Asics Novablast 4 vs Asics Gel-Nimbus 26: Which Asics shoe is best for you?

Summary

In 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

00:00

👟 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.

05:02

🏃‍♂️ 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.

10:03

🔍 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.

Keywords

💡Gel Nimbus 26

The Gel Nimbus 26 is a flagship cushioned running shoe within the ASICS range, known for its comfort and high price point. It is characterized by its substantial cushioning and is designed for runners seeking a plush and comfortable experience. In the video, it is compared with the ASICS Novablast 4, highlighting its weight, price, and fit as key differentiators.

💡Novablast 4

The Novablast 4 is another cushioned training shoe from ASICS, positioned as a more affordable and versatile option compared to the Gel Nimbus 26. It is praised for its improved responsiveness and lighter weight in the video, making it suitable for a wider range of running paces and preferences.

💡Cushioned Training Shoes

Cushioned training shoes are designed to provide ample padding and support to runners during their training sessions. They are typically characterized by their soft midsoles and are favored for their comfort over long distances. Both the Gel Nimbus 26 and the Novablast 4 are examples of such shoes, as discussed in the video.

💡Stack Height

Stack height refers to the measurement of the shoe's midsole from the ground to the top of the collar, typically expressed in millimeters. It is an important factor in determining the shoe's cushioning and support levels. The video compares the stack heights of the Gel Nimbus 26 and the Novablast 4, noting their similarity.

💡Drop

Drop, or heel-to-toe drop, is the difference in height between the heel and forefoot of a shoe. An 8mm drop, as mentioned for both shoes in the video, is common in running shoes and is designed to promote a more natural running gait.

💡FF Blast Plus Eco

FF Blast Plus Eco is a type of cushioning material used by ASICS in the midsoles of their shoes. It is designed to provide a combination of softness and responsiveness. The video mentions that both the Gel Nimbus 26 and the Novablast 4 feature this material in their construction.

💡Ahar Rubber

Ahar rubber is a type of outsole material known for its durability and grip. In the video, it is mentioned that the Novablast 4 features Ahar rubber on its outsole, providing good coverage and a softer feel compared to the hybrid material used in the Gel Nimbus 26.

💡Fit

The fit of a running shoe is crucial for comfort and performance. The video discusses the fit of both the Gel Nimbus 26 and the Novablast 4, noting the snugness and security of the former and the roominess and responsiveness of the latter.

💡Responsiveness

Responsiveness in a running shoe refers to how quickly and effectively the shoe returns energy to the runner with each step. The Novablast 4 is described as having improved responsiveness compared to its predecessor, offering a more immediate and lively feel during runs.

💡Daily Trainer

A daily trainer is a versatile running shoe suitable for daily use, covering a range of running activities from easy runs to more intense workouts. The video positions both the Gel Nimbus 26 and the Novablast 4 as daily trainers, but with different focuses and suitability for various paces.

💡Versatility

Versatility in a running shoe indicates its ability to perform well across a variety of running conditions and paces. The Novablast 4 is praised for its versatility in the video, being able to handle easy runs as well as faster paces, unlike the Gel Nimbus 26, which is more specialized for comfort.

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