Head-to-Head
Gel-Kayano 32vsNovablast 5
The Gel-Kayano 32 is a recovery / easy run shoe while the Novablast 5 is a daily trainer shoe. The Gel-Kayano 32 retails for $165 while the Novablast 5 comes in at $150 — a $15 difference. The Novablast 5 is the lighter shoe at 9.0 oz versus 10.7 oz for the Gel-Kayano 32. In our ratings, the Gel-Kayano 32 edges out the Novablast 5 — 9.2/10 versus 9.1/10.
| Rating | 9.2 / 10✓ | 9.1 / 10 | |
| Price | $165 | $150✓ | |
| Weight | 10.7 oz | 9.0 oz✓ | |
| Category | Recovery / Easy Run | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | Medium | High | |
| Softness | Firm | Soft | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 8 mm | 8 mm | |
| Stack | 40 mm | 41.5 mm | |
| Stability | Stability | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Medium | |
| Energy Return | Low | Medium✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium | Medium | |
| Traction | High✓ | Low | |
| Shock Absorption | Medium | Medium | |
| Durability | Very Good✓ | Decent |
