ASICS Megablast vs New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
We haven't tested ASICS Megablast yet, so its role suitability is estimated from published specs.
ASICS
Megablast
Check priceReview Pulse · Strongly positive · 89/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning, criticise the value and split on the upper.
New Balance
FuelCell Rebel v5
Check priceReview Pulse · Strongly positive · 94/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning and split on the upper and stability.
The differences that matter
- ASICS Megablast has 11 mm more foam under the heel.
- ASICS Megablast has the higher drop (8 mm vs 6 mm).
- New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 costs $75 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
ASICS Megablast
Praised
Springy and fast once the pace picks up; several reviewers find it flat at slow jogging speeds, and one finds the wide platform bulky.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
A light, bouncy and flexible ride that feels fun at easy paces and lively enough for tempo work.
Cushioning
ASICS Megablast
Praised
Deep, protective stack that holds up on long runs, though one reviewer calls the foam firm rather than soft.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
The taller PEBA-blended FuelCell stack adds protection without making the shoe feel heavy or mushy.
Upper
ASICS Megablast
Divisive
Light and breathable, but the most common fit complaint: a shallow, tapered toe box, a stiff toe piece, lace bite and a scratchy liner for some.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Divisive
A light, secure Fantomfit upper with a roomy forefoot, though the midfoot can feel sloppy and the tongue causes pressure for some.
Durability
ASICS Megablast
Praised
Long-term testers report little foam or outsole wear at 100 to 250 miles and expect it to last well past 600; one lab test flags a weak toe box.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
The outsole rubber and foam hold up well for a light trainer, with better coverage than earlier Rebels.
Grip
ASICS Megablast
Praised
Sticky on dry and wet pavement; the exposed foam makes it a poor choice for gravel or trails.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
Traction is reliable on dry and wet roads, with enough grip for light paths.
Stability
ASICS Megablast
Praised
Most reviewers find the wide base and firmer foam surprisingly stable for the height; two find the tall platform wobbly, especially at the heel.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Divisive
A wider platform and sidewalls add composure, but the soft foam and flexible forefoot make it less stable than firmer trainers.
Value
ASICS Megablast
Criticised
The most common complaint: expensive for an unplated trainer. A few long-term testers say the durability earns back the price.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
At $140 it is one of the best values in the lightweight trainer category.
Which one to choose
Choose ASICS Megablast if…
- you want more foam under you
- you like a higher drop
- its stability is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- One shoe for daily miles, long runs and tempo work
- Runners who want super-foam bounce without a carbon plate
- Neutral runners with narrow to average feet
Choose New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 if…
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- you like a lower drop
- price matters
- its value is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Daily training
- Tempo runs
- Easy long runs
Specifications
- Category
- Tempo / workout
- Tempo / workout
- Price
- $225
- $150$75 less
- Weight
- 224 g2 g lighter
- 226 g
- Drop
- 8 mm
- 6 mm2 mm lower drop
- Stack
- 45 / 37 mm11 mm more stack
- 34 / 28 mm
- Plate
- Not reported
- No plate
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- FF TURBO SQUARED
- FuelCell
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE