Asics Novablast 4 vs Asics Gel-Nimbus 26: Which Asics shoe is best for you?
Summary
TLDRIn this video, Nick compares the ASICS GEL Nimbus 26 and the ASICS Novablast 4, two cushioned running shoes within the ASICS range. The Nimbus 26 is a flagship cushion shoe, more expensive and heavier, with plush comfort and a focus on easy runs. The Novablast 4 is lighter, cheaper, and offers a more responsive ride with better grip, making it a versatile daily trainer suitable for various paces. Nick's preference lies with the Novablast 4 for its balance of cushioning, responsiveness, and value.
Takeaways
- 👟 The video compares the ASICS NOA Blast 4 and the ASICS GEL Nimbus 26, two cushioned training shoes within the ASICS range.
- 🏷️ The GEL Nimbus 26 is positioned as the flagship cushion shoe and is more expensive, especially in the UK where it's priced at £180, compared to the NOA Blast 4 at £135.
- 💰 In the US, the GEL Nimbus 26 is $160 and the NOA Blast 4 is $140, with the latter being the more affordable option in both regions.
- ⚖️ The NOA Blast 4 is the lightest of the two, weighing 270g for a UK9 size, compared to the GEL Nimbus 26 at 318g for the same size.
- 🔢 Both shoes have an 8mm drop and similar stack heights, with the GEL Nimbus 26 having a slightly higher heel stack at 42mm versus 41.5mm on the NOA Blast 4.
- 🛍️ The midsoles of both shoes are made from the same material, FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning, with the GEL Nimbus 26 also featuring additional pure gel under the heel.
- 👢 Both shoes have a wide design for stability, with the GEL Nimbus 26 being notably wider, and both feature a woven upper with a mesh tongue on the NOA Blast 4.
- 👟 The NOA Blast 4 has a more responsive and lively feel due to midsole tweaks, offering versatility without sacrificing soft cushion protection.
- 🏃♂️ The GEL Nimbus 26 is recommended for easy, comfortable runs and recovery, lacking the versatility for faster paces compared to the NOA Blast 4.
- 👍 The reviewer prefers the NOA Blast 4 for its lighter weight, better response, and versatility, making it suitable for a wider range of runs, including faster paces.
- 📈 The verdict favors the NOA Blast 4 as a superior and more cost-effective option, offering a good balance of cushioning and performance for various types of runs.
Q & A
What are the two Asics running shoes being compared in the video?
-The two Asics running shoes being compared are the Asics GEL Nimbus 26 and the Asics Novablast 4.
Which shoe is considered the flagship cushion shoe in the Asics range?
-The GEL Nimbus 26 is considered the flagship cushion shoe in the Asics range.
How does the price of the GEL Nimbus 26 compare to the Novablast 4 in the UK and the US?
-In the UK, the GEL Nimbus 26 is priced at £180, while the Novablast 4 is priced at £135. In the US, the GEL Nimbus 26 is $160, and the Novablast 4 is $140.
What is the weight difference between the GEL Nimbus 26 and the Novablast 4?
-The GEL Nimbus 26 weighs 318 grams, while the Novablast 4 is lighter, weighing 270 grams.
What is the stack height at the heel and forefoot for both shoes?
-The GEL Nimbus 26 has a stack height of 42mm at the heel and 34mm at the forefoot. The Novablast 4 has a slightly lower stack height of 41.5mm at the heel and 33.5mm at the forefoot.
What is the material used for the midsoles of both shoes?
-The midsoles of both shoes are made from the same material, FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning from Asics.
What is the difference in the rubber used on the outsoles of the two shoes?
-The GEL Nimbus 26 uses a hybrid of Asics' AHAR and AHAR Plus materials, while the Novablast 4 has a thicker layer of rubber that feels softer and provides slightly better grip compared to the previous version.
What is the recommended shoe size for both the GEL Nimbus 26 and the Novablast 4 based on the video?
-The video recommends going true to size for both the GEL Nimbus 26 and the Novablast 4.
How does the fit of the GEL Nimbus 26 compare to the Novablast 4 in terms of snugness and roominess?
-The GEL Nimbus 26 is described as having a more snug fit, particularly around the heel, while the Novablast 4 is described as having a secure but roomier fit with plenty of wiggle room in the toe box.
Which shoe is considered more versatile for a range of paces according to the video?
