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

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 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 narrow margin (4.3 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 #4 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

4.3

$160

The Gel-Nimbus 27 is ASICS' range-topping neutral cushioned trainer and a classic high-arch recommendation. Its 42mm-plus stack and reinforced sidewalls deliver a stable, shock-absorbing ride that protects a high arch on slow miles. RunRepeat scored it 85/100 but flagged it as best for easy paces, and Believe in the Run found it soft with a touch of road feel.

Strengths

— Among the highest stack heights and most cushioning of any neutral trainer
— Stable, shock-absorbing platform with reinforced sidewalls that high arches appreciate
— Premium, plush upper and step-in comfort

Watch-outs

— Bottom-heavy feel and firmer-than-expected foam isn't for everyone
— Heavy at over 10.5 oz, lacking versatility for faster paces
— Priced at the top of the daily-trainer range

$160 · 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-Nimbus 27

Plusher and more protective than the ASICS Novablast 5, but heavier and less bouncy. More cushioned than the Brooks Ghost 18 and softer than the firmer Nike Pegasus 42. Shares ASICS DNA with the lighter, heel-biased ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 but sits at the top of the cushioning range.

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-Nimbus 27	ASICS Novablast 5
Weight	10.5 oz (M)	9.0 oz (M)
Drop	8mm	8mm
Stack height	42.7mm heel / 34.4mm forefoot	41.5mm heel / 33.5mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral	Neutral
Cushioning	Max (FF Blast Plus Eco)	Max (FF Blast Max)
Width options	Standard, Wide, Extra Wide	Standard, Wide
Upper	Engineered stretch knit	Engineered mesh

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