as a comfortable, soft-riding alternative.

Conclusion

Both ASICS shoes deliver on their promises, but they serve different runners. The Gel Nimbus 28 is a solid, cushioned, stable option for easy and recovery miles, best for those who prioritise plush protection above all. The Novablast 5 is the more versatile, more affordable, and more enjoyable pick for the majority of runners, capable of everything from gentle long runs to tempo sessions. And if pure softness on a budget is the goal, the Fresh Foam More v6 is a worthy alternative to the Nimbus. For most training weeks, the Novablast 5 is the shoe to lace up.