When should I choose ASICS Novablast 5?

Runners wanting maximum energy return and bounce from full-length FF BLAST MAX foam. Versatile pacing from easy daily recovery miles down to 4:30/km tempo workouts. Maximal underfoot protection with a tall 41.5 mm heel stack. Slightly lighter overall build at approximately 8.95 to 9.0 oz (254–255 g). Wet and dry road durability via targeted AHAR LO high-abrasion rubber pods.

When should I choose Cumulus 27?

Runners prioritizing inherent neutral stability and balanced landings. A wide, grounded landing platform featuring a 120.2 mm forefoot base. Plush and dampened shock absorption via rearfoot PureGEL and FF BLAST PLUS foam. Strictly easy-paced runs, casual daily training, and recovery mileage. Smooth rolling transitions provided by the lightweight FluidRide EVA-blend outsole.

What are the advantages of ASICS Novablast 5 over Cumulus 27?

ASICS Novablast 5 features energetic FF BLAST MAX foam with a high 41.5 mm heel and 33.5 mm forefoot stack, delivering an 8.5% increase in bounce over previous iterations.. ASICS Novablast 5 offers versatile energy return and lively propulsion suitable for paces ranging from 4:30/km tempo workouts down to easy recovery efforts.. ASICS Novablast 5 delivers a high-cushion platform while maintaining a light weight of approximately 8.95 to 9.0 oz (254–255 g) in men's sizing.. ASICS Novablast 5 utilizes dedicated AHAR LO high-abrasion rubber pods in key strike zones for durable traction across wet and dry road surfaces over 100+ miles..

What are the advantages of Cumulus 27 over ASICS Novablast 5?

ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 pairs full-length FF BLAST PLUS cushioning with rearfoot PureGEL technology across a 38.5 mm heel and 30.5 mm forefoot stack for plush, forgiving shock absorption.. ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 provides strong inherent stability through a broad 120.2 mm forefoot base and a grounded, low-curved geometry for controlled landings.. ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 utilizes a lightweight FluidRide EVA-and-rubber blended outsole engineered for smooth transitions at an accessible $140 price point..

AI comparison report

ASICS Novablast 5 vs Cumulus 27

By CompareAI Editorial Team · Published 2026-10-04 · How we compare

Choose the ASICS Novablast 5 for a bouncier, more versatile daily ride, or opt for the ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 if you need superior inherent stability and traditi…

Who wins: ASICS Novablast 5 or Cumulus 27?

Choose the ASICS Novablast 5 first if you want a bouncy, versatile daily trainer capable of handling both recovery efforts and faster tempo paces; choose the ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 first if you prioritize grounded stability, rearfoot PureGEL shock absorption, and a forgiving easy-day platform.

Based on our analysis across 5 dimensions with 20 sources, ASICS Novablast 5 scores 8.5/10 overall while Cumulus 27 scores 7.6/10 overall.

Dimension	ASICS Novablast 5	Cumulus 27
Midsole Foam & Ride Sensation	9/10	7.8/10
Energy Return & Pace Versatility	8.8/10	6.5/10
Inherent Stability & Platform Geometry	6.8/10	8.7/10
Weight & Stack Height	9.2/10	8.5/10
Outsole Rubber & Traction	8.5/10	6.5/10
Overall	8.5/10	7.6/10

Should I choose ASICS Novablast 5 or Cumulus 27?

Verdict: Choose the ASICS Novablast 5 first if you want a bouncy, versatile daily trainer capable of handling both recovery efforts and faster tempo paces; choose the ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 first if you prioritize grounded stability, rearfoot PureGEL shock absorption, and a forgiving easy-day platform.

Choose the ASICS Novablast 5 for a bouncier, more versatile daily ride, or opt for the ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 if you need superior inherent stability and traditional dampened shock absorption.

The ASICS Novablast 5 stands out for runners seeking energetic versatility, pairing an 8.5% boost in bounce from its full-length FF BLAST MAX foam with a towering 41.5 mm heel and 33.5 mm forefoot stack. It delivers higher energy return across paces ranging from easy runs to 4:30/km tempo workouts, while staying marginally lighter at 8.95 to 9.0 oz (254–255 g) and offering targeted AHAR LO rubber traction. Conversely, the $140 ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 provides a more grounded, forgiving ride using FF BLAST PLUS with rearfoot PureGEL across a 38.5 mm heel stack (measured up to 40.9 mm) and a wide 120.2 mm forefoot base, making its 9.3 oz (265 g) chassis the more stable, dampened choice for relaxed daily miles.

Best for ASICS Novablast 5

Runners wanting maximum energy return and bounce from full-length FF BLAST MAX foam
Versatile pacing from easy daily recovery miles down to 4:30/km tempo workouts
Maximal underfoot protection with a tall 41.5 mm heel stack
Slightly lighter overall build at approximately 8.95 to 9.0 oz (254–255 g)
Wet and dry road durability via targeted AHAR LO high-abrasion rubber pods

Best for Cumulus 27

Runners prioritizing inherent neutral stability and balanced landings
A wide, grounded landing platform featuring a 120.2 mm forefoot base
Plush and dampened shock absorption via rearfoot PureGEL and FF BLAST PLUS foam
Strictly easy-paced runs, casual daily training, and recovery mileage
Smooth rolling transitions provided by the lightweight FluidRide EVA-blend outsole

When not to compare directly

Do not compare them directly when shopping strictly for structured overpronation support shoes or dedicated lightweight racing flats, as both models are high-stack neutral daily trainers designed for general road mileage rather than rigid medical-grade correction or sub-elite race-day weights.

