ASICS
PUMAWhich should you buy?
Choose the Novablast 6 if you want maximum bounce and cushioning for longer runs, or have wider feet.
Choose the Velocity Nitro 4 if you want a lighter, snappier shoe with excellent wet-road grip for less money, and your feet are average-to-narrow.
The Novablast 6 is 25 g heavier than the Velocity Nitro 4. It has 5.5 mm more foam under the heel. Its drop is 8 mm against 10 mm. It costs £30 more at full price.
Side by side
| Spec | Novablast 6ASICS | Velocity Nitro 4PUMA |
|---|---|---|
| Review score | 96/100 (1 review) | 92/100 (2 reviews) |
| Type | Daily trainer | Daily trainer |
| Weight (men's UK 8.5) | 249 g | 224 g |
| Heel stack | 41.5 mm | 36 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| Cushioning | Soft | Balanced |
| Bounce | Springy | Bouncy |
| Plate | No plate | No plate |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Widths | standard, wide | standard |
| Waterproof version | ASICS Novablast 6 GTX | No |
| UK RRP | £140 | £110 |
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.
Velocity Nitro 4
- Light and versatile for the price
- Excellent wet-road grip
- Comfortable, breathable upper
- Pointy toe box and narrow midfoot
- Heel can feel clunky at easy paces
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.
PUMA Velocity Nitro 4: Noticeably lighter than the Velocity Nitro 3, with a roomier toe box and a softer, more breathable and plusher mesh upper.
Prices for the Novablast 6 Prices for the Velocity Nitro 4
More comparisons
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