ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 vs Novablast 6
Gel-Cumulus 28 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 a soft, smooth everyday trainer? Get the Gel-Cumulus 28.
Want springy, versatile miles? Get the Novablast 6.
Get the Gel-Cumulus 28 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You’re on your feet all day or walk a lot
- You need a roomier fit
Get the Novablast 6 if
- You’d like a little less squish underfoot
- You want more bounce and energy back
- You want more foam underfoot (3mm more at the heel)
- You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts
On the run
Gel-Cumulus 28: The soft, smooth everyday pick. Soft and smooth, with a softer gel heel and a gentle rocker. It’s comfortable, but there isn’t much bounce at faster paces, and its heel sits much higher than its forefoot.
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-Cumulus 28 | Novablast 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $145 | $155 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 38.5 / 30.5mm* | 41.5 / 33.5mm* |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 9.1 oz | 8.9 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 7.9 oz | 7.6 oz |
| Support | Neutral | 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 | 250–350 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-Cumulus 28. True to size, with noticeably more toe room than the Cumulus 27. Narrow feet may find the midfoot loose. 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-Cumulus 28 · Shop the Novablast 6 · Compare other running shoes