Puma Velocity Nitro 5 vs ASICS Novablast 6

Who wins: Puma Velocity Nitro 5 or ASICS Novablast 6?

Choose the ASICS Novablast 6 first if you want a highly cushioned, versatile daily trainer with superior bounce and long-run protection; choose the Puma Velocity Nitro 5 first if you prioritize a lighter, lower-profile shoe with class-leading outsole grip.

Based on our analysis across 5 dimensions with 20 sources, Puma Velocity Nitro 5 scores 8.0/10 overall while ASICS Novablast 6 scores 8.8/10 overall.

Should I choose Puma Velocity Nitro 5 or ASICS Novablast 6?

Verdict: Choose the ASICS Novablast 6 first if you want a highly cushioned, versatile daily trainer with superior bounce and long-run protection; choose the Puma Velocity Nitro 5 first if you prioritize a lighter, lower-profile shoe with class-leading outsole grip.

Choose the ASICS Novablast 6 for a higher-cushioned, highly energetic ride across versatile paces, or select the Puma Velocity Nitro 5 for a lighter build with grounded stability and superior wet-surface traction.

The ASICS Novablast 6 stands out for underfoot protection and energy return, featuring a towering 41.5 mm heel / 33.5 mm forefoot stack (8 mm drop) combining FF BLAST MAX foam with an FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot pod, while weighing 8.9 oz in a men's size 9. In contrast, the Puma Velocity Nitro 5 offers a lighter 8.1 oz package with a moderate 35 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot stack (8 mm drop) of full-length NITROFOAM, excelling in wet road grip and durability due to its full-coverage PUMAGRIP rubber compound.

Best for Puma Velocity Nitro 5

• Runners prioritizing maximum wet-weather traction and abrasion resistance via full-coverage PUMAGRIP rubber
• Those who prefer a lighter trainer (8.1 oz in men's size 9) with a grounded road feel
• Runners seeking a moderate stack daily trainer (35 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot) for steady base miles

Best for ASICS Novablast 6

• Runners needing maximum impact protection and cushion for long runs (41.5 mm heel / 33.5 mm forefoot stack)
• Those wanting high energy return and bounce from dual FF BLAST MAX foam and an FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline forefoot pod
• Runners requiring broader pace versatility to easily transition between recovery days and uptempo workouts
• Those looking for structured midfoot lockdown via an engineered woven upper with a gusseted tongue wing construction

When not to compare directly

Do not compare them directly when shopping strictly for wet-weather traction where Puma's PUMAGRIP outsole fundamentally outperforms hybrid setups, or when specifically targeting maximalist, trampoline-cushioned long-run trainers where the 41.5 mm stack of the ASICS Novablast 6 serves a distinctly different category than the 35 mm moderate stack of the Puma Velocity Nitro 5.

What are the key differences between Puma Velocity Nitro 5 and ASICS Novablast 6?

• Midsole Technology & Cushioning Feel

  The ASICS Novablast 6 delivers a significantly higher-stacked, more energetic ride via its 41.5 mm FF BLAST MAX platform and FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot pod compared to the more grounded 35 mm full-length NITROFOAM setup in the Puma Velocity Nitro 5.

  Puma Velocity Nitro 5: The Puma Velocity Nitro 5 utilizes a moderate full-length NITROFOAM midsole with a 35 mm heel and 27 mm forefoot stack (8 mm drop) designed to deliver lightweight, responsive daily cushioning with grounded road feel.

  ASICS Novablast 6: The ASICS Novablast 6 features a dual-foam setup combining a cushioned FF BLAST MAX base with an FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline pod under the forefoot across a high 41.5 mm heel and 33.5 mm forefoot stack (8 mm drop) for maximum bounce.

  Scores — Puma Velocity Nitro 5: 7.8/10, ASICS Novablast 6: 9.1/10

  Determines the energy return, underfoot comfort, and ride dynamics during daily miles.

  Sources: Velocity NITRO 5 Running Shoes Men PUMA United Arab Emirates, ASICS Novablast 6

• Stack Height & Underfoot Protection

  The ASICS Novablast 6 delivers significantly higher underfoot protection with its 41.5mm heel stack compared to the more moderate 35mm heel stack of the Puma Velocity Nitro 5.

  Puma Velocity Nitro 5: The Puma Velocity Nitro 5 features a moderate stack height profile of 35mm in the heel and 27mm in the forefoot (8mm drop), delivering balanced underfoot protection with enhanced ground feel and natural road feedback.

  ASICS Novablast 6: The ASICS Novablast 6 features a max-cushion stack height of 41.5mm in the heel and 33.5mm in the forefoot (8mm drop), providing superior shock absorption and maximum underfoot protection to reduce impact fatigue during long runs.

  Scores — Puma Velocity Nitro 5: 7.5/10, ASICS Novablast 6: 9.2/10

  Impacts shock absorption, ground feel, and overall fatigue management on long runs.

  Sources: ASICS Novablast 6, Puma Velocity NITRO 5 specs, release date, stack height and price

• Outsole Traction & Durability

  While the ASICS Novablast 6 uses a targeted hybrid of ASICSGRIP forefoot rubber and AHAR LO in high-wear zones across an 8mm drop base, the Puma Velocity Nitro 5 provides heavier, full-coverage PUMAGRIP rubber that delivers superior wet-road traction and abrasion resistance.

  Puma Velocity Nitro 5: The Puma Velocity Nitro 5 utilizes an extensive, heavy layer of proprietary PUMAGRIP rubber across an 8mm drop platform, delivering best-in-class wet-surface traction and long-lasting road durability.

  ASICS Novablast 6: The ASICS Novablast 6 incorporates ASICSGRIP rubber in the forefoot paired with lower-hardness AHAR LO rubber in high-wear zones, improving wet traction and wear life over previous versions on its 8mm drop, 41.5mm heel stack base.

  Scores — Puma Velocity Nitro 5: 9.2/10, ASICS Novablast 6: 7.8/10

  Affects grip in wet or mixed road conditions as well as the overall lifespan of the trainer.

  Sources: Velocity NITRO 5 Running Shoes Men PUMA United Arab Emirates, How Asics Is Upgrading the Most Popular Running Shoe on Strava

• Upper Fit, Breathability & Lockdown

  While the Puma Velocity Nitro 5 relies on a standard breathable engineered mesh with a padded rolled collar, the ASICS Novablast 6 incorporates a structured engineered woven upper with a dedicated gusseted tongue wing lockdown construction.

  Puma Velocity Nitro 5: The Puma Velocity Nitro 5 utilizes an engineered mesh upper paired with a plush padded collar and tongue to ensure step-in comfort, prevent rubbing, and maintain continuous airflow, offering a light 8.1 oz build for men's size 9.

  ASICS Novablast 6: The ASICS Novablast 6 features a technical engineered woven upper paired with a gusseted tongue wing construction that minimizes shifting, reduces lace pressure, and provides structured midfoot lockdown in an 8.9 oz (men's size 9) package.

  Scores — Puma Velocity Nitro 5: 8.1/10, ASICS Novablast 6: 8.7/10

  Ensures foot security, prevents heel slippage, and keeps the feet ventilated during longer workouts.

  Sources: ASICS Novablast 6, Puma Velocity NITRO 5 specs, release date, stack height and price

• Running Versatility & Pace Range

  While the Puma Velocity Nitro 5 relies on a moderate 34 mm heel stack of NITROFOAM for traditional daily mileage, the ASICS Novablast 6 uses a taller 41.5 mm dual-foam platform with an FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline pod to offer broader pace versatility from recovery paces up to tempo workouts.

  Puma Velocity Nitro 5: The Puma Velocity Nitro 5 functions as a reliable, grounded daily trainer featuring a full-length NITROFOAM midsole with a 34 mm heel and 26 mm forefoot stack (8 mm drop), providing balanced, stable cushioning ideal for steady base miles and easy recovery runs.

  ASICS Novablast 6: The ASICS Novablast 6 incorporates a high-stack setup of 41.5 mm in the heel and 33.5 mm in the forefoot pairing FF BLAST MAX foam with an FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline forefoot pod, delivering high-energy return and bouncy roll-through that effortlessly bridges easy miles, long runs, and uptempo interval work.

  Scores — Puma Velocity Nitro 5: 7.5/10, ASICS Novablast 6: 9/10

  Dictates whether the shoe excels primarily in recovery/easy paces or can easily flex into uptempo sessions.

  Sources: Velocity NITRO 5 Running Shoes Men PUMA United Arab Emirates, ASICS Novablast 6

What are the pros and cons of Puma Velocity Nitro 5 vs ASICS Novablast 6?

Where does this data come from?

1. Velocity NITRO 5 Running Shoes Men PUMA United Arab Emirates
2. 【品牌動態】ASICS Novablast 6 登場!旗艦泡棉下放 從舒適訓練鞋進化成全能主力 運動筆記
3. Velocity NITRO 5 Running Shoes Men Men's Road Running Shoes PUMA
4. How Asics Is Upgrading the Most Popular Running Shoe on Strava
5. Velocity NITRO 5 Running Shoes Men
6. ASICS 彈力跑鞋 NOVABLAST 6 全面進化 強化回彈腳感與舒適度
7. Velocity NITRO 5 Running Shoes Men Alpine Snow-Moody Gray PUMA NITRO PUMA
8. ASICS Novablast 6
9. Velocity NITRO 5 Running Shoes Women PUMA White-Ultra Red-Light Lavender PUMA NITRO PUMA
10. ASICS Novablast 6: Even More Energy for Runners’ Favorite Daily Trainer
11. 全新品牌大使曹佑寧搶先著用!PUMA VELOCITY NITRO 5 氮氣跑鞋登場
12. 跑者日常訓練鞋新選擇!ASICS NOVABLAST 6 全面進化,科技升級與機能服飾同步登場
13. Puma Velocity NITRO 5 specs, release date, stack height and price
14. ASICS' fan-favourite daily trainer gets its biggest update in years, with the new Novablast 6 promising more bounce, comfort and energy return
15. Puma Velocity Nitro 5
16. ASICS Novablast 6: what changes and which runners should wait for July 1
17. Velocity NITRO 5 Running Shoes Men Puma Finland
18. ASICS Novablast 6 Review
19. Puma Wmns Velocity Nitro 5 'Sage Glow' Resale Price, Release Date & Where to Buy SneakerPing
20. ASICS Novablast 6: primeras impresiones

Create your own comparison