The Asics Novablast 5 is one of the most popular and well-respected running shoe models. Runners praise it for its exceptional comfort and softness, making it perfect for running. It is also appreciated for its subtle yet noticeable dynamics, which have been enhanced in the new version thanks to FF Blast MAX foam. Another advantage is its attractive price, which sets it apart from the competition. It is undoubtedly one of the most interesting running models offered by Asics.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Asics Novablast 5 is a versatile running shoe ideal for everyday training and faster sessions on hard surfaces. They are perfect for regular training runs and perform well during dynamic activities. They are an excellent choice for runners looking for versatile footwear that allows for comfortable everyday running and supports higher speeds during competitions.
Pros
- very good cushioning
- good responsiveness
- more springy than the previous generation
- suitable for both slow and slightly faster training sessions
- lightweight (among the 28% lightest running shoes)
- affordable price considering the features offered
Cons
- may be too wide for people with narrow feet
Asics Running Shoes – lineup
The Novablast 5 model from Asics is in the “fast” category and is designed for runners who value speed and dynamics. However, shoes in this category differ depending on their intended use. The Novablast belongs to a group of training and competition shoes that combine everyday training shoe features with properties that enable faster running. While these models are slightly slower than strictly racing shoes, they still provide excellent dynamics. The Superblast is the top shoe in this category, and the Novablast is its slightly less responsive “brother.” The lineup also includes the Dynablast, which is the least dynamic and least expensive.
You can find out more about all the models in the Asics running shoe guide.
| TRAINING AND COMPETITION | RACING | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum dynamics |  Superblast 2 |  Metaspeed Sky/Edge |
| very high dynamics |  Novablast 5 |  Magic Speed 4 |
| high dynamics |  Dynablast 4 |  Noosa Tri 16 |
Asics Novablast 5 Alternatives
It can be challenging to find suitable alternatives to the Novablast model because it combines the characteristics of “fast” shoes and shoes designed for everyday training. The Novablast skillfully balances these categories, drawing on the advantages of both. According to the official classification, alternatives to this model could be shoes such as the adidas Boston or Nike ZoomFly, which also focus on dynamics and speed. In practice, however, the Novablast is more often found among everyday training shoes. Among these, it stands out for its lightness and dynamics, making it a very attractive and versatile choice.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Adistar 3.0 | 43/37 | 6 | 275 | 235 | 150 |
| Asics Novablast 5 | 41.5/33.5 | 8 | 255 | 225 | 150 |
| Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 | 37/29 | 8 | 253 | 222 | 160 |
| Brooks Ghost Max 2 | 39/33 | 6 | 306 | 269 | 160 |
| Hoka Clifton 9 | 32/27 | 5 | 248 | 205 | 150 |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 27 | 38/26 | 12 | 273 | 235 | 160 |
| New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 | n/a | 6 | 212 | 168 | 160 |
| Nike Zoom Vomero 17 | 39.5/30 | 10 | 300 | 241 | 150 |
| On Cloudsurfer 7 | 32/22 | 10 | 245 | 205 | 170 |
| Saucony Ride 17 | 35/27 | 8 | 282 | 238 | 150 |
Soft Ride, Big Cushion
The Novablast 5 model features a new midsole made of FF Blast Max foam, the main change from previous versions. This foam is more resilient than the previous FF Blast+ version, resulting in better running dynamics. However, FF Blast Max is not as elastic as the FF Turbo and FF Turbo+ foams used in the most advanced models, such as the Metaspeed, Magic Speed, and Superblast.
The amount of foam in the new Novablast is the same as in the previous edition, meaning the stack height remains unchanged. For the men’s version, the stack height is 41.5 millimeters under the heel and 33.5 millimeters under the forefoot. For the women’s version, the stack height is 40.5 millimeters under the heel and 32.5 millimeters under the forefoot. These parameters place the Novablast 5 among shoes with exceptionally high midsoles. Consequently, the shoe provides solid support and cushioning, making it ideal for long distances and faster workouts.
Noticeably Bouncy Underfoot Feel
The quality and quantity of the foam in the Novablast provide exceptional cushioning. It is an ideal choice for runners weighing around 90–95 kilograms. This level of cushioning is ideal for slower training sessions. Even at an easy pace, the shoe retains its properties, providing high comfort and a smooth ride.
