ASICS Novablast 6 vs Puma Deviate Pure Nitro
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.
On a par with Novablast 6 for versatility across the speed spectrum; Novablast 6 slightly better for comfort on easy runs
Heavier by ~1.7 oz but has better upper quality, outsole, and lockdown; reviewer prefers Novablast 6
Novablast 6 has a bouncier, more dynamic ride and improved wet-traction grip, but is about 1 oz heavier and has a plainer-looking knit upper
One reviewer preferred the Pure to the Novablast but both were seen as good shoes
Denser FF BLAST+ forefoot section gives a more energized, protective ride than the Pure Nitro; preferred overall
More cushioned, more stable, and comfier, but with less of a speed edge than the Puma
The Novablast 6 has a bit more of that oomph the Deviate Pure lacks
Novablast offers more comfort and cushion at easy paces; Pure is lighter and a bit faster
Lighter, flatter, and closer to the ground with more of a speed edge, but less plush cushioning and support than the Novablast
Novablast 6 has a better upper, improved outsole, and more versatility; reviewer prefers it over the Puma for daily use
Lighter with a more comfortable, better-looking upper, but a flatter ride lacking pop/toe spring compared to the Novablast 6's dual-density bounce
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"
Puma Deviate Pure Nitro — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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A team favorite lightweight daily trainer that Nate still rates highly, though in this head-to-head he leans toward the firmer, more rocker-forward Fila Speedtempo Plus.
Ride:Softer and slightly more compliant than the Fila, with a flatter transition and more forefoot flexibility rather than a rocker-driven roll.
Fit:Slightly snugger than the Fila Speedtempo Plus with a touch more width through the midfoot/ground-contact platform.
In their words: "one of the favorites" · "felt a little bit flatter"
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The Run Testers see the Deviate Pure Nitro as a strong, similarly priced shoe that comes across more as a daily trainer than a speed shoe, so despite once being touted as an Evo SL rival, it doesn't count as an Evo SL killer.
Ride:Simple, very light Nitro supercritical PEBA foam, about the same weight or slightly lighter than the Evo SL; suits steady/easy paces better than flat-out speed and was tested directly back-to-back with the Evo SL in a track session.
In their words: "comes across actually as a daily trainer" · "I kind of love the pure"
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Ben Parkes calls the Deviate Pure a standout of Puma's lineup — fast, light, fun, and comfortable enough for long runs, and more stable than the Adidas Evo Speed, if slightly less outright quick.
Ride:Plateless, lightweight, and versatile at both daily and race paces; comfortable enough for 24K straight out of the box.
Fit:Runs narrow — fine for standard/narrow feet, but wider feet should consider passing.
In their words: "a real gem of Puma's lineup" · "very fast and very fun"
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A well-priced, roomy, higher-stack daily trainer that can double as a recovery/easy-day shoe — not exciting, but solid value.
In their words: "this hits the right notes for me"
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 Puma Deviate Pure Nitro if
- Everyday daily training and long runs for runners wanting stability and comfort over speed; pairs well with a faster shoe for interval days. — The Run Testers
- Easy-to-steady daily training and everyday miles. — The Run Testers
- Runners who want a versatile do-it-all trainer with a snappier feel for faster efforts — Doctors of Running
- A budget speed-session shoe for tearing up speed reps. — Ben Parkes
- Versatile daily training shoe that can handle easy runs, long runs, and tempo work — Doctors of Running
- Daily training, tempo efforts, and short speed intervals for runners who want a lighter, more direct non-plated trainer. — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Novablast 6 and the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro?
The ASICS Novablast 6 is a daily trainer and the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the ASICS Novablast 6 weighs 249g, has a 42mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro weighs 213g, has a 37mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $155 for the ASICS Novablast 6 and $150 for the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro.
Should I buy the ASICS Novablast 6 or the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro?
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. The Run Testers on the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro: Everyday daily training and long runs for runners wanting stability and comfort over speed; pairs well with a faster shoe for interval days.
Per Ben Parkes, The Run Testers.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Novablast 6 and the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro?
Yes — The Run Testers, EDDBUD, and Believe in the Run directly compared the ASICS Novablast 6 and the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, EDDBUD, Believe in the Run.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Novablast 6 or the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro?
The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro is lighter, at 213g versus 249g (men's 9) — about 36g less.
Which is more cushioned, the ASICS Novablast 6 or the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro?
Measured by stack height, the ASICS Novablast 6 has more underfoot foam — 42mm at the heel versus 37mm.