-The Novablast 4 is considered more versatile for a range of paces, as it offers a balance between cushioning and responsiveness, making it suitable for both easy and faster runs.
What is the main difference in the ride feel between the GEL Nimbus 26 and the Novablast 4?
-The main difference in the ride feel is that the GEL Nimbus 26 has a softer, more cushioned feel, while the Novablast 4 offers a more immediate and responsive ride with a slightly firmer feel underfoot.
Which shoe is recommended for runners who prefer a lighter and more versatile shoe?
-The Novablast 4 is recommended for runners who prefer a lighter and more versatile shoe, as it offers a good balance of cushioning and responsiveness at a lower price point.
What is the verdict on the comparison between the GEL Nimbus 26 and the Novablast 4?
-The verdict is that the Novablast 4 is the superior shoe overall, offering a better balance of cushioning, responsiveness, and versatility at a lower price, making it the recommended choice.
Outlines
👟 Introduction and Comparison Overview
Nick introduces the video, focusing on a comparison between the ASICS Novablast 4 and the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 26, two cushioned training shoes within the ASICS lineup. He highlights the GEL-Nimbus 26 as the flagship and more expensive option, while the Novablast 4 is positioned as a more affordable and versatile all-rounder. The video will cover aspects such as price, weight, cushioning, and overall performance, with Nick's personal experiences and recommendations based on his running tests.
🏃♂️ Detailed Analysis of Shoe Specifications and Performance
This paragraph delves into the specifics of the two shoes, including weight, stack height, cushioning material, and outsole composition. The Novablast 4 is noted as the lighter shoe with a firmer feel due to its updated rubber compound, which offers better grip compared to its predecessor. The GEL-Nimbus 26 is described as having a plush, secure fit, particularly around the heel, and a more cushioned and softer ride. Nick also discusses his personal fit experience with both shoes, recommending true-to-size selection based on his own running shoe size.
🔍 Side-by-Side Running Experience and Personal Preference
Nick shares his side-by-side running experience with both shoes, emphasizing the snug fit and plush comfort of the GEL-Nimbus 26, especially around the heel and midfoot. He contrasts this with the Novablast 4's roomier and slightly looser fit, which offers a more immediate and responsive ride. While both shoes provide ample cushioning, the Novablast 4 is highlighted for its versatility and lighter feel, making it suitable for a wider range of paces. Nick's preference leans towards the Novablast 4 for its combination of comfort, responsiveness, and value for money.
🏆 Conclusion and Recommendation
In conclusion, Nick summarizes his findings and shares his final verdict. He acknowledges the appeal of the GEL-Nimbus 26 for its cushioning and comfort but ultimately recommends the Novablast 4 as the superior, more versatile, and cost-effective option. He appreciates the Novablast 4's lighter weight, lively ride, and suitability for a broader range of running activities. For those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative with similar softness to the GEL-Nimbus, he suggests considering the Brooks Ghost Max 2. The video ends with an invitation for viewers to share their thoughts and engage with the content.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Gel Nimbus 26
💡Novablast 4
💡Cushioned Training Shoes
💡Stack Height
💡Drop
💡FF Blast Plus Eco
💡Ahar Rubber
💡Fit
💡Responsiveness
💡Daily Trainer
💡Versatility
Highlights
Comparing the ASICS NOA Blast 4 and the ASICS GEL Nimbus 26, two cushioned training shoes within the ASICS range.
The GEL Nimbus 26 is the flagship cushion shoe, more expensive and comfort-focused compared to the all-rounder NOA Blast 4.
Price differences: £180 for GEL Nimbus 26 and £135 for NOA Blast 4 in the UK, $160 and $140 in the US respectively.
The NOA Blast 4 is the lightest shoe weighing 270g, compared to the GEL Nimbus 26 at 318g.
Both shoes have an 8mm drop and similar stack heights with slight variations in midsole measurements.
The midsoles of both shoes are made from the same material, FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning from ASICS.
The GEL Nimbus 26 features additional pure gel under the heel for extra cushioning.
Both shoes have a wide design for stability and a woven upper with a mesh tongue on the NOA Blast 4.
The outsole of the NOA Blast 4 uses ahar low rubber for good coverage and grip.
The GEL Nimbus 26 has a hybrid outsole material combining ASICS' ax grip and ahar plus for better grip.
Fit recommendation: True to size for both shoes, with secure heel and midfoot hold, and roomy toe box.
The NOA Blast 4 offers a firmer feel underfoot with improved grip compared to its predecessor.
