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Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Asics Novablast 5 vs. Nike Pegasus 41: Which running shoe should you get?
The Asics Novablast 5 is more cushioned and rockered than the Nike Pegasus 41, while also being a little lighter. It's not as good-looking as the Nike, though, and some runners might prefer the more natural, grounded feel of the Pegasus 41. The Nike Pegasus 41 largely sticks to the formula that has made it a successful shoe for over four decades, offering a balance between comfort and speed for daily training. It's great for the gym as well as running, and the Pegasus 41 has a more sprightly ride than its predecessor. The Asics Novablast 5 and Nike Pegasus 41 are among the best running shoes I've tested, and both are very popular with new and experienced runners alike. Both shoes are good value and have comfortable and hardy designs that work well for a wide range of runners and running styles. I've logged over 40 miles in both shoes during my testing, using them for a mix of training runs, and there are pros and cons to each that might make one or the other more suitable for you. I've focused on their comparative strengths and weaknesses below, and for more detail on either shoe, check out our Nike Pegasus 41 review and Asics Novablast 5 review. The Nike Pegasus 41 is the slightly cheaper shoe at $145 vs $150 for the Asics Novablast 5, and the Pegasus is also the shoe that appears more frequently in sales. The Novablast 5 is yet to really be discounted, though you can find deals on the Novablast 4 quite easily, and it's a pretty similar shoe in my opinion. The Nike Pegasus 41 is currently available in 16 colors, and you can also design your own. There are also special editions of the shoe for college and pro sports teams, so you can really get a Pegasus that suits your personal preferences all round. There is less choice with the Novablast 5, but it is still available in 15 colors. Both shoes are available in wide fits as well, and I found they both fit me well in my normal running shoe size. The Novablast 5 is the higher stack shoe, standing 41.5mm at the heel and 33.5mm at the forefoot for an 8mm drop. The Pegasus 41 has 37mm of cushioning at the heel and 27mm at the forefoot for a 10mm drop. Despite having more foam underfoot, the Novablast 5 is lighter, weighing 9.6oz in my US men's size 10. The Pegasus 41 weighs 10.3oz in the same size. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Both shoes have comfortable uppers with padding around the tongue and collar that hold the foot securely on the run. Neither is especially breathable, though, and the thick tongue on the Pegasus 41 means it can get a bit warm on hot days. The Novablast 5 uses Asics' FF Blast Max Plus foam in its midsole, which provides plenty of comfort without being too soft or unstable. It has sidewalls of foam that your foot sits within to create more stability, and a mild rocker to ease you from heel to toe as you run. There are two foams in the midsole of the Pegasus 41. Most of the midsole is made from ReactX, which is designed for comfort, while two Air Zoom pods — one under the heel and one under the forefoot — add a bit more pop and responsiveness to the ride. The Pegasus 41 has a thicker outsole than the Novablast 5, and rubber covers more of the bottom of the shoe. This is one reason it weighs more, but the benefit is increased durability, and the Pegasus 41 will stand up better to use on light trails than the Novablast 5. It also offers slightly better grip on wet pavements than the Novablast 5, which can be a bit slippery, especially on your first couple of runs. After that, I found the rubber outsole roughed up a bit and provided better traction. Both shoes are capable daily trainers, in that they can handle a variety of runs quite well while being best suited to easy efforts. The Novablast 5 has a smoother ride and is more comfortable. It also has a wider base and feels stable on the run despite its high stack. I particularly enjoyed long runs in the shoe, and while it's not a bouncy or particularly exciting ride, it's a bit more lively underfoot than the Pegasus 41 at fast paces. There's a snappier feel to the Nike Pegasus 41, partly because it has a higher drop but also because it doesn't have as much of a rockered design as the Novablast 5. It's not as comfortable, especially under the forefoot, but it has a nimbler ride that gives you more feel for the ground. At faster paces, I found the Novablast 5 to be a little more effective, and I prefer the smoother feel of the Asics for easy and long runs, too. The Pegasus 41 was still comfortable, though, and some runners might favor its more traditional and agile design, because the Novablast 5 can feel quite large on the foot, even though it's not heavy. While the Novablast 5 and Pegasus 41 are both good shoes, I prefer the Novablast 5 myself as a running shoe. I would recommend it over the Pegasus 41 if you want a comfortable shoe for all your runs, or one to add to a rotation just for easy and long sessions. However, there are a few factors that could swing me to the Pegasus 41. For one, it's cheaper and often drops nearer $100 in sales. It's also more durable thanks to its thick outsole, and will work better as your only workout shoe if you also use it in the gym or for other sports. Also, looks aren't everything in a running shoe, but the Pegasus 41 is better for casual use in my opinion. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Tom's Guide
16-06-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
10,000 steps or Japanese walking? We ask the experts if you should be walking further or faster
