ASICS Novablast 6 vs Puma Deviate Pure Nitro: Two Versatile Daily Trainers Compared

Introduction

The ASICS Novablast 6 and the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro are two of the most capable versatile daily trainers of 2026, and on paper they sit in almost exactly the same slot: cushioned trainers with a bit of range at speed. After logging around 70 km in the Novablast 6 and 55 km in the Deviate Pure across easy runs, steady miles, tempo work and even a side-by-side test mile wearing one shoe on each foot, the overlap is real. But the two deliver their versatility in distinct ways, and ride preference ends up mattering more than any spec sheet difference.

Two Shoes, One Job: Versatile Daily Training

Both shoes cover everything from easy paces up to around marathon pace and a bit beyond. Neither is a dedicated speed shoe; for the fastest interval sessions or track reps, both cap out, and a snappier option makes more sense. But for daily running, steady efforts, and the occasional tempo run, both are genuinely enjoyable.

They also sit near the lower end of where performance running shoe prices are headed, which makes them good value for versatile trainers. Priced around £140 / $155, the Novablast 6 is slightly more expensive than the Puma at £130 / $150.

ASICS Novablast 6: Cushion and Bounce First

The Novablast 6 is a big-stack cushioned cruiser with a 41.5 mm heel and 33.5 mm forefoot, an 8 mm drop, and a 262 g weight (9.2 oz) in a UK 9 / US 10. The midsole pairs FF BLAST Max foam with a puck of FF Turbo Squared under the forefoot, the springy material introduced with the ASICS Metaspeed line. That forefoot puck adds bounce that benefits all kinds of running, from easy miles to tempo sessions.

The upper is a woven design with generous padding around the heel collar and a slightly stiffer internal heel counter, making it the more comfort-focused construction of the two. The outsole combines ASICS Grip rubber in the forefoot with higher-abrasion rubber at the back for durability.

The update is meaningful. The Novablast 5 was a solid all-rounder that didn’t keep up at faster paces; the 6’s foam makes it noticeably bouncier and more responsive, so it now handles tempo work, a threshold mile session, or a tempo 5-miler better than any previous Novablast. It’s impressively versatile for such a big, cushioned shoe, though it’s still not among the fastest daily trainers available.

Puma Deviate Pure Nitro: Light, Nimble, Connected

The Deviate Pure Nitro is the leaner option: 217 g (7.7 oz) in a UK 8.5 / US 9.5, a 38 mm heel and 30 mm forefoot stack with the same 8 mm drop. There’s no plate here, just an all-PEBA version of Puma’s nitrogen-infused Nitro foam, which delivers a mid-level compression that springs back fast for controlled, moderate pop in each step.

The upper is a lightweight, stripped-back mesh with medium heel padding that keeps weight down and breathes a bit better in hot conditions. The outsole is a genuine highlight: a thick layer of Puma Grip rubber with wide coverage, arguably better than the ASICS outsole.

On the run it feels delightfully light, turning over easily even at easy paces, and it has a slight edge at speed over the Novablast. It shines at steady and tempo paces and short intervals, but without a plate or significant rocker it isn’t ideal for holding race paces over long distances. It’s more comfortable than its light, low-stack feel suggests, though for runs much beyond 90 minutes to two hours the extra cushion of the Novablast starts to matter.

Fit and Sizing

Fit is true to size in the Novablast 6 for most testers: roomy in the toe box, a forgiving midfoot, and plush heel padding that can run slightly warm in hot weather. The Deviate Pure is a bit narrower, typical of Puma, though not as narrow as some of the brand’s other shoes, and one tester went half a size down and found the fit nearly equivalent in length to the ASICS. If you’re between sizes in the Puma, the smaller size is the safer bet.

Both offer good toe-box room, solid midfoot lockdown, and comfortable collars, with the Novablast edging ahead in padding and the Pure feeling slightly more malleable and airy.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you prefer a bigger stack with more cushion and bounce, and comfort is your top priority for everyday miles, the Novablast 6 is the easier recommendation, and it’s likely the one more runners will generally prefer. If you want a leaner, flatter, more ground-connected ride with responsiveness and good forefoot protection, especially if you have narrower feet, the Deviate Pure Nitro fits that brief beautifully while also costing less.

Both rate highly alongside similar all-rounders in the category, and neither would be a first pick for track or the fastest workouts. If you’re buying a single shoe to handle most of your training, either will serve you well; if your rotation has room for two similar shoes, you probably only need one of them.

Conclusion

The Novablast 6 and Deviate Pure Nitro are remarkably comparable shoes with genuinely different ride personalities. Pick the ASICS for its softer, bouncier, more stable and protective ride; pick the Puma for its lighter, more direct, closer-to-the-ground feel and lower price. You can’t go too far wrong with either.