The GEL Nimbus 26 is a highly cushioned neutral daily trainer suitable for easy and recovery runs.
The NOA Blast 4 is a versatile daily trainer with a more responsive and lively ride, suitable for a range of paces.
Side-by-side mile test reveals differences in heel security, midfoot snugness, and overall ride feel.
The NOA Blast 4 is lighter and more versatile, making it suitable for faster runs and long-distance training.
The GEL Nimbus 26 is best for easy runs, lacking the versatility and responsiveness of the NOA Blast 4.
Final verdict: The NOA Blast 4 is the superior and more cost-effective choice for a well-rounded daily trainer.
Alternative recommendation: For those seeking a budget-friendly option with similar comfort, consider the Brooks Ghost Max 2.
Transcripts
hello and welcome to run testers my name
is Nick in this video we're going to be
comparing the aex NOA blast 4 and the
aex gimbus
[Music]
26 so the gel nimas 26 and the no blast
4 are two cushioned training shoes
within the ax range the gel number 26 is
almost the flagship cushion shoe the
most expensive one in the ax range
whereas the no blast comes in a little
bit cheaper has build a bit more as an
allrounder right as opposed to the very
Comfort focused GEL Nimbus like I said
the Nimbus is the more expensive shoe
especially in the UK where it's £180
it's $160 in the US whereas the no blast
is £135 or $140 not exactly sure how
those prices are converting between the
UK and the us but the upshot is the no
blast is the cheapest shoe in both spots
the no blast is also the lighest shoe
it's 270 G or 9.5 o in my uk9 whereas
the gel numers 26 is 318 G or 11.2 o
they both have an 8mm drop and they have
very similar stack Heights the uh Nimbus
is 42 mm at the heel and 34 at the 4T
and the nov blast is just half mm lower
41.5 mm at the heel and then 33.5 at the
4ot so as well as being similar sizes
the midsoles are made from the same
material they are FF blast plus Eco
cushioning from aex although the GEL
Nimbus also has a little bit of pure gel
under the heel as well both shoes have
side walls of foam and a reasonably wide
design to try and create stability
despite being such high stack shoes the
gel nimus is particularly wide even
wider than the nose blast on that front
got a woven upper with a mesh tongue on
the NOA blast 4 fair amount of heel
padding there then you've got ahar low
rubber on the out soole pretty good
coverage there it's got a thick layer
and it feels a little bit softer to my
touch and feel on the Run than the
rubber used in the GEL Nimbus 26 that
rubber is a hybrid of asx's ax grip and
ahar plus materials this has been done
changed with the novablast 26 compared
to the 25 to give it slightly better
grip actually the Nova blast 4 also is
meant to have better grip than its
predecessor but it creates a slightly
firmer feel underf foot with that rubber
used on the latest version of the shoe
then you got a stretch stretchy knit
tongue on the nimus 26 which creates
slightly more booty style fit than you
get with the no blast 4 and then once
again loads of cushioning around the
back of the shoe as you'd expect with a
cushion shoe like
[Music]
this now when it comes to fit I ran true
to size in both of these shoes that's my
regular running shoe UK 8 1/2 or us 9
and 1/2 and I'd recommend going true to
size for the Nova blast 4 I found the
fit secure but roomy there's plenty of
wiggle room in the toe box there's good
hold across the midfoot and a largely
secure heel as well unless you like your
shoes very snug i' definitely recommend
going through to size in this one with
the Nimbus 26 I'd also recommend going
through to size the padded collars hold
the heels well the tongues boost the
overall plushness and the uppers wrap
quite snugly but there's room in the toe
box and enough room there to flex and
enough of room to feel spacious I got
decent lace locked down across the
midfoot too so I've got the same size in
both of these shoes which is a uk9 a
us10 and both of them fit me very well
that's my normal running shoe size and I
don't really have any concerns about the
fit of these two shoes no are padding at
the heel which holds your foot in place
quite well good hold around the midfoot
and enough room in the toe box for sure
so I would stick with your normal
running shoe
[Music]
size now for my run tests I've run
around 45 mil in limbus 26 around 40 in
the overlast 4 covering the usual mix of
Paces time on feet and terrain including
roads and some light off-roads now if
like me you're a fan of firmer ride more
responsive running shoes and the
novablast 4 is a clear Improvement on
the past gen shoes the midsole tweaks
are a positive bringing some additional
immediacy and response into each of your
steps as a result I think this shoe now
has much more versatility without
sacrificing too much of the soft cushion
protection that many enjoyed from the
older Nova blasts you will have to get
on with oversized maximal shoes that
offer a softer Edge to enjoy these shoes
