Asics Novablast 5 vs Asics Gel-Cumulus 28:
Which to Choose

On paper these two look like siblings — both neutral, both high on cushioning (5/6), both with a wide, planted base rated 4/6 for stability and no medial post — but underfoot they diverge sharply. The Novablast 5 runs an 8mm drop on a stack of roughly 41mm heel / 33.5mm forefoot and leans on the FF Blast Max foam for a lively, trampoline-like bounce; its responsiveness (5/6) and pace rating (4/6) mean it genuinely rewards lifting the effort, holding its best rebound down to around 4:15–4:30 min/km. The Gel-Cumulus 28 sits taller in the heel at about 43mm with only 30mm up front, giving it a much steeper 13mm drop, and it adds a PureGEL heel insert that makes landings notably soft for heel strikers. That extra drop and the comfort tuning of the foam change the character entirely: the Cumulus feels deep, absorbing, and planted rather than springy (responsiveness 4/6, pace 3/6), and it starts to feel vague if you push past roughly 5:00–5:15 min/km. In short, the Novablast's lower drop and taller forefoot plus its bouncier tune make it the more athletic, do-it-all trainer that can double as a pickup or steady-state shoe, while the Cumulus's tall heel, PureGEL landing, and comfort-first foam make it a dedicated cruiser built around easy and steady heel-striking miles. Both are forgiving long-run shoes, but one springs you forward and the other cushions you down.