Asics Gel-Cumulus vs Asics Novablast
Comparing the current Gel-Cumulus 28 and Novablast 6. Specs are men's US 9.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
The Novablast 6 is the lighter shoe by 0.9 oz in a men's US 9, and both run the same 8 mm drop, so it is the one that feels quicker without asking your stride to change. Both sit in the same role (daily trainer). The Gel-Cumulus 28 lists $10 lower.
- Asics Gel-Cumulus 28Men's at AmazonWomen's
- Asics Novablast 6Men's at AmazonWomen's
Availability last checked Sep 1, 2026. Prices and stock change without notice.
Every spec, side by side
| Spec | Gel-Cumulus 28 | Novablast 6 |
|---|---|---|
| FIT AND WEIGHT | ||
| Weight | 9.7 oz | 8.8 oz |
| Widths | D, 2E, 4E | D, 2E |
| Upper | Engineered mesh with large ventilation holes and reflective detailing | Engineered woven mesh with a longer padded tongue |
| CUSHIONING GEOMETRY | ||
| Heel stack | 38 mm | 41.5 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 30 mm | 33.5 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| MATERIALS | ||
| Midsole | FF Blast Max with a PureGEL heel insert | FF Blast Max with an FF Turbo Squared forefoot insert |
| VALUE | ||
| List price at launch | $145 | $155 |
Which line changes its ride more often?
The Gel-Cumulus has done it 2 times in 8 versions, most recently with the Gel-Cumulus 26 in 2024, and the Novablast has done it 3 times in 6 versions, most recently with the Novablast 5 in 2024. If you want a shoe you can rebuy without reading a review first, the Gel-Cumulus has the steadier record.
Buy the Gel-Cumulus 28
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Sep 1, 2026.
Buy the Novablast 6
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Aug 2, 2026.
Chasing a specific older version rather than choosing between the current two? The Asics Gel-Cumulus lineage and the Asics Novablast lineage track every version and what changed in each update.
Questions runners ask
- Is the Asics Gel-Cumulus or the Asics Novablast lighter?
- The Novablast 6, by 0.9 oz in a men's US 9 (8.8 oz against 9.7 oz).
- Can I switch from the Asics Gel-Cumulus to the Asics Novablast?
- The drop matches at 8 mm, which is the spec that usually forces an adjustment, so most runners move across without one. Check the width and toebox instead.
- Which is more cushioned, the Asics Gel-Cumulus or the Asics Novablast?
- The Novablast 6, on stack height: 41.5 mm under the heel against 38 mm. Stack is not the whole story, though; the foams differ too.
- Which comes in more widths?
- The Gel-Cumulus 28. The Gel-Cumulus 28 runs in D, 2E, 4E for men's sizes; the Novablast 6 runs in D, 2E.
- Which costs more, the Asics Gel-Cumulus or the Asics Novablast?
- The Novablast 6, by $10 at list ($145 against $155). That gap narrows once either one gets a successor.
Updated September 1, 2026.