Side by side comparison: ASICS Novablast 5 vs Mizuno Neo Zen

ASICS Novablast 5
ASICSNovablast 5

Daily Trainer

Product Judgment

8.8

Strong

released 2024

Price Judgment

~$130$201$185$151$134

Strong Buy

Widely Available

Performance

Comfort: 9Energy Return: 8Stability: 7Durability: 7Fun to Ride: 9

Run Fitness

Daily: 10Long: 9Tempo: 8Race: 6Recovery: 9

Pros & Cons

Plush, soft cushioning
Lively, energetic ride
Breathable, comfortable upper
Thin toebox durability
Not for overpronators
Firm at slow paces

Specs

Best for4:45–6:30 min/km
Drop8 mm
Stack41 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot
Weight254 g
Terrainroad
Widthmedium
Pronationneutral
Seasonall seasons
Plateno

Judgment Summary

A top-tier daily trainer with plush cushioning and a lively ride for neutral runners.

Mizuno Neo Zen
MizunoNeo Zen

Daily Trainer

Product Judgment

8.6

Strong

released 2025

Price Judgment

~$120$193$176$144$128

Strong Buy

Phasing Out

Performance

Comfort: 9Energy Return: 9Stability: 7Durability: 8Fun to Ride: 9

Run Fitness

Daily: 9Long: 8Tempo: 8Race: 6Recovery: 8

Pros & Cons

Energetic, bouncy ride
Plush, soft cushioning
Sock-like, breathable upper
Minimal heel support
Tapered toe box
Forefoot overlay irritation

Specs

Best for4:45–6:30 min/km
Drop6 mm
Stack46 mm heel / 40 mm forefoot
Weight235 g
Terrainroad
Widthmedium
Pronationneutral
Seasonall seasons
Plateno

Judgment Summary

A plush, energetic daily trainer with standout comfort and a lively ride, rated Strong.

Where to Buy