ASICS Novablast 4 vs GEL-Nimbus 26: Two Cushioned Trainers, One Clear Pick

Introduction

The ASICS Novablast 4 and GEL-Nimbus 26 are two cushioned trainers in the ASICS range, but they serve different purposes. The GEL-Nimbus 26 sits near the top of the lineup as the comfort-focused flagship, while the Novablast 4 costs less and aims to be more of an all-rounder. After running roughly 45 miles in the Nimbus 26 and 40 in the Novablast 4 across roads, light off-road, and a mix of paces, one shoe came out ahead for us. Here is how they compare.

Specs and Construction

Both shoes share an 8mm drop and nearly identical stack heights: the GEL-Nimbus 26 measures 42mm at the heel and 34mm at the forefoot, while the Novablast 4 is just half a millimeter lower at 41.5mm and 33.5mm. Both midsoles use ASICS FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning, though the Nimbus adds a small amount of pure GEL under the heel. Both use sidewalls of foam and a reasonably wide platform for stability at this stack height, with the Nimbus being particularly wide.

The differences are in the details. The Novablast 4 gets a woven upper with a mesh tongue and AHAR low rubber outsole with good coverage; the rubber feels slightly softer than the Nimbus 26’s hybrid of ASICS Grip and AHAR Plus. The Nimbus counters with a stretchy knit tongue that creates a more bootie-style fit and generous heel cushioning.

Fit and Sizing

Both shoes ran true to size in testing at a UK 9 (US 10), matching the tester’s normal running shoe size, and going true to size is recommended for both.

In the Novablast 4, the fit is secure but roomy, with plenty of wiggle room in the toe box, good midfoot hold, and a largely secure heel. Unless you like a very snug shoe, stick with your usual size.

The Nimbus 26 also works best true to size. The padded collars hold the heels well, the knit tongue adds plushness, and the uppers wrap snugly while keeping the toe box spacious. In a side-by-side mile, the Nimbus felt noticeably more hugging and secure around the heel and across the top of the foot, creating a cocoon-like wrap that the roomier Novablast does not match.

Weight and Price

Weight and price favor the Novablast 4. At 270g (9.5oz) in a UK 9, it is the lighter shoe, while the Nimbus 26 weighs 318g (11.2oz). On price, the Nimbus 26 is the more expensive shoe at £180 in the UK and $160 in the US, while the Novablast 4 comes in at £135 or $140, making it the cheaper option in both markets.

Ride Comparison: Side by Side

With nearly identical stacks and the same midsole foam, you might expect these to feel alike. They do not. The Novablast 4 runs a little flatter, while the Nimbus feels like it has more midsole volume under the ball of the foot, with the foam engaging a bit faster at foot strike. In pure cushioning terms there is little to choose: the Nimbus is probably a touch softer and sinkier.

The bigger difference is versatility. The Nimbus 26’s weight holds back its top pace; it is essentially a one-gear shoe built for easy cruising. The Novablast 4 has more gears: it is more responsive, livelier, and punchier, comfortable at easy paces but capable of running up toward marathon pace. On stability, the Novablast’s slightly wider platform creates a flatter, more stable landing through the heel and midfoot.

One caution from testing: the Nimbus 26 has a fairly slappy ride, and during a hard session and a long run, some forefoot discomfort appeared, likely tied to its firmer rubber outsole. The Novablast delivered a smoother ride with no such issue, and it did not give up any comfort despite being lighter.

Verdict: Which Shoe Should You Buy?

For us, this was an easy verdict. The Novablast 4 is the superior all-round shoe and the cheaper one. It keeps the soft cushioning that made earlier Novablasts popular, adds more immediacy and response, and handles everything from recovery miles to long runs with hard efforts. If you only want a cushioned shoe for easy runs, it arguably still does that job better than the Nimbus.

The GEL-Nimbus 26 remains a genuinely comfortable cruiser with oodles of pillowy cushioning, and runners who love the softest, sinkiest ride will adore it. But it is expensive, heavy, and fits squarely in the easy-run-only box for anyone with a shoe rotation.

If you want max-cushion softness on a budget, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 is worth a look as an alternative with similar appeal.

View more details for ASICS Novablast 4

Conclusion

The ASICS Novablast 4 wins this comparison. It is lighter, cheaper, more comfortable underfoot in testing, and far more versatile, while the GEL-Nimbus 26 remains a capable but expensive easy-day cruiser. Unless pillowy plushness above all else is your priority, the Novablast 4 is the shoe we would pick.