Side by side comparison: ASICS Novablast 5 vs Saucony Ride 18

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.

Saucony Ride 18
SauconyRide 18

Daily Trainer

Product Judgment

8.3

Strong

released 2025

Price Judgment

~$100$170$156$128$114

Strong Buy

Phasing Out

Performance

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

Run Fitness

Daily: 9Long: 8Tempo: 7Race: 6Recovery: 7

Pros & Cons

Versatile daily trainer
Breathable, plush upper
Durable outsole
Firm midsole feel
Narrow forefoot fit

Specs

Best for4:45–6:30 min/km
Drop8 mm
Stack35 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot
Weight274 g
Terrainroad
Widthmedium
Pronationneutral
Seasonall seasons
Plateno

Judgment Summary

A strong, versatile daily trainer with a firm, balanced ride and excellent comfort.

Where to Buy