though if you do you'll probably enjoy
them a lot I still find them a bit
clumping and I generally like shoes that
are more Compact and precise but overall
this is a good daily trainer now the ax
GEL Nimbus 26 is a competent daily
trainer as well it caters for the easier
end of your weekly mileage it's
definitely not a shoe I think to run
fast and it lacks some of the
versatility of other daily trainers
including the over blast 4 that cope
better across a range of Paces but if
you're after guaranteed easy cruising
comfort and a highly cushioned neutral
daily trainer you're in the right place
with this shoe it's soft it's got
cushion comfort on easy paste or
recovery runs that's exactly what the
Nimbus does
they you'll have to like the Nova blast
4 enjoy kind of heavier and bulkier
shoes because this is a bit of a beast
it's heavier than the the Nova blast in
fact I also did a side by-side Mile in
both of these shoes to tease out some of
the differences and here is what I found
so then I've just done a side by side
mile I've got the no blast four on the
left foot I've got the aex Joe Nimbus on
the right foot first thing to say you
notice when you put them on together is
how tight and hugging secure the Nimbus
26 feel particularly around the heels
those heel colors although there's
approximately the same amount of padding
by the looks of it in both shoes the
Nimbus 26 just hold your heel much more
securely particularly at the top of the
heel just under the ankle bone and then
it opens into a bit more space below
that also going into the cut of the
tongue and across the top of the midfoot
I think that padded knitted tongue
actually just holds down better and it
creates this whole kind of WRA cocoon
feel across the top of the foot as it
sort of goes up into your leg that bit
you know that bit that bit that's bit
I'm talking about you don't get quite a
snug fit in the Nova blast perfectly
good hole but it's a bit looser a bit
more roomy and that's a big difference
here and I guess that's down to the
overall kind of plush comfort that
Nimbus is trying to deliver underf foot
when it comes to the ride although these
have got a very similar stack almost
identical same drop one thing I've
really noticed is the Nova blast it runs
a little flatter the Nimbus it feels
like there's a bit more of that kind of
Midol volume under the ball of the foot
and that creates a more uh it's not
necessarily a fully sort of Rocket feel
but you can feel the foam engaging a
little bit faster when you first put
your foot down whereas you land a bit
flatter on the Nova blast
in terms of how much energy there is and
how much cushioning I think there's not
a lot to chose here nus 26 probably a
bit softer a bit Sinker but I think if
you're looking for a Comfort shoe both
of these can do exactly the same job
there's no doubt an over blast can cover
so easy recovery miles just as well as
the Nimbus the one difference I think is
the heaviness of the Nimbus 26 cuts the
top pace of it so you can feel the
lightness of the no blast 4 on your foot
and that is going to key be key here
when it comes to of doing those sort of
faster miles moving up through the gears
but the Nimbus is sort of held back it's
like a one gear shoe I think that the
Nova Blast has multi gears it's not
going to go all out all out probably
you're probably going to go up to sort
of maybe marathon pace tops but it can
do that and it's going to do it better
and feel more lively in terms of the
overall
stability not a lot to choose here I do
feel like the nol 4 has a slightly wider
platform than the Nimbus and therefore
creates a bit more of a kind of flat uh
stable Landing overall through heel and
midfoot the platform's a bit wider than
the Nimbus over the runs that I've done
where I've been wearing two shoes the
same I I would definitely say the
overlast of the more responsive and
livelier and punchier shoe than the
Nimbus 26 by a long way there's a lot of
slapp goes on with the Nimbus when
you've got both shoes on that you don't
get with the Nova blast but as I stand
here right now having done that mile
there is a softness to the Nova blast
and like now I can bounce on it and I
can feel that Nimbus foam it doesn't
sink quite as deep there you go that's
why I do the side by side
rest of it will be back in the office so
I've racked up a lot of miles in both of
these shoes using them for a mix of runs
I've actually done sessions in both
shoes including a very hard session in
the ja numers 26 which was not ideal
it's not the ideal shoe for a hard
session and also a lot of relaxed easy
running in both as well I do think that
they are both good shoes but my
preference really has been for the no
blast throughout training in it it's a
no blast is almost the shoe that to me
explains why I don't really necessarily
go for Big Max cushion shoes like the
gel nimus 26 because this is still a Max
cushion shoe to my mind it's really
cushioned really soft really comfortable
does a great job when you're mooching
along at very easy Paces but then it's a
