Comparisons / Daily trainer

ASICS Novablast 6 vs ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28

ASICS' two most popular neutral trainers at almost the same price. The Cumulus is the soft, steady, comfort-first option. The Novablast is taller, slightly lighter and much bouncier, which makes it the more fun shoe for most runners.

By the RunShoeRotation team. Written October 2026; specs, scores and prices updated October 2026. How we compare shoes.

ASICS Novablast 6ASICS Novablast 6: photo coming soon PHOTO INCOMING
ASICSNovablast 6Daily trainer96/100 · 1 review
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28: photo coming soon PHOTO INCOMING
ASICSGel-Cumulus 28Daily trainer88/100 · 2 reviews

Which should you buy?

Choose the Novablast 6 if you want an energetic, trampoline-like ride that can pick up the pace.

Choose the Gel-Cumulus 28 if you prefer a calmer, softer, more traditional ride for easy daily miles.

The Novablast 6 is 3 g lighter than the Gel-Cumulus 28. It has 3.5 mm more foam under the heel. It costs £5 more at full price.

Side by side

SpecNovablast 6ASICSGel-Cumulus 28ASICS
Review score96/100 (1 review)88/100 (2 reviews)
TypeDaily trainerDaily trainer
Weight (men's UK 8.5)249 g252 g
Heel stack41.5 mm38 mm
Drop8 mm8 mm
CushioningSoftSoft
BounceSpringyLively
PlateNo plateNo plate
SupportNeutralNeutral
FitTrue to sizeTrue to size
Widthsstandard, widestandard, wide
Waterproof versionASICS Novablast 6 GTXNo
UK RRP£140£135

Weights are for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5. Prices are UK RRPs; shops often sell for less.

What the critics say

Novablast 6

  • Extra forefoot bounce from the new FF Turbo² insert
  • Plush, well-padded heel
  • Versatile from easy days to marathon pace
  • Not the best choice for hard workouts

Scores from RunRepeat.

Gel-Cumulus 28

  • Softer, livelier ride from FF Blast Max foam
  • Better heel grip and durability
  • Slightly lighter at the same price
  • May feel too soft if you like a firm ride
  • A light update rather than a big change

Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.

Paraphrased from published reviews.

What's new in each

ASICS Novablast 6: Adds a springy FF Turbo² insert in the forefoot of the FF Blast Max midsole, grippier ASICSGRIP rubber up front and a new woven upper.

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28: Moves up to the softer FF Blast Max foam used in pricier ASICS shoes, adds AHAR LO heel rubber and gets a more breathable upper. A few grams lighter than the Cumulus 27.

Prices for the Novablast 6 Prices for the Gel-Cumulus 28

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