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ASICS NovaBlast 5 (Special Edition) -Review

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The NovaBlast 5 shoes we’re reviewing this month are the special edition version, launched to coincide with the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, the biggest and most popular 10K race in the country. This is a successor to the NovaBlast 4, which was already a very successful shoe. Now, ASICS has refi ned this series further: the lacing reverts are easier to use, the shoe tongue is longer and softer, the comfort inside the shoe is greater, FF Blast+ has been upgraded to FF Blast Max midsole, and the shoes overall look better (pure aesthetics). We’d even go so far as to suggest these are the best-looking performance shoes ASICS has come up with in recent years. Like its predecessor, the NovaBlast 5 is perfectly designed for races, especially for those aiming to clock fast times. So yes, it works brilliantly for a quick 10K but also delivers equally well for distances up to a full marathon. We’d recommend pairing this shoe with another for racking up weekly mileage, so these can stay cushioned and fresh for weekly speed workouts and races throughout the year.  

The NovaBlast boasts enhanced cushioning with the FF Blast Max midsole.  This new foam provides a softer, bouncier ride compared to previous models, along with higher energy return. Despite its max stack height of 41.5 mm at the heel, the shoe remains remarkably lightweight.  This balance of cushioning and low weight makes it ideal for runners seeking comfort without sacrificing speed. Its plush cushioning and stable platform cater to a wide range of runners, from beginners to experienced athletes. The engineered mesh upper offers excellent breathability and a secure fit, adapting to various foot shapes, though the shoe is primarily suited for runners with relatively narrow feet. The redesigned outsole and softer foam improve flexibility. While the outsole rubber provides decent durability and grip on dry surfaces, it still falls short in wet or slippery conditions.  The softer FF Blast Max foam prioritizes comfort over responsiveness, making the shoe less snappy for high-speed intervals. The NovaBlast 5 continues to delight the way its predecessors have. It recently was flagged by Ironman authorities, but not for the usual reasons of unfair advantage, like having carbon plates. Instead, it’s because the authorities set 40 mm as the max stack height for running shoes in Ironman competition (versus 41.5 mm for the NovaBlast 5). So yes, it’s banned from Ironman competition for 2025, but it’s more of a technical violation.

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹14,999
  • asics.co.in

Top 5 Performance Wear for Your Daily Workout

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1.Under Armour Camo short sleeve

This is arguably the most lightest feeling running tee you will find, good for longer distances as well as faster run. They are almost translucent with incredible comfort, perfect stretch, and an ultra-lightweight feel. It literally feels like you’re wearing nothing, perfect for tropical conditions.

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹3,499
  • underarmour.in

2. Under Armour Vanish Elite Short sleeve

 Ideally suited for gym and outdoor workouts as when you sweat, the heavier most workout tees get. UA Vanish is light, extra stretchy, breathable, and fast drying so you can work hard without getting weighed down. It has 10% elastane, which makes it stretchy and does not allow it to stick like usual tees.

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹5,299
  • underarmour.in

3. ASICS VENTILATE ACTIBREEZE

 The ASICS Ventilate Actibreeze T-shirt is engineered for runners tackling warm conditions. Featuring Actibreeze technology, it offers advanced breathability through strategically placed, body-mapped fabric that targets key heat zones for optimal ventilation. Lightweight and quick-drying, the shirt wicks away sweat to keep you comfortable and dry during intense runs.  

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹3,299
  • asics.co.in  

4. Athlos distance tee

Distance runners are for outdoor runners, especially in tropical climate. Embracing the heat and humidity, and cooling yourself quicker. Crafted in Raglan style, the distance tee is cut for speed and flexibility. Because the Distance tee is intended to be worn against your skin, the flatlock stitching eliminates scratchy seams.

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹1797
  •  goathlos.com

5. Athlos Zero Weight tee

These are designed for long distance runners running in tropical conditions. These are ultra light tees made with 110gsm knit keeps things whisper-light, with a high wicking rate, ensuring you don’t feel the weight. Fast-drying, breathable, and cooling against your skin ensures a comfortable long run, always.

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹2797
  •  goathlos.com

Asics Gel Nimbus 27 – Review

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Asics has really upped their game, refining the cushioning and launching some standout colours. The Gel Nimbus 27 is no exception with the new teal colour. Just like the Gel Kayano series, the Gel Nimbus is also among the more popular and evergreen models, and it’s extremely tough to keep innovating without diluting the true identity of these iconic products. With the Nimbus 27, Asics has absolutely cracked the cushioning. It’s arguably now the best cushioned shoe available in the market to log high-mileage training runs. The FF Blast Eco Plus cushioning creates a lighter and softer cushioning experience. Compared to the Nimbus 25, which was equally good on cushioning but felt a little too soft on landing, the 26 was marginally improved, but with the 27, they’ve nailed it, finally. The Nimbus cushioning makes the shoe ideally suited for people training for full marathons or ultras, and at the same time, it’s fabulous for people logging more than 10-12k steps consistently with their walks.

