Comparisons / Daily trainer

ASICS Novablast 6 vs PUMA Velocity Nitro 5

Both are everyday trainers at roughly the same weight, but they ride very differently. The Novablast is taller, softer and far bouncier, and it's among the best-reviewed daily shoes. The Velocity Nitro 5 is lower, firmer and more traditional, and costs £30 less at full price.

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
PUMA Velocity Nitro 5PUMA Velocity Nitro 5: photo coming soon PHOTO INCOMING
PUMAVelocity Nitro 5Daily trainer92/100 · 1 review

Which should you buy?

Choose the Novablast 6 if you want maximum bounce and cushioning for easy and steady miles, or you need a wide fit.

Choose the Velocity Nitro 5 if you want a simple, grippy, good-value trainer with a closer-to-the-ground feel, and you have narrow-to-average feet.

The Novablast 6 is 5 g heavier than the Velocity Nitro 5. It has 6.5 mm more foam under the heel. It costs £30 more at full price.

Side by side

SpecNovablast 6ASICSVelocity Nitro 5PUMA
Review score96/100 (1 review)92/100 (1 review)
TypeDaily trainerDaily trainer
Weight (men's UK 8.5)249 g244 g
Heel stack41.5 mm35 mm
Drop8 mm8 mm
CushioningSoftBalanced
BounceSpringyLively
PlateNo plateNo plate
SupportNeutralNeutral
FitTrue to sizeTrue to size
Widthsstandard, widestandard
Waterproof versionASICS Novablast 6 GTXNo
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 5

  • Excellent grip and durable rubber
  • Comfortable, secure upper for the price
  • Great value, especially on sale
  • Very flexible forefoot
  • Narrow heel and midfoot
  • Less springy than PUMA's pricier Nitro shoes

Scores from RunRepeat.

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 5: Adds a softer top layer of NITRO foam, a new, more padded upper and grippier wet-road rubber; slightly heavier and a little less springy than the Velocity Nitro 4.

Prices for the Novablast 6 Prices for the Velocity Nitro 5

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