Products
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
PUMA Magnify NITRO 3
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Oct 17, 2025 07:49 PM
SEE PRICE
Asics.com
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Dec 02, 2025 08:20 PM
SEE PRICE
PUMA
Weight
248.2 g (8.76 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.2 mm
Plate
None
Weight
261.0 g (9.21 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
10.2 mm
Plate
None
Our Verdict
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
PUMA Magnify NITRO 3
The PUMA Magnify NITRO 3 and ASICS NOVABLAST 5 are both bouncy, versatile trainers built for everyday use. The NOVABLAST 5 packs more cushioning underfoot for a plusher ride but sacrifices some energy return, most notably in the forefoot, where the Magnify NITRO 3 delivers much better return. The fit of the ASICS might be more accommodating to runners with wider feet, as PUMA's sizing is narrower in both the heel and forefoot.
Variants
- NOVABLAST 5 (Black/Carrier Grey - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Black/Carrier Grey - (Women - US 7))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Black/White - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Breeze/White - (Women - US 7))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Denim Blue/Midnight - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Greyish Purple/Coral Reef - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Greyish Purple/Coral Reef - (Women - US 7))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Illusion Blue/Light Blue - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Indigo Blue/Amber - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Indigo Blue/Seal Grey - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Pure Aqua/Seal Grey - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Pure Aqua/Seal Grey - (Women - US 7))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Soothing Sea/Wave Teal - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Wave Teal/Black - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Wave Teal/Black - (Women - US 7))
- Magnify NITRO 3 (Black/Speed Blue - (Men - US 9))
- Magnify NITRO 3 (Sea Glass/Mint Melt - (Women - US 7))
- Magnify NITRO 3 (White/Silver - (Women - US 7))
Main Differences for
Marathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
7.3
7.1
Forefoot Stack Height
33.4 mm
28.5 mm
Forefoot Energy Return
7.3
7.9
Weight
6.5
6.0
Heel Energy Return
6.3
7.4
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
6.5
6.0
Right Shoe Weight Photo
Left Shoe Weight Photo
Weight
248.2 g (8.76 oz)
261.0 g (9.21 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
Heel Stack Height
41.8 mm
38.7 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
33.4 mm
28.5 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.2 mm
10.2 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.0 mm
10.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Outsole Heel Width
89 mm (3.5")
94 mm (3.7")
Outsole Arch Width
75 mm (2.9")
71 mm (2.8")
Outsole Forefoot Width
115 mm (4.5")
113 mm (4.4")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.13
2.43
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.44
3.96
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Internal Length
284 mm (11.2")
281 mm (11.1")
Internal Heel Width
62 mm (2.4")
65 mm (2.6")
Internal Forefoot Width
94 mm (3.7")
91 mm (3.6")
Wide Sizing Available
Yes
No
Other Features
Other Features Photo
Tongue Gusset Type
Fully-gusseted
Semi-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Energy Return
6.3
7.4
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Heel Energy Return
74.0%
77.6%
Forefoot Energy Return
7.3
7.9
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Forefoot Energy Return
77.3%
80.0%
Heel Cushioning
8.2
7.7
Heel Cushioning Picture
Heel Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 550N
3.83 J
3.56 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
9.97 J
9.28 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
16.86 J
15.78 J
Forefoot Cushioning
7.9
6.9
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
Forefoot Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 800N
5.15 J
4.49 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
8.58 J
7.42 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
12.28 J
10.60 J
Heel Firmness
5.1
5.7
Heel Firmness
Firmness At 550N
47.1 N/mm
52.9 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
109.3 N/mm
115.3 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
229.7 N/mm
255.9 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
8.1
8.6
Forefoot Firmness
Firmness At 800N
105.0 N/mm
121.7 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
220.1 N/mm
254.9 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
436.1 N/mm
513.8 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
7.3
6.5
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 10km
8.00 J
7.13 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
7.77 J
6.97 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
7.61 J
6.86 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
7.50 J
6.76 J
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ASICS NOVABLAST 5
PUMA Magnify NITRO 3
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ASICS NOVABLAST 5 vs PUMA Magnify NITRO 3: Main Discussion
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