Asics Novablast 4 vs Gel-Nimbus 26

As runners, we’re always on the hunt for the perfect shoe to take our training and racing to new heights. Two popular options from Asics are the Novablast 4 and the Gel-Nimbus 26 – both highly cushioned trainers designed for racking up the miles. But which one reigns supreme? Let’s break down the key differences between these two top contenders.

Cushioning and Ride

The Gel-Nimbus 26 lives up to its reputation as Asics’ flagship premium cushioned shoe. It features their top-of-the-line FlyteFoam Blast+ midsole foam that delivers an incredibly plush, shock-absorbing ride. Every footstrike feels like landing on a cloud, making the Nimbus ideal for high-mileage training and long runs where cushioning is paramount.

On the other hand, the Novablast 4 takes a different approach with its FlyteFoam Blast midsole compound. While still very well-cushioned, it has a bouncier, more responsive feel compared to the Nimbus. The ride is smooth yet energetic, almost propelling you forward with each stride. This lively sensation makes the Novablast great as an everyday trainer or even a long-distance race shoe for runners who prefer a touch more firmness underfoot.

Here’s a quick comparison of the cushioning properties:

Shoe	Midsole Foam	Cushioning Level	Ride Feel
Gel-Nimbus 26	FlyteFoam Blast+	Maximum	Plush, Shock-Absorbing
Novablast 4	FlyteFoam Blast	High	Bouncy, Responsive

Upper and Fit

Both shoes feature engineered mesh uppers that strike a nice balance between breathability and structural support. However, the Nimbus has a more premium feel with its plush collar padding and gusseted tongue that locks down the midfoot securely.

The Novablast’s upper is more streamlined and race-oriented, with minimal overlays and a semi-stretchy mesh that allows for a snug yet accommodating fit across a wide range of foot shapes.

• Gel-Nimbus 26 Upper Features:
  • Plush collar padding
  • Gusseted tongue
  • Secure midfoot lockdown
• Novablast 4 Upper Features:
  • Minimal overlays
  • Semi-stretchy mesh
  • Accommodates wide range of foot shapes

Weight and Flexibility

There’s no denying the Nimbus 26 is a hefty shoe, tipping the scales at around 11.5 oz for men’s and 9.5 oz for women’s. All that premium cushioning comes at the cost of a bit of bulk. In contrast, the Novablast 4 is remarkably light at just 9.5 oz and 7.8 oz respectively, giving it an edge for faster paces and race days.

The Nimbus also has a very stiff, rigid forefoot that doesn’t flex much, while the Novablast allows for more natural forefoot flexibility. This can impact how “connected” the shoes feel during toe-off.

Shoe	Men’s Weight	Women’s Weight	Forefoot Flexibility
Gel-Nimbus 26	11.5 oz	9.5 oz	Very Stiff
Novablast 4	9.5 oz	7.8 oz	Good Flexibility

Durability and Traction

With its premium midsole compound and sturdy construction, the Gel-Nimbus 26 should have excellent durability for high-mileage training. The outsole features hard-wearing rubber in key wear areas for increased longevity on the roads.

The Novablast 4 may not be quite as durable, but its outsole has been updated with more rubber coverage compared to previous versions. Both shoes provide reliable grip on wet or dry surfaces.

• Gel-Nimbus 26 Durability:
  • Premium midsole foam
  • Reinforced rubber outsole
  • Built for high mileage
• Novablast 4 Durability:
  • Improved outsole rubber coverage
  • Good for average mileage

Style and Cost

Let’s be honest – the Gel-Nimbus 26 is a bit of a chunky, maximal-looking shoe that won’t win any style points. But many runners prioritize performance over aesthetics for their trainers.

The Novablast 4 has a sleeker, more streamlined profile that some may find more appealing from a looks perspective. It also has the advantage of being significantly more affordable, coming in around $40-50 cheaper than the premium-priced Nimbus.

Shoe	Style	Price
Gel-Nimbus 26	Chunky, Maximal	$160
Novablast 4	Sleek, Streamlined	$120

Which One is Right for You?

So which Asics trainer should you choose – the ultra-plush Gel-Nimbus 26 or the lively, responsive Novablast 4? Here’s a quick recap:

Go with the Gel-Nimbus 26 if:

• You want maximum cushioning for high mileage
• You prefer a softer, more protective ride
• You don’t mind a heavier, less flexible shoe
• You’re willing to pay a premium price

Choose the Novablast 4 if:

• You want an energetic, bouncy ride
• You like some firmness underfoot
• You prefer a lighter, more flexible trainer
• You’re looking for a great value shoe

At the end of the day, both are excellent premium trainers from Asics. But depending on your preferences for cushioning, weight, flexibility and budget, one may better suit your needs over the other.

The best advice is to go try them both on at your local running store if possible. Your feet will let you know which Asics shoe is the perfect fit! Pay close attention to how the cushioning, flexibility, and overall ride feel matches up with your particular running style and needs.

And don’t just take my word for it – read reviews from other runners who have put serious miles on these shoes. Seeing a range of perspectives can help you make the most informed decision.

Whichever Asics model you ultimately choose, I’m confident you’ll be lacing up a top-quality trainer that will serve you well on the roads and trails. Happy running!