Gel Cumulus 28 vs Novablast 5

The Gel Cumulus 28 is Asics at its most dependable: a cushioned, neutral daily training shoe built to soak up easy miles without asking anything clever of your stride. It is not a max-cushion plush ride and it is not a tempo shoe, it sits in the sensible middle as a do-everything running shoe for the bulk of your week. The 13.3mm drop is high by modern standards, which makes it forgiving and natural if you land on your heel, and the gel cushioning under the rear foot takes the sting out of harder landings. At 252g it is no featherweight, but it carries that weight as stability and longevity rather than dead bulk. We rate it as one of the safest first running shoes you can buy, and a reliable second pair for more experienced runners who want a soft, no-drama trainer for recovery days. If you want more pop, look elsewhere. If you want miles, this is it.

The Novablast 5 is Asics at its most fun: a bouncy, do-it-all daily training shoe that turns easy miles into something you actually look forward to. It sits in the high-stack daily trainer bracket, with an 8mm drop and a springy ride that rewards a relaxed cadence. At 135 pounds RRP and around 255g it is not the lightest in its class, but the energy you get back more than pays for the weight on everyday runs. This is a versatile running shoe rather than a one-trick pony. It will cover recovery jogs, steady long runs and the odd faster session without complaint, even if it is happiest cruising. If you want something firmer and more locked-down for tempo work, the Asics Superblast 2 is the pricier, sharper sibling. But for most runners after one shoe to carry the bulk of their training, the Novablast 5 is an easy shoe to recommend. We rate it as one of the most enjoyable daily trainers you can buy.