What are the key differences between ASICS Novablast 5 and Cumulus 27?

Midsole Foam & Ride Sensation

The ASICS Novablast 5 uses high-rebound FF BLAST MAX foam with an 8.5% bounce increase at a 41.5 mm heel stack, whereas the ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 utilizes a lower 38.5 mm heel stack combining FF BLAST PLUS and rearfoot PureGEL for softer shock absorption.
ASICS Novablast 5: The ASICS Novablast 5 features a full-length FF BLAST MAX midsole with a high 41.5 mm heel stack and 33.5 mm forefoot stack, delivering an energetic, highly responsive, and spring-like ride designed to boost bounce by 8.5% over prior iterations.
Cumulus 27: The ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 combines full-length FF BLAST PLUS cushioning with rearfoot PureGEL technology across a 38.5 mm heel and 30.5 mm forefoot stack, producing a stable, dampened, and forgiving underfoot sensation ideal for balanced daily mileage.
Scores — ASICS Novablast 5: 9/10, Cumulus 27: 7.8/10
The midsole composition defines whether the underfoot experience feels bouncy and energetic or plush, stable, and forgiving across different run types.
Sources: A First Look At the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27, Cut in half: ASICS Novablast 5 Review
Energy Return & Pace Versatility

The ASICS Novablast 5 provides superior energy return and tempo versatility using lively FF BLAST MAX foam across a 41.5 mm stack, whereas the ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 relies on a softer, less springy FF BLAST PLUS and PureGEL setup tuned primarily for easy-paced runs [1, 16].
ASICS Novablast 5: The ASICS Novablast 5 utilizes a full-length FF BLAST MAX midsole foam with a 41.5 mm heel stack height, providing lively energy return and bouncy propulsion across a versatile pace range spanning 4:30/km tempo workouts down to easy recovery efforts [1].
Cumulus 27: The ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 incorporates standard FF BLAST PLUS cushioning paired with rearfoot PureGEL, tuned to a 38.5 mm heel stack height for a soft, grounded, and forgiving feel best suited for easy runs, casual daily training, and recovery mileage [16].
Scores — ASICS Novablast 5: 8.8/10, Cumulus 27: 6.5/10
Runners often want to know if a daily shoe can pick up the pace for tempo workouts or if it is strictly dialed for easy and recovery days.
Sources: Asics Novablast 5 Performance Review, Asics Gel-Cumulus 27 Performance Review
Inherent Stability & Platform Geometry

While the ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 maximizes stability with a broad 120.2 mm forefoot platform and a grounded, low-curved geometry, the ASICS Novablast 5 utilizes an energetic 8 mm drop rocker built for trampoline-like rebound.
ASICS Novablast 5: The ASICS Novablast 5 features a high-stack FF BLAST MAX platform with an 8 mm drop and a trampoline-inspired rocker geometry that prioritizes dynamic bounce over rigid guidance.
Cumulus 27: The ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 delivers solid inherent stability with a broad 120.2 mm forefoot base, PureGEL rearfoot cushioning, and a traditional low-curved forefoot geometry for controlled landings.
Scores — ASICS Novablast 5: 6.8/10, Cumulus 27: 8.7/10
Even within neutral shoes, midsole width, sidewalls, and rocker geometry influence overall foot support and gait control.
Sources: Cut in half: ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 Review (2025), Cut in half: ASICS Novablast 5 Review
Weight & Stack Height

The ASICS Novablast 5 achieves a slightly taller 41.5mm heel stack while weighing marginally less at ~9.0 oz compared to the ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 at ~9.3 oz [7, 16].
ASICS Novablast 5: The ASICS Novablast 5 delivers a high-stack daily trainer setup with a 41.5mm heel and 33.5mm forefoot stack height while maintaining a light weight of approximately 8.95 to 9.0 oz (254–255 g) in men's sizing [7].
Cumulus 27: The ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 provides a protective platform featuring an official drop spec of 41mm heel / 33mm forefoot (lab-measured at 40.9mm heel / 29.3mm forefoot) with an overall weight of roughly 9.3 oz (265 g) [2, 16].
Scores — ASICS Novablast 5: 9.2/10, Cumulus 27: 8.5/10
Stack height and shoe weight impact leg fatigue over high mileage and overall foot feel during long distances.
Sources: Cut in half: ASICS Novablast 5 Review, Asics Gel-Cumulus 27 Performance Review
Outsole Rubber & Traction

While the ASICS Novablast 5 relies on targeted AHAR LO rubber pods for wet grip and extended road wear, the ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 employs a lightweight FluidRide EVA-and-rubber blend outsole priced at $140 with less abrasive resistance.
ASICS Novablast 5: The ASICS Novablast 5 utilizes dedicated AHAR LO high-abrasion rubber pods across key strike zones, providing durable grip and reliable traction on wet and dry road surfaces across over 100 miles of high-mileage training.
Cumulus 27: The ASICS Gel Cumulus 27 uses a rubberized FluidRide EVA-blend outsole with minimal traditional rubber coverage, prioritizing lightweight, smooth transitions at a $140 price point over heavy-duty wet traction durability.
Scores — ASICS Novablast 5: 8.5/10, Cumulus 27: 6.5/10
Outsole composition influences grip on wet surfaces and long-term rubber wear under daily high-mileage road training.
Sources: Shoe Review: The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 ($140) Excels ..., Cut in half: ASICS Novablast 5 Review

What are the pros and cons of ASICS Novablast 5 vs Cumulus 27?