ASICS Novablast 6 vs Nike Pegasus 42
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 5 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Novablast 6 feels more lively and modern than the more stable, slightly dull-feeling Pegasus
Competitive with the new full-length air unit Pegasus; reviewer gives the edge to the Novablast
Pegasus is heavier and less lively; Novablast 6 is lighter and more modern-feeling
Feels more modern and fun to run in day after day
Lighter, softer, more energetic and versatile, with a smoother roll despite a higher stack
More cushioning and comfort with smoother ride and lighter weight at similar price
Heavier, firmer, lower stack, and less versatile/enjoyable to run in, but more durable and better suited to gym/crossover use
Less cushy, light, and bouncy than the Novablast 6
ASICS Novablast 6 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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The Run Testers describe the Novablast 6 as plusher and more comfortable than the Evo SL with a different, softer kind of energy, occupying a different niche in ASICS's range rather than directly rivaling the Evo SL.
Ride:Much softer, plusher, more cushioned and bouncier than the Evo SL, with a different comfort-first energy; the v6 was noted as faster than the v5 thanks to its FF Turbo squared forefoot unit, but still not as aggressive or high-rocker as the Evo SL.
In their words: "easy super comfort" · "far more much more comfortable shoe"
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One of the reviewer's top shoes of the year — soft, forgiving, and durable enough for constant daily use across walking, work, and running.
In their words: "one of the best versions recently"
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A comfortable, versatile daily trainer with a new square-turbo forefoot piece; the reviewer isn't certain it beats the Mizuno Neo Vista for comfort but expects it to please existing Novablast fans.
Ride:New square-turbo forefoot piece works well with the existing blast foam.
In their words: "does the basics very well"
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A versatile, comfortable daily trainer with a punchier forefoot pod than the previous version, let down slightly by short laces and some quality-control issues (glue marks).
Ride:FF Blast Max with a poppier, more responsive FF Turbo Squared forefoot pod than the previous version; a very smooth ride best felt by mid/forefoot strikers.
Fit:Breathable upper with lots of heel padding; laces run oddly short.
In their words: "really extremely versatile" · "a very smooth riding shoe"
Nike Pegasus 42 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: medium cushion , firm_responsive feel , moderate energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.
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Lost round one to the Adidas Supernova Rise 3, 2-1; opinions were split, with one panelist's critique based on the prior-generation Pegasus 41 rather than the 42 itself.
Ride:One panelist praised its versatility for runners with neutral mechanics; another had not yet run the 42 specifically and based his skepticism on a disappointing experience with the Pegasus 41.
Fit:Fit described as narrow but locking down well; one panelist said it 'feels fast.'
In their words: "just feels fast"
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Nick calls this an easy loss to the Novablast 6 for pure running performance — comfortable at the heel and very durable, but firm, thin in the forefoot, and 'dull' at faster paces — though he still rates it highly for gym/crossover/general use.
Ride:A traditional, higher-drop, lower-stack ride that's comfortable at easy paces and under the heel, but feels cumbersome and can cause forefoot discomfort on longer runs; heavier and less versatile than the Novablast 6 despite the lower stack.
Fit:True to size with good room around the toes and secure heel/midfoot hold; runs a bit warm due to heavy padding.
In their words: "can feel a bit dull at times" · "feels a little bit cumbersome" · "It will last forever"
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EDDBUD finds the Pegasus 42 an adequate but stagnant daily trainer that hasn't meaningfully evolved in years.
Ride:Typical air units with a more modest, firm carrier foam; okay for easy or daily activities but hasn't moved on much in 6-7 years
In their words: "it isn't really a shoe that's moved on all that much over the last 6 or 7 years"
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An incremental improvement over the Pegasus 41 with a new full-length Air Zoom unit and wider toe box, but the dead ReactX foam and 311g weight leave it outclassed by competitors in the same price range.
Ride:Improved forefoot feel vs the Pegasus 41 thanks to increased toe spring and a full-length curved Air Zoom unit acting like a plate, but the ReactX foam is lifeless and heavy
Fit:True to size with a wider toe box than the previous version, providing inherent stability
In their words: "the ReactX foam in here is boring" · "too heavy for a daily trainer" · "more width in this toe box"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the ASICS Novablast 6 if
- A do-it-all daily trainer suited to a wide range of runners and running styles, with enough pep for some speed work. — Ben Parkes
- Everyday training that can also handle speedwork and racing (5K up through marathon-day speed), especially for runners with wider, deeper feet. — Run Moore
- Runners wanting a versatile daily trainer that handles easy miles through tempo workouts, offering more bounce and responsiveness than typical cushioned trainers — The Run Testers
- Versatile daily training for beginners through experienced runners who want a cushioned cruiser with enough pop for tempo work. — The Run Testers
- Budget-minded runners wanting a fun, versatile, high-value daily trainer that can log lots of miles. — Believe in the Run
- An everyday trainer versatile enough for easy days, faster efforts, and racing. — Run Moore
Consider the Nike Pegasus 42 if
- Daily training miles and a do-it-all workhorse for runners who want one shoe for running and gym use. — Believe in the Run
- Fans of the Pegasus 41 who want a versatile do-it-all daily shoe — FORDY RUNS
- Pegasus stalwarts who want a structured, mild-stability daily trainer for easy miles, walking, or all-day wear — EDDBUD
- General daily training and easy runs for traditional runners who prefer a higher-drop, close-to-ground, firm feel; also functional for walking and gym use — The Run Testers
- General/crossover use — easy runs, gym training, and walking — for runners who value durability and a traditional ride over versatility. — The Run Testers
- Easy daily miles and walking for heel strikers who want a familiar comfortable ride — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Novablast 6 and the Nike Pegasus 42?
The ASICS Novablast 6 is a daily trainer and the Nike Pegasus 42 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the ASICS Novablast 6 weighs 249g, has a 42mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the Nike Pegasus 42 weighs 292g, has a 38mm heel stack and a 10mm drop. MSRP is $155 for the ASICS Novablast 6 and $145 for the Nike Pegasus 42.
Should I buy the ASICS Novablast 6 or the Nike Pegasus 42?
Ben Parkes on the ASICS Novablast 6: A do-it-all daily trainer suited to a wide range of runners and running styles, with enough pep for some speed work. Believe in the Run on the Nike Pegasus 42: Daily training miles and a do-it-all workhorse for runners who want one shoe for running and gym use.
Per Ben Parkes, Believe in the Run.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Novablast 6 and the Nike Pegasus 42?
Yes — The Run Testers and Believe in the Run directly compared the ASICS Novablast 6 and the Nike Pegasus 42 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, Believe in the Run.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Novablast 6 or the Nike Pegasus 42?
The ASICS Novablast 6 is lighter, at 249g versus 292g (men's 9) — about 43g less.
Which is more cushioned, the ASICS Novablast 6 or the Nike Pegasus 42?
Measured by stack height, the ASICS Novablast 6 has more underfoot foam — 42mm at the heel versus 38mm.