Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 vs ASICS Novablast 5: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 42% of 45 Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 owners recommend it, vs 41% of 145 for the ASICS Novablast 5.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28

42%of 45 owners recommend
42% recommend · 14% neutral · 44% don't
Owners praise
  • Plush, high-cushion feel that owners love for easy, long, and recovery runs, several describe it as 'walking on cloud'
  • Relieves foot pain and soreness better than some other cushioned brands (Hoka, New Balance) for owners who struggle with those
Owners complain about
  • A hole wears through the upper near the toe/toenail area, reported by multiple owners across the 25, 26, and 27 generations as a recurring defect
  • Some owners have switched away to rivals like the Vomero Plus, Asics Superblast, or New Balance 1080v14, finding the Nimbus less responsive or appealing in comparison
  • A subset of owners report painful hot spots, an overly soft metatarsal area, or shin splints, for some, Asics as a brand worsened foot pain
Full owner report →

ASICS Novablast 5

41%of 145 owners recommend
41% recommend · 26% neutral · 33% don't
Owners praise
  • Soft, bouncy ride when fresh
  • Comfortable, well-cushioned feel
  • Versatile daily trainer across paces
Owners complain about
  • Bounce and midsole die early (durability)
  • Forefoot pod, arch, and foot pain
  • Slippery grip on wet pavement
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 if
  • ✓Long-distance and marathon runners wanting max cushioning for easy/recovery runs
  • ✓Runners who also want a comfy daily walking or standing-all-day shoe
  • ✓People whose feet hurt in firmer trainers and need extra plush support
  • ✓Runners building a rotation who want a dedicated soft recovery-day shoe
Skip it if
  • Runners wanting a responsive, energetic ride for faster-paced training
  • High-mileage runners bothered by recurring upper holes or quick sole wear
Get the ASICS Novablast 5 if
  • ✓Neutral runners wanting a soft, bouncy daily trainer
  • ✓Easy days, long runs and beginners building mileage
  • ✓Runners with wider feet who want a roomy toebox
  • ✓Value seekers wanting an all-rounder that won't break the bank
Skip it if
  • High-mileage runners needing foam that lasts past ~250km
  • Forefoot strikers prone to arch or forefoot pain

What Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 owners say

“the second I step back into hokas or the nimbus my feet are fine again”
— Jumpy-Daddy5809 on Reddit
“Great so far and a huge cushion upgrade from my older winflos. Great upper. Overall great for long easy runs.”
— Forsaken_Ducky on Reddit
“I tried the Nimbus earlier this week and found them to be extremely soft at the metatarsal head”
— orbitolinid on Reddit

What ASICS Novablast 5 owners say

“Look at that Nova Blast, Bouncy yet Stable. And the comfort level.”
— @andrewmcallister3903 on YouTube
“I just bought novablast 5. So far, its good for me. Bounce and good energy return. Satisfied”
— @alihafiz13 on YouTube
“novablast has way too much cushion for me. too soft for my taste.”
— @MrJoshbono5 on YouTube

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 vs ASICS Novablast 5: frequently asked questions

Is the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 or the ASICS Novablast 5 better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 42% of 45 Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 owners recommend it, vs 41% of 145 for the ASICS Novablast 5.

Who should get the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28?

Owners point the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 at long-distance and marathon runners wanting max cushioning for easy/recovery runs, and runners who also want a comfy daily walking or standing-all-day shoe.

Who should get the ASICS Novablast 5?

Owners point the ASICS Novablast 5 at neutral runners wanting a soft, bouncy daily trainer, and easy days, long runs and beginners building mileage.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 is a hole wears through the upper near the toe/toenail area, reported by multiple owners across the 25, 26, and 27 generations as a recurring defect. For the ASICS Novablast 5, it's bounce and midsole die early (durability).