We put the Nimbus 27 through some extreme conditions by running the hilly route of Tata Ultra (2000 feet elevation gain), some extreme pounding across the 50k route, and it delivered on all counts.  The impact on hamstrings the next day was negligible, a testimony to the top-quality cushioning of these pairs. The hills also tested the grip of the outsole of the shoes, both while climbing and downhill. The outsole looks quite normal in appearance, but the grip it provides is quite phenomenal. Plus, even after that brutal 50k thrashing, the shoe showed no obvious signs of wear, which speaks volumes about its durability—something you’d expect from a premium trainer like this. The only small negative is the design of the uppers. We liked the Nimbus 25 upper look more, but functionally, this does not make any difference while running or doing high-impact workouts. The Nimbus 27 has a soft jacquard mesh upper that comfortably wraps your foot while keeping it ventilated, much needed in tropical conditions.

Pricing and Availability

  • ₹16,999
  • asics.co.in

TEGC completes 10th year in 2023

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Excellence Gaming Cup (TEGC) 2023 is back in India. TEGC – the longest-running esports championships in India – will complete 10 years in 2023, and the celebrations surrounding the coveted championship promises to be bigger, better, and bolder.

On September 12, Taiwan Excellence (TE) unveiled details of the elimination rounds, the grand finale and other interesting aspects of the sought-after championship at a special press conference held at Four Seasons, Worli, Mumbai.

This year the event will, for the first time, bring together all former TEGC champions from India on one stage. TEGC has also tied up with leading tech influencers to livestream the event, and the same will be available on the TE YouTube handle. A brand-new website was unveiled during the event, signalling the opening of the TEGC registration for gamers with many interesting prizes up for grabs in the finale.

TEGC also announced its plans to have an interesting contest between India’s top 10 female gamers. This battle will play out at the same time as the TEGC grand finale scheduled to be held in November. 

TEGC 2023 will also be promoted at several college and gaming festivals where visitors will get a first-hand experience of Made in Taiwan products during the festival period and in another first, TEGC will join hands with an NGO working with underprivileged children as part of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The tie-up will allow the kids to spend a fun-filled day interacting with influential gamers playing educational games and understanding the importance of sports for their holistic development.

Speaking at the launch of the 10th edition of TEGC, Mr. Poyi Edison Hsu, Director of Taipei World Trade Centre Liaison Office in Mumbai (TAITRA – Mumbai) said, “Esports is not just about gaming, it is a passion, a career and a way of life for some of the brightest minds in this country,”.

“From 500 participants at its debut, the TEGC has come a long way with the 10th edition expected to have over 25,000 young Indian gamers battling it out to be the champion,” said Mr Edison

Terming TEGC’s 10th edition as ‘extra special’, he added, “To celebrate 10 years of TEGC, the grand finale will see all former TEGC champions on one platform. For the first time, the TEGC finale will also have a special event to acknowledge women power in esports with India’s top 10 women gamers showcasing their gaming prowess.”

Commenting on the future of esports in the country, Mr Edison said, “India’s demographic advantage, growing IT infrastructure and resultant internet and smartphone penetration augurs well for the future of the gaming industry.”

Asics launches the newly-designed Gel Kayano 28 for runners

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To ensure and deliver a ‘safer and smoother ride’ for runners, Asics have launched the Gel-Kayano 28 in a newly-designed performance running shoe. The Gel-Kayano aims to provide greater stability through significant upgrades especially for those who are either serious about the sport or are strong enthusiasts.

The Gel-Kayano 28 features a low-profile External Heel Counter and ‘Dynamic Duomax’ technology which work in tandem to prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot. For comfort, the Gel-Kayano is equipped with the ‘FF Blast’ foam which is combined with the gender-specific ‘3D Space Construction’ technology which provides softer and lightweight cushioning and a responsive rebound.

Users will also get access to ASICS Runkeeper app, which helps them engage with other users and record their personal stats as well.

ASICS’ mission to move one million minds

Through a newly-developed ‘Mind Uplifter’ tool, Asics is determined to enable athletes and runners to view the impact of movement on their own mind. Data from users utilising this tool would be contributing to the world’s first live study into the relationship between the sport of running and the mind. The tool, essentially, charts the positive impact of running across 10 emotional and cognitive metrics, showing its various effects on the users. A dynamic ‘World Uplift Map’ would also be created to quantify the data gathered from around the world. For more information, please visit this page.

The ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 is priced between Rs. 13,999 and Rs. 14,999. For more information please visit ASICS’ website.