The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro and the Asics Novablast 6 play in the same league: two neutral, plate-free shoes built for versatile training, from daily easy runs to the marathon. They share the same 8 mm drop, but the recipe underfoot is not the same.
The Deviate Pure Nitro bets on a 100% PEBA NITROFOAM midsole, one of the most responsive materials around, which makes it noticeably lighter, about 30 g / 1.1 oz less on the scale.
The Novablast 6 uses Asics’ FF Blast Max foam topped with a TURBO² layer up front, on a slightly taller platform.
Underfoot, the feel is different. The Pure Nitro is the more responsive: its PEBA foam delivers a pronounced bounce, for a soft ride paired with responsiveness that surprises on a plate-free shoe. It is enjoyable at fast paces and lets you stretch the distance.
The Novablast 6 aims for comfort instead: its cushioning is taller and therefore more protective for long distances like the marathon. Its extra weight makes it a bit less responsive, even if it already does very well.
On the upper side, both are breathable and well fitted. The Novablast 6’s engineered mesh is very comfortable. The Pure Nitro plays the low-weight card with a single-layer knit, with surprisingly good lockdown for its weight.
Puma Deviate Pure Nitro or Asics Novablast 6: Which Should You Choose?
Both are excellent training shoes, very close on the score. Take the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro if you want the lighter and more responsive of the two: its PEBA foam offers a more pronounced bounce and a livelier ride, ideal for stringing together easy runs, fast workouts and even races.
Take the Asics Novablast 6 if you prefer more cushioning: it is the confidence-inspiring all-rounder par excellence, the one that lets you pile on training miles with a good balance of comfort and responsiveness.
