Welcome to Flawless Shoe Reviews! Today, we’re reviewing two of Asics’s most popular neutral running shoes: the Gel Nimbus 27 and the NovaBlast 5. While both offer excellent cushioning and a smooth ride, they cater to different types of runners and use cases.
By the end of this breakdown, you’ll have a clear idea of which shoe is best for your needs—whether it’s daily training, long runs, recovery runs, or all-day wear.
Upper Fit & Comfort
Gel Nimbus 27: More Room & Luxurious Lockdown
The Nimbus 27 has an updated engineered mesh upper, offering a slightly wider toe box than previous models. The fit is true to size and available in wide versions, making it more accommodating for runners with broader feet.
Key changes include:
✔ Gusseted tongue – Stitched in for a secure fit, preventing movement inside the shoe.
✔ Heel padding & pull tab – A plush, luxurious feel with a moderately stiff heel counter, providing great lockdown without excessive pressure.
The Nimbus 27 continues to be one of the best daily trainers for long-distance runners, those who stand all day, and anyone who prioritizes all-day comfort.
NovaBlast 5: Performance-Oriented Fit
The NovaBlast 5, on the other hand, has a narrower toe box with a race-inspired fit. While true to size, it doesn’t come in a wide version, making it less ideal for runners who need extra forefoot room.
✔ Thin, padded tongue – Provides a snug lockdown without unnecessary bulk.
✔ Less padding in the heel cup – Creates a lighter, more responsive ride.
While the Nimbus 27 prioritizes comfort and plush cushioning, the NovaBlast 5 leans towards a sleek, performance fit that feels more agile underfoot.
Midsole & Cushioning: Soft vs. Springy
Nimbus 27: Plush & Balanced Cushioning
The Nimbus 27 features FF Blast+ Eco cushioning, a foam designed for soft landings with a smooth transition through each stride.
🔹 Stack Height: 43.5mm (heel) / 35.5mm (forefoot)
🔹 Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
🔹 Weight: 307g (Men’s US 9)
How does it feel? When walking, it provides cloud-like softness, and when running, it offers a stable, controlled bounce—ideal for long runs, recovery days, and daily comfort.
NovaBlast 5: More Bounce & Durability
The NovaBlast 5 introduces FF Blast Max cushioning, which is bouncier and more energetic than what we’ve seen in previous NovaBlast models.
🔹 Stack Height: 37.5mm (heel) / 29.5mm (forefoot)
🔹 Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
🔹 Weight: 264g (Men’s US 9)
This shoe feels lighter and more responsive compared to the Nimbus 27. It offers a spring-loaded ride for uptempo sessions, longer tempo runs, and interval training. If you’re looking for a daily trainer who can handle a mix of paces, the NovaBlast 5 is a strong contender.
Stability & Support: Stable Neutral vs. Classic Neutral
Nimbus 27: Stable Neutral
Even though it’s a neutral shoe, the Nimbus 27 has mild stability elements that help keep your foot centred:
✔ Sidewalls on the heel & midfoot – Cradle your foot and limit excessive movement.
✔ Broad base & sole flare – Enhances overall stability, making it great for those with mild overpronation or instability issues.
If you need extra stability but don’t want a full-stability shoe, the Nimbus 27 is a solid choice. It provides a secure, balanced ride without feeling restrictive.
NovaBlast 5: Classic Neutral
The NovaBlast 5 is designed purely as a neutral shoe. Unlike the Nimbus, it lacks prominent sidewalls or stability elements, making it more suitable for neutral runners who don’t require extra support.
If you have ankle instability, excessive pronation, or foot conditions like posterior tibial tendinopathy, the Nimbus 27 might be a safer bet due to its slightly firmer and more stable platform.
Durability & Traction
Nimbus 27: Road-Ready & Durable
✔ AHAR+ outsole rubber – Provides excellent durability for high-mileage runners.
✔ Smooth traction – Performs well on asphalt, treadmills, and packed dirt trails, but not designed for off-road use.
NovaBlast 5: Surprisingly Durable
✔ AHAR+ outsole – Excellent longevity, even after 60+ km of testing, the rubber still looked fresh.
✔ Grippy outsole – Great for wet roads and fast turns, but not a trail shoe.
If you want a shoe that lasts longer and holds up well over time, both models are great—but the NovaBlast 5 slightly edges out the Nimbus 27 in terms of durability.
Best Use Cases: Which Shoe Should You Choose?
| Feature | Nimbus 27 | NovaBlast 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | Plush & soft | Bouncy & energetic |
| Weight | 307g (Men’s 9) | 264g (Men’s 9) |
| Heel Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Best For | Easy runs, long runs, recovery days, all-day wear | Daily trainer, uptempo runs, tempo workouts |
| Stability | Stable Neutral | Classic Neutral |
| Durability | High | Very high |
| Toe Box Fit | Wide & accommodating | Tapered, snug fit |
| Flexibility | Moderate | More flexible |
Final Verdict: Nimbus 27 vs. NovaBlast 5
- Choose Nimbus 27 if you want plush cushioning, a stable ride, and an excellent all-day shoe for both running and walking.
- Choose NovaBlast 5 if you prefer a lightweight, energetic trainer that works for various paces and workouts.
For max comfort, go with the Nimbus 27.
For a faster, bouncier ride, go with the NovaBlast 5.
👉 Looking for an alternative? Check out our Asics Gel Cumulus 27 vs. Nimbus 27 breakdown for another comparison of neutral shoes!