lot lighter than something like the GEL
Nimbus has a bit more bounce bit more
response a slightly more free flowing
geometry that allows you to up the pace
in it quite easily so I found the nov
blast to be a really versatile shoot all
around during my testing enjoy doing a
session in it enjoy doing long runs with
hard efforts throughout and just felt it
could handle all that really well whil
it's being nice and lightweight whereas
the gel limbus to me feels more like a
shoe that fits in the box which is just
that easy run box nowly different kinds
of Runners might find it more versatile
but for as some with running shoe
rotation this is the kind of shoe that I
would put squarely in the easy run only
box like it's comfortable enough but it
is very big and heavy did do one session
in it like I mentioned because I didn't
have any other shoes with me when I was
away on a trip and ran a session where I
did a hard two miles and some fle and
then another hard Mile and yeah it just
takes it out of you to run that kind of
session in a shoe like this but probably
my biggest concern with that was
actually that that was the first run uh
where I started to notice a bit of 4-
foot discomfort in this shoe because it
has a fairly Slappy ride I found and I
did find that actually when I did a long
run in it as well and didn't get that at
all with no blast you know exactly same
size same midell material but the way
the Geet works I just get a smoother
ride from the no blast and it means I
don't snap through quite so hard and
just feels a bit more comfortable
especially when running at any kind of
pace or when running long now to me that
feels very strange that the nose blast I
think was even more comfortable and
obviously that's something to do with
running gate as much as the design of
the shoes also think it's partly down to
the change in rubber outside you have on
the latest version of the Nimbus
slightly harder material you certainly
hear a bit more of a slap and I think
that does create a slightly less
comfortable ride under the foref foot
still a very comfortable shoe if you're
sticking to easy Paces it's certainly
really well cushioned and very
comfortable to cruise through long runs
in but I didn't find any drop off in
Comfort when going for the nose blast 4
actually probably had slightly more
comfort and then you got the extra
versatility of the lighter shoe here so
in my run test although I enjoyed using
both shoes I certainly preferred using
the nose blast across a range of
[Music]
runs this is an easy verdict for me
because I think the no blast 4 is a
superior shoe all round and a cheaper
shoe and it's the one I'd recommend
people going for even if you just want a
cushion shoe for e e runs which is
mostly what I would use a nose blast 4
for I think it still does a better job
actually than the ja ners I found it
more comfortable just it's a bit lighter
gives a little bit more back feels a bit
more Breezy and flowing when you are
rolling through long runs and I say did
find a little bit more comfortable under
the forefoot during my runs as well top
of that you get the adiverse 30 of a
lighter shoe that is better for faster
runs as well so I think it's a really
good all round daily trainer or just a
cushion shoe whichever you want to use
it for Joe Nimbus I think hasn't really
got that versatility it's really just
that cushioned Cruiser and well that's
fine I think it's really expensive and I
think no blast does the same job really
well so yeah I'd certainly be going for
the no Blast for myself out of these two
shoes verdict then and this one's really
easy for me while I get the appeal of
the Nimbus I can see why lots of Runners
love it for its Oodles of pillowy
cushioning that almost removes any of
the road from the equation when you're
running I don't quite get on with the
most sinky squishy shoes like this and I
think the latest generation of the Nova
blast 4 manages to kind of offer enough
of the softness for those really easy
miles but also now brings a faster
return and a more immediate ride
that's livelier and enhances the
versatility it makes it more fun to run
in overall in my book it's basically got
more gears I think the Nimbus 26 it
still lets you run in that sort of slow
comfort that the Nimbus offers it's
still big the overlast 4 but it's
lighter and cheaper and if I'm picking
one shoe here it's an overlast 4 all day
long for me outside of these two shoes I
think I'd opt for the S ride 177 that
can also cover similar runs but I think
it does it better than either of these
two if you really are to that nimas
softness but you're on a bit of a budget
check out the Brooks ghost Max 2 I think
it's got nimas bothering potential but
yeah that's how I'd come on it overlast
four wins this one for
[Music]
me Okie doie that is our comparison of
the Joe number 26 and the overlast 4 let
us know what you think in the comments
below please do like subscribe ring the
little bell and we'll see you next
time
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