Walking workouts are all the rage right now, with the Japanese walking workout making headlines for it's promise to burn fat and lower blood pressure. (You can read what happened when I tried Japanese walking for a week here.) But should you be focusing on walking further, or walking faster if you want to get fitter and stronger? To find out more, we asked an expert. As always, when it comes to taking on a new workout routine, remember to always seek guidance from a qualified professional if you're returning from an injury, or pregnancy. The Novablast 5 are our favorite running shoes overall. They come in a variety of colors, are great for runners or walkers of all levels, and deliver an impressive mix of comfort, responsiveness, and versatility. The answer to this question depends on your goals and how much time you have to play with, explains Alex Kirkup-Lee, a personal trainer from Gymshark. If you're looking to boost your cardiovascular fitness and endurance, heading out for a longer walk might be the best option. 'Steady-state walks are great for building a consistent routine and fat-burning, especially if you have an hour or so available to spend.' In order to get the most out of your workout, you'll need to ensure you're walking at a decent pace. This will vary depending on your age and fitness level, but as a general rule, you should be walking at an effort of around four or five out of ten. (One of the best fitness trackers can help you maintain a steady pace.) You should be able to sustain the effort for the entire walk and keep your heart rate raised. You shouldn't be out of breath — as a maker, you should be able to hold a conversation with someone walking next to you, but this isn't a relaxed stroll. The Japanese Interval Walking Training (IWT) method is nothing new — you're simply mixing intervals of faster-paced walking with low-intensity walks. Studies have found IWT has several health benefits. After three months of doing a 30-minute interval walk three times a week, participants had lower blood pressure and cholesterol, increased leg strength, and more aerobic capacity than those who walked continuously at a moderate pace for the same time. 'If you're short on time, picking up the pace during shorter sessions, like intervals, can be more effective in less time, as it raises your heart rate quicker and helps you burn more calories. This makes the walk feel more like a workout,' Kirkup-Lee says. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. 'If you're looking to build muscle through walking, adding inclines and wearing a light backpack or weighted vest can help to engage your glutes and legs, strengthening and toning the lower body over time,' says Kirkup-Lee. Rucking is all the rage at the moment, but you don't need expensive equipment to give it a go — simply grab one of the best adjustable dumbbells and put it in a comfortable backpack to increase the intensity of your walks. Or head to the gym and try the 12-3-30 treadmill workout. 'While walking alone won't build muscle mass in the same way as weight training, it can still contribute to muscle definition, especially when paired with varied terrain and additional load.' The truth is, walking further and walking faster is ideal. 'I've found that mixing longer walks with shorter, faster-paced ones around your weekly routine can give you the best of both worlds,' Kirkup-Lee explains. Slower, longer walks, where your heart rate stays in zone 2 (a level of heart rate training categorised as 60 to 70 percent of your heart rate max), can help you build fitness and strengthen your heart. At the same time, shorter, faster walks will boost your metabolism and burn more calories. In order to use walking for weight loss, you'll want to ensure you're in a calorie deficit, burning more calories than you consume. One of the best ways to track this is to wear one of the best fitness trackers. Ultimately, walking is a fantastic way to boost your physical and mental health, so the best walking workout will be the one you enjoy the most. Consistency is key, so whether that's longer hikes with a friend or a shorter fartlek walking workout around the park, find what works for you and your body, and get walking!
Tom's Guide
15-06-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Want stronger legs without running? I tried rucking for a week, and it's a game-changer
I've been writing about fitness for the past decade and have seen countless workout trends come and go. Right now, everyone is talking about the benefits of walking, and more specifically, walking with a weighted backpack — also known as rucking. Rucking has roots in military training, and is a full-body workout that'll strengthen your muscles and send your heart rate soaring. Rucking is new to me, but never one to shy away from a challenge, I swapped my daily runs for rucking for a week. Read what happened when I grabbed a weighted backpack and gave this a go. The Novablast 5 are our favorite running shoes overall. They come in a variety of colors, are great for runners or walkers of all levels, and deliver an impressive mix of comfort, responsiveness, and versatility. Rucking is walking with a weighted vest or backpack on your back. Despite the weight, it's a low-impact workout, and you don't need any special equipment to get started. Despite lots of brands selling specialized rucking vests, a regular, comfortable backpack (preferably with padded shoulder straps) loaded with a dumbbell or a couple of books is enough to give rucking a go. If you do want to buy a specific vest, our AI writer Amanda Caswell swears by this $25 vest from Amazon. Compared to your regular walk, you'll burn a lot more calories rucking, as your muscles will be working harder to move. As a form of strength training, over time, rucking will help you build and maintain muscle strength, improve bone density, and build your cardiovascular fitness. As with all new exercise routines, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor before trying it, especially if you're recovering from an injury or pregnancy. Keen to find out more, I tried rucking for seven days. There's no doubt about it — rucking is a full-body workout. The additional weight made my walk more challenging from my first step. On day one, I was perhaps a little overambitious, loading a 7kg (15-pound) dumbbell into my go-to running backpack. I'd read that when it comes to selecting a weight for rucking, you should start with 10-15% of your body weight, so at 119 pounds, this seemed about right. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. By the end of the walk, I found that the weight made my walk a lot harder than expected. I could feel my legs working hard, as was my core and upper body, which were working to keep my torso upright. I'm currently 15 months postpartum, so I'd probably recommend starting lighter and building up, rather than chucking yourself into the rucking-deep-end like I did, as I was aching by the time I removed my backpack. As my toddler is only in nursery three mornings a week, for the rest of this challenge, I strapped him to my back instead. Far wrigglier than a dumbbell, he added to the rucking experience, as unlike a dumbbell, he'd lean his bodyweight to the left or right, depending on what he wanted to see. He also added the extra challenge of having to fish snacks out from my pockets and raise my arms to hand them to him. The good news is, however, focusing on pointing out every school bus and garbage truck made my 30-minute walk pass by faster. My top tip when it comes to trying rucking for the first time? Spend a decent amount of time getting properly set up before you walk. As I mentioned, on day one, the weight was too heavy and I kept stopping to tighten or loosen straps as I went. I walked with a running backpack that had a chest strap, which I found really helped distribute the weight evenly across my back. I also appreciated the padded shoulder straps. When it came to carrying my toddler, I used the Osprey Poco Child Carrier, and spent some time adjusting the back support to ensure the weight wasn't sitting on my hips. This isn't the kind of walk where you want to rush out the door — the right set up is essential if you want to avoid injuries. The Osprey Poco Child carrier comes in black or green (pictured), has zippered pockets to store snacks and other items, comes with a sun shade, and can support itself on the ground. It can accommodate children up to 40 pounds. I don't often have to consider my form as I walk, but the additional weight on my back made me do so. The tendency is to lean your torso forward, especially towards the end of the walk, as your muscles get tired, but this can put additional strain on your lower back. Start with a lighter weight, and think about keeping your shoulders back and your abs braced as you walk. My verdict after a week of rucking? I loved the additional challenge, and this is definitely something I'll keep in my routine. As my toddler gets bigger and I get stronger, the weight will increase, making him my perfect rucking companion. That said, if you don't have an energetic 15-month-old to strap to your back, why not invest in one of the best adjustable dumbbells instead?
Tom's Guide
13-06-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
I tried power walking for a week — and my body (and mind) feel incredible
I used to think power walking looked a bit over the top. All that arm swinging, hip rocking, and fast pace just seemed unnecessary. That was until a colleague told me what just 30 minutes of power walking can do to your body: building strength, boosting cardiovascular fitness, and even improving wellbeing and mental sharpness. It sounded like a smart way to get more out of my daily walks. Since walking was already part of my routine, whether it was a trip to the local coffee shop, running errands, or getting in some steps over lunch, I figured trying power walking for a week would be a simple upgrade. The only real change was making sure I laced up in a pair of the best running shoes to provide extra support and comfort for upping the pace. Once I got past feeling a little self-conscious about swinging my hips and striding confidently through my neighborhood, I started to really enjoy power walking. The Novablast 5 are our favorite running shoes overall. They come in a variety of colors, are great for runners or walkers of all levels, and deliver an impressive mix of comfort, responsiveness, and versatility. Power walking is like regular walking's more purposeful, fast-paced sibling. It's all about striding with intent, arms pumping, posture tall, and a pace brisk enough to get your heart rate up, but not so fast you're breaking into a jog. Think of it as the happy middle ground between a leisurely stroll and a full-on run. It's low-impact, surprisingly energizing, and requires zero fancy gear, just a comfy pair of shoes and a bit of determination. Keep reading to find out what I really think of power walking after incorporating it into my routine every day for a week. I'll be honest, I wasn't totally convinced at first. Walking is walking, right? How different could it really feel just by picking up the pace a little? I imagined it would be the same as my usual walking, just with slightly less time to dawdle by the coffee shop. But after a few minutes of walking with a bit more intent — arms moving, posture upright, and pace just brisk enough to make me feel like I was going somewhere — it started to click. My breathing got a little quicker, I felt more focused, and I could sense my muscles actually doing some work. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. It wasn't dramatic, and I wasn't breaking a sweat, but compared to my usual leisurely stroll, it felt like I was getting more exercise benefits from dialing up my walking pace. I'll admit, I felt a little silly at first. There's something about striding purposefully down the street, arms swinging like you mean business, that feels a bit dramatic, especially when everyone else seems to be shuffling along or glued to their phones. But sometimes I need a gentle reality check: no one's really paying that much attention. Most people are too wrapped up in their own day to notice how fast I'm walking or what my arms are doing. And to be honest, you don't need perfect form to feel the benefits. Just upping the pace a little makes a difference. You can ease into it and move in a way that feels natural. Walk like you mean it, just try not to charge straight into anyone. What I didn't expect was how quickly the pace stuck. Even when I wasn't trying to, I found myself walking a little faster than usual, slipping into that steady rhythm without really thinking about it. I also started noticing I was clocking more steps than normal on my best fitness tracker. My step count crept up, and I was walking more without making a big effort to do so. I found I was getting places quicker, so I started choosing to walk more often. Short trips that used to feel like a hassle suddenly felt manageable, and it all added up without me needing to carve out extra time in the day.