In terms of responsiveness and perceived bounce, the Novablast 5 is above average. Compared to the previous model, the shoe is bouncier and provides a slightly more pleasant rebound, which comes in handy during faster runs and speed work. The soft yet resilient midsole effectively rebounds energy with every step, making the Novablast ideal for slower and faster training sessions.
Improved Heel Geometry with Solid Stability
The Asics Novablast 5 is a neutral-profile shoe designed mainly for runners with a neutral foot strike. Like its predecessor, however, it offers a good level of stability. The midsole under the heel is wide enough to provide a solid, secure base for the foot and the entire shoe.
At the same time, the heel profile has been slightly modified. The rear of the midsole has been shortened slightly, and its shape is now less rounded. This change was made to improve running economy, though only to a minimal extent. This change does not affect the shoe’s good overall stability in the heel area, which ensures comfort and confidence while running.
Lightweight Outsole for Road Use
The Novablast model’s outsole is designed for running on hard surfaces, such as asphalt, gravel, and cobblestones. It has a non-aggressive pattern with no large blocks. Its deepest grooves reach 1.7 mm in depth. Like the previous model, the outsole is made of AHAR Lo rubber, which is lighter than standard AHAR rubber. This makes the fourth edition of the shoe lightweight yet still provides good traction. It is exactly the same as the Novablast 4.
However, as with its predecessor, the rubber layer covers only half of the midsole, leaving large areas of foam exposed, which raises concerns about durability. After all, exposed foam is more susceptible to wear and tear. However, as the previous model has shown, concerns about the outsole’s insufficient durability are unfounded. Of course, we should remember the shoe’s intended use and use it properly — i.e., on paved city roads, not forest trails.
Roomy and Breathable Upper
The Novablast 5’s upper is made of moderately thick, flexible technical mesh. From the outside, the material appears thin, yet it is densely woven with no large mesh openings, unlike the previous edition. The bottom layer of the material is slightly thicker, with larger holes. This allows for good air circulation, which is especially appreciated on warm days or during competitions when feet get very hot. Excess heat should not be a problem. On cooler days, the shoe will naturally be cooler.
The shoe has a loose fit. The Novablast 4 was not a narrow shoe, and the Novablast 5 is even wider. At its widest point, the upper measures 105.9 millimeters, slightly above the standard measurement, indicating that this is a wider shoe. You will also notice this when you put it on. There is plenty of space in the front to minimize excessive pressure on the toes. The midfoot feels secure, though it sometimes requires tighter lacing. Women should pay particular attention to this. Combining the fairly wide Novablast 5 with a small, narrow female foot can result in an inadequate fit and excessive slack.
The heel counter is a classic and familiar solution. It has been stiffened on the inside and filled with a moderate amount of foam around the ankle for comfort. The amount of foam is balanced — not too much and not too little — creating a very comfortable and supportive fit around the heel. All of these features make the shoe very comfortable and stable.
Lighter Than Most Everyday Shoes
According to the manufacturer, the men’s Asics Novablast weighs 255 grams and the women’s weighs 225 grams. This is similar to the previous model, which weighed 260 grams for men. Subsequent editions of this shoe have weighed around 250 grams in size 42 EU for several years.
For size 12 US, however, the shoe weighs 279 grams. This result is slightly lower than that of the previous edition. This result applies to both training and competition shoes. Compared to other running shoes, the Asics Novablast 5 is one of the lightest, ranking among the top 19%. Therefore, it is an excellent choice if you are looking for a lightweight shoe for everyday training. However, in the training and competition shoe category, this result is average. On the blog, the average weight of a training or competition shoe in my size is currently 177 grams. The Novablast 5 is very close to this average.
In summary, the Novablast 5 is a lightweight, versatile model for everyday running. However, in the faster shoe category, its weight may differ from expectations.
Final Thoughts
This phrase has been used many times before, but it fits the new Novablast 5 perfectly: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! That’s the essence of what this model offers. It’s extremely comfortable, soft, and resilient. For runners training in urban areas, it’s pretty much everything you could want. What about the change in the foam? It’s definitely an improvement, which further emphasizes the shoe’s dynamic character, making running more effective and enjoyable.
