Head-to-head · Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 vs ASICS Novablast 5

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

ASICS Novablast 5 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.2 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about high-arch runners who want a soft but lively neutral trainer for daily miles and long runs — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28

4.2

$144.95as of Jun 7

The Gel-Cumulus 28 is the value pick: a lighter, more affordable sibling to the Nimbus with plush cushioning, a wide stable base, and a very high effective drop that suits heel-striking high-arch runners. RunRepeat measured a 42.8mm heel stack and praised its plush, stable geometry for heel strikers, though it flagged the limited pace range.

Strengths

— Plush cushioning on a wide, stable platform — great for heel-striking high arches
— Light for its cushioning at about 8.9 oz
— Very high effective drop (RunRepeat measured 13.3mm) reduces Achilles strain

Watch-outs

— Tall heel-biased geometry feels extreme for forefoot strikers
— Limited pace range and modest energy return
— Less premium upper and outsole grip than the Nimbus

$144.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Novablast 5

4.6

$129.95as of Jun 7

The Novablast 5 is the best overall pick for high arches: a genuinely neutral, highly cushioned daily trainer with no supportive posting to fight a high-arched stride. The new FF Blast Max foam is soft yet rebounds well, and reviewers consistently note the roomy midfoot accommodates higher-volume, high-arched feet. RunRepeat scored it 92/100 and praised its plush-but-poppy ride.

Strengths

— FF Blast Max foam delivers a bouncy, well-protected ride that high arches benefit from
— Light for a max-cushioned trainer at roughly 9 oz in a men's 9
— Slightly wider midfoot and a subtle internal arch lift give high arches more room and support

Watch-outs

— The trampoline-like geometry can feel tippy for some runners on turns
— Mesh upper runs warm in hot weather
— Not a stability shoe — pure neutral, so it offers no medial post

$129.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28

A lighter, cheaper alternative to the flagship ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 with a similarly plush but more heel-biased ride. Its very high effective drop matches the Nike Pegasus 42 and Brooks Ghost 18, and it is softer and more cushioned than the moderate-stack Pegasus while less bouncy than the ASICS Novablast 5.

ASICS Novablast 5

Bouncier and lighter than the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27, with a more energetic ride, while the Nimbus 27 is the plusher, more protective option. Roomier and softer than the firmer Nike Pegasus 42, and a more neutral choice than the heel-biased ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28	ASICS Novablast 5
Weight	8.9 oz (M)	9.0 oz (M)
Drop	8mm (13.3mm measured)	8mm
Stack height	42.8mm heel / 29.5mm forefoot	41.5mm heel / 33.5mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral	Neutral
Cushioning	High (FF Blast Plus)	Max (FF Blast Max)
Width options	Standard, Wide, Extra Wide	Standard, Wide
Upper	Engineered mesh	Engineered mesh

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