ASICS
Novablast 5
Product Judgment
Strong
8.8
Category: Daily Trainer
Release year: 2024
Price Judgment
Reasonable
Common retail price: ~$150
Availability: Widely Available
Description
The ASICS Novablast 5 is a top-tier daily trainer, offering maximal cushioning and a lively, energetic ride for neutral runners. Positioned at the forefront of ASICS' daily training range, it stands out for its plush comfort and versatility.
Running in the Novablast 5 feels soft and springy, with the FF Blast MAX foam delivering a cloud-like yet responsive ride. The shoe's wide platform and improved geometry create a stable, enjoyable experience that makes daily miles feel effortless and fun.
The Novablast 5 earns its Strong rating by excelling at daily, long, and recovery runs, while remaining capable for moderate tempo efforts. It is best suited for neutral runners seeking a cushioned, energetic trainer, though those needing firm support or maximum durability in the upper may prefer alternatives.
Performance Scores
Comfort
9Plush FF Blast MAX foam and padded upper deliver excellent comfort for long runs.
Energy Return
8Springy midsole provides lively bounce and responsive toe-off for daily training.
Stability
7Wide platform and torsional rigidity offer good stability for neutral runners.
Durability
7Outsole rubber is durable, but thin upper toebox may wear quickly for some.
Fun to Ride
9Bouncy, energetic ride makes daily miles feel lively and engaging.
Run Fitness
Daily
10Excels as a daily trainer with plush cushioning and versatile ride.
Long
9Maximal stack and soft foam protect joints and muscles on long runs.
Tempo
8Responsive midsole and low weight support moderate uptempo efforts.
Race
6Not as agile or propulsive as true racing shoes, but can handle casual races.
Recovery
9Soft, forgiving cushioning is ideal for easy and recovery runs.
Pros & Cons
- Plush, soft cushioning
- Lively, energetic ride
- Breathable, comfortable upper
- Improved stability
- Durable outsole
- Thin toebox durability
- Not for overpronators
- Firm at slow paces
The FF Blast MAX foam delivers a plush, soft underfoot feel that excels at impact protection.
Springy midsole geometry creates a lively, fun ride for daily miles.
Engineered jacquard mesh upper is breathable and comfortable for a range of foot shapes.
Wider platform and torsional rigidity improve stability compared to previous versions.
AHAR LO outsole rubber provides solid durability and grip on road surfaces.
The upper material in the toebox is thin and may wear quickly for runners prone to abrasion.
Lacks significant pronation control, making it unsuitable for runners needing extra support.
Some runners find the ride slightly firm or harsh at very slow paces due to outsole feel.
Specifications
Best for paces
4:45–6:30 min/km
Drop
8 mm
Stack height
41 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot
Weight
254 g
Drop
8 mm
Stack height
41 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot
Weight
254 g
Pronation
N/A
Width
medium
Terrain
Road
Technologies
FF Blast MAX foam, AHAR LO outsole rubber, Engineered jacquard mesh upper
Plate
no
Best for paces
4:45–6:30 min/km