Comparison:
ASICS Novablast vs ASICS Kayano
The Novablast is mid-range, neutral trainer and the Kayano is premium stability trainer. Here we will be comparing the Novablast and the Kayano.
Comparison:
The Novablast is a trainer designed to be versatile and have an energised ride. It's one of the most popular ASICS trainers because it's light, affordable and has a really modern design. It costs $150.
The Kayano is a top of the range stability trainer and is an ASICS classic. Runners love its high level of support, cushioning and its durability. It costs $165.
Which of these ASICS trainers is the right one for you?
Similarity and differences: Novablast 5 vs Gel Kayano 32
Expert score
9/10
10/10
Weight
8.7 oz
10.5 oz
Heel Drop
8 mm
8 mm
Verdict
The ASICS Novablast 5 is an excellent, versatile daily trainer and the best Novablast version to date. The new FF Blast Max midsole made from POE is a significant improvement over the EVA midsoles of previous iterations, providing a softer ride with better energy return. Version 5 is a big upgrade over version 4, becoming lighter, more comfortable and more lively. It performs better over long distances and on uptempo runs than its predecessor.
What it is: Overall, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 is a refined stability trainer that delivers plush comfort, reliable support, and a smoother, lighter ride. With its responsive midsole, secure upper, and durable outsole, it offers a versatile and dependable option for daily miles and long-distance training.
Verdict: I enjoyed running in the Kayano 32 across everything from easy recovery miles to longer tempo runs. The small refinements—slimmer midsole, more responsive FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco, and adaptive upper—felt profound, enhancing the shoe’s overall versatility. My only minor gripe was the slightly reduced breathability could feel limiting on hotter days. Still, the Kayano 32 is capable of carrying you through all of your training, whether your next race is a 5K or a 50K.
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
Balanced
Balanced/plush
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
flexible
medium
Stability
some stability
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$139.95
US$164.95
Sole unit: Novablast 5 vs Gel Kayano 32
The Kayano has an FF Blast+ Eco midsole but the Novablast midsole is made of FF Blast Max. The Novablast is firmer. The Novablast is more suited to uptempo runs such as tempo runs, intervals and races because it’s easier to pick up the pace in the Novablast.
The Kayano is more suited to slow runs such as easy and recovery runs because of its softer midsole. It’s also better for long runs because it has more long-distance comfort.
There’s a silicone gel pad inside the heel of the Kayano. This hidden gel is designed to absorb the shock when your feet strike the ground. The Novablast doesn’t have this gel.
The main difference between the sole units of the Novablast and the Kayano is that the Kayano has a more supportive ride. This is due to its wider base as well as its built up medial side to prevent excessive inward ankle rolling. Both trainers are supportive but the Kayano has a much higher level of support.
When it comes to outsole durability, the Kayano wins. It has a harder, more abrasion resistant version of AHAR. The softer AHAR LO of the Novablast has better traction but wears down faster.
Upper unit: Novablast 5 vs Gel Kayano 32
The Novablast has a mesh upper which feels more modern than the traditional mesh on the Kayano. The Kayano has more padding in the tongue and collar which makes it feel more comfortable than the Novablast.
Both trainers have gusseted tongues that prevent them from sliding around.The fit of both trainers are true to size and they come in wide versions if the standard width is too narrow. The Novablast has a cooler upper due its thinner upper so it’s better for warm temperatures and racing.
Which one to buy: Novablast 5 vs Gel Kayano 32
If you are looking for a faster trainer for short distances, you should get the Novablast. It has a more energetic ride which makes it easier to pick up the pace so it’s more suitable for tempo runs, intervals and races. It has a lighter build and it feels more agile than the Kayano.
If you want a supportive trainer for slow and long distances, get the Kayano. It has a wider base and it has a built up medial side to prevent overpronation. It also has a firmer ride with more comfort which makes it better for easy runs, recovery runs and long runs.
Best price online: Novablast 5 vs Gel Kayano 32
This expert review is written by
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Brandon is a South African marathoner based in Malaysia, where the humidity is high and his shoe rotation is even higher. He’s a runner with a full-blown addiction to running shoes. Most people buy shoes to run—Brandon runs to justify buying more shoes. If there’s a new drop, he’s probably already logged 100km in them.
