Comparisons / Daily trainer

Nike Pegasus 42 vs ASICS Novablast 6

Two of the best-selling daily trainers, built very differently. The Pegasus is the dependable, slightly firmer workhorse with a traditional 10 mm drop; the Novablast is lighter, taller and far bouncier, and reviewers rate it higher.

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

Nike Pegasus 42Nike Pegasus 42: photo coming soon PHOTO INCOMING
NikePegasus 42Daily trainer84/100 · 2 reviews
ASICS Novablast 6ASICS Novablast 6: photo coming soon PHOTO INCOMING
ASICSNovablast 6Daily trainer96/100 · 1 review

Which should you buy?

Choose the Pegasus 42 if you want a durable all-rounder with a familiar, steadier ride, or you need a wide or extra-wide fit.

Choose the Novablast 6 if you want the most fun and energetic ride for easy and steady miles, and you'd like to save almost 40 g per shoe.

The Pegasus 42 is 37 g heavier than the Novablast 6. It has 4.5 mm less foam under the heel. Its drop is 10 mm against 8 mm. It costs £10 less at full price.

Side by side

SpecPegasus 42NikeNovablast 6ASICS
Review score84/100 (2 reviews)96/100 (1 review)
TypeDaily trainerDaily trainer
Weight (men's UK 8.5)286 g249 g
Heel stack37 mm41.5 mm
Drop10 mm8 mm
CushioningBalancedSoft
BounceBouncySpringy
PlateNo plateNo plate
SupportNeutralNeutral
FitRuns smallTrue to size
Widthsstandard, wide, extra widestandard, wide
Waterproof versionNike Pegasus 42 GORE-TEXASICS Novablast 6 GTX
UK RRP£130£140

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

What the critics say

Pegasus 42

  • Durable, versatile everyday trainer
  • Softer, more forgiving forefoot than before
  • Roomier, more generous fit
  • The Air Zoom plate adds weight
  • Heel landings can feel firm

Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.

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.

Paraphrased from published reviews.

What's new in each

Nike Pegasus 42: Swaps the Pegasus 41's two Air Zoom units for a full-length curved Air Zoom plate and a roomier, more anatomical fit. Same ReactX foam, stack and 10 mm drop.

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.

Prices for the Pegasus 42 Prices for the Novablast 6

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