ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 vs Novablast 6
Gel-Kayano 33 or Novablast 6? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want comfort-first stability? Get the Gel-Kayano 33.
Want springy, versatile miles? Get the Novablast 6.
Get the Gel-Kayano 33 if
- Your feet roll inward or you like extra support
- You’re on your feet all day or walk a lot
- You need a roomier fit
- You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
Get the Novablast 6 if
- You don’t need stability and prefer a neutral ride
- You want more bounce and energy back
- You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts
- You like a less rigid forefoot
On the run
Gel-Kayano 33: Comfort-first stability. Soft on landing at easy paces, with support that’s more gentle guidance than correction and a stiff, steady forefoot. It feels best slow, and at running pace some runners find it flat.
Novablast 6: The springy do-it-all. Light and springy, with a forefoot pod that snaps more the faster you go. It handles everything from easy days to workouts.
Specs side by side
| Gel-Kayano 33 | Novablast 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $170 | $155 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 40 / 32mm* | 41.5 / 33.5mm* |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 10.5 oz | 8.9 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 9.1 oz | 7.6 oz |
| Support | Stability | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard, Wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs |
| Expected life | 400–500 miles | 400–500 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Gel-Kayano 33. True to size. The toebox tapers on the little-toe side, so it suits normal-width feet. Plush heel and tongue. Wide available.
Novablast 6. True to size with a tapered but splay-friendly toebox and a locked-in heel. It’s low over the toes, so high insteps should go wide rather than longer.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Gel-Kayano 33 · Shop the Novablast 6 · Compare other running shoes