ASICS Novablast 5 Review
Is ASICS Novablast 5 the ultimate daily trainer—or just another step forward?
Likes
- Comfortable fit with a well-designed upper
- Cushioned yet stable for everyday training
Dislikes
- Less versatile than version 4, more pure daily trainer
- Stability could be improved on quick direction changes
What's New
The ASICS Novablast was created to be an energetic, highly cushioned daily trainer. The fifth version delivers on point. It features FF Blast Max in the midsole, making the shoe lighter and more lively.
The upper has also been revamped with greater flexibility, versatility, and comfort. A big update is the reconstructed tongue, but there is debate about whether this hit the mark.
The Bottom Line
The Novablast has been a best seller and version 5 is following suit. It has shifted more toward daily trainer and feels softer than version 4. It’s a reliable pick for those who want a smooth, bouncy ride, but runners looking for a snappier, quicker shoe may want to explore other options.
The Novablast 5 brings notable upgrades from version 4, but there’s still room for improvement. The midsole offers better cushioning and structure but lacks the springy, responsive feel needed for faster intervals. The upper remains soft and secure, though the tongue could use some tweaking, and breathability might be an issue on hot days. The outsole provides solid traction, but long-term durability is a question.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 247 g (EU size 9/EU size 42.5) | Women's: 221 g (US size 8/EU size 39.5) |
| Stack Height | 41 mm (Heel), 33 mm (Forefoot) | 8 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Comparable Shoes
ASICS Novablast 5 vs. HOKA Clifton 10
Torsten: "From my perspective, the ASICS Novablast 5 offers a more dynamic and bouncy ride, especially thanks to the FF BLAST™ MAX midsole, which makes faster runs really fun. In comparison, the HOKA Clifton 10 feels noticeably softer and more consistently cushioned, making it ideal for relaxed or long runs. While I appreciate the Novablast for its responsiveness and lightweight, energetic feel, I like the Clifton for its stable platform and smooth roll-through. For speed sessions, I tend to go for the Novablast, whereas the Clifton is my top choice for recovery runs. However, the Novablast's high energy return can also make it a great option for longer runs when I want a more lively feel."
ASICS Novablast 5 vs. Saucony Ride 18
Torsten: "For me, the Novablast 5 offers a more dynamic and bouncier ride compared to the Saucony Ride 18. The midsole feels much more responsive, almost like a trampoline effect, whereas the Ride 18 feels more cushioned and stable. The upper of the Novablast fits a bit more snugly, especially in the midfoot area, while the Ride 18 offers a slightly more relaxed fit. Overall, I would choose the Novablast 5 for faster, more energetic runs, while the Ride 18 is a solid option for steady, easy-paced ."
Individual Thoughts
The Novablast 5 is an improvement to the Novablast 4. A livelier underfoot feel and a plusher ride, while keeping the weight down, leads me to like this shoe a touch more than the previous model. But the updates also moved this shoe to a more everyday trainer category than ever before. While I want this shoe to be a choice for days when I want to run faster, it just doesn’t give me the same feel as other models dedicated to the space.
But if I look at this shoe as an everyday trainer for some easy to moderate miles, I think it hits the spot. When I want to go faster for portions, the shoe does the job. When I want a day where I know I’m going to go fast for most of my miles I can just look elsewhere.
Overall, I am very pleased with the ASICS Novablast 5. Not only does it look good, but it had major upgrades from the previous model which I noticed before I had even started my first run. It is designed to be a great daily trainer, and I believe it to be so. I feel comfortable in longer runs or all-day wear but also enjoy it for a quick and shorter run.
Even if the tongue was not the best for me, the overall upper material is very thin, which is great for a warm day and if you have sweaty feet.
For me, the Novablast 5 is an incredibly dynamic shoe with extremely responsive cushioning that provides a bouncy ride. I especially enjoy the lightweight, breathable upper, which offers a comfortable fit on longer runs. However, the stability could be improved, as the high stack height can feel a bit unstable during quick direction changes.
Still, the Novablast 5 is a top choice for me when I want an energetic, comfortable running shoe for various distances.
