The Asics Novablast 6 continues the legacy of one of the most sought-after training shoes of recent years. The producer isn’t changing the familiar and proven design, but is incorporating features typically found in higher-end models. The result is an even more responsive bounce and greater versatility during daily workouts. It remains the shoe that sets the standard for responsiveness in the training shoe segment.
Basic Info
Tech Specs
Best For
The Asics Novablast 6 is a highly cushioned, versatile training shoe that performs equally well during easy runs, long runs, and faster intervals. It’s a model for runners who want to use a single shoe for most of their workouts without sacrificing dynamic performance when it’s time to step up the intensity. It’s also designed primarily for runners with a neutral foot strike who don’t tend to roll their ankles inward.
Pros
- very soft and bounce cushioning
- good responsiveness (slightly better than its predecessor)
- comfortable, breathable upper
- versatility – from easy runs to faster workouts
- very lightweight for a training shoe
Cons
- may be too wide for people with narrow feet
- only for runners with neutral feet—the soft sole may exacerbate ankle stability issues
Key Features – What’s New in the Latest Edition
| NOVABLAST 6 | NOVABLAST 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stack height | 41.5/33.5 mm | 41.5/33.5mm |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Weight men’s | 253g | 255g |
| Weight women’s | 215g | 225g |
| Upper | Engineered Woven Upper | Engineered mesh |
| Midsole | FF Blast Max + FF Turbo2 | FF Blast Max |
| Outsole | AHAR Lo + ASICSGRIP on the forefoot | AHAR Lo |
Asics Running Shoes – Lineup
In the ASICS lineup, the Novablast 6 belongs to the group of more dynamic training shoes. However, it is not a classic training shoe (or racing shoe), but rather a model that combines a high level of cushioning with great responsiveness and versatility. Higher up in the brand’s lineup are the Megablast and Superblast models, which offer even more performance and perform better during speed training and races. The Dynablast, on the other hand, remains a more affordable and low-key option for runners who don’t need quite as much energy return. The Novablast 6 fills the gap between them, offering a very good balance between comfort and the ability to run at a slightly faster pace.
You can learn more about all the models in the Asics running shoe review.
| RACING | SPEED TRAINING | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum performance |  Metaspeed Ray  Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo | |
| very high performance |  Megablast  Superblast 3 | |
| high performance |  Sonicblast  Novablast 6 | |
| mid performance |  Dynablast 5 |
Role in the Running Shoe Rotation
In the Asics lineup, the Novablast 6 fills the middle ground perfectly: it’s cushioned and responsive enough for most daily workouts, but at the same time, it’s not as soft and sluggish as a typical max-cushioned shoe. It works best as a versatile model between a relaxed shoe for long runs and a faster shoe for speed work.
The Gel-Nimbus 28—one of the brand’s most comfortable shoes—is an excellent choice for the most relaxed, slow, and long-distance runs. On the other hand, the Magic Speed 5 will provide the right foundation for speed work, since the Novablast 6 isn’t the most effective tool for fast-paced sessions. In practice, this trio offers a clear division: comfort, versatility, and speed.
| GEL-NIMBUS 28 | NOVABLAST 6 | MAGIC SPEED 5 |
|---|---|---|
 | |  |
| spokojne, długie wybiegania, regeneracja | codzienne bieganie | szybkie treningi, starty i zawody |
Similar to Asics Novablast 6
Although ASICS positions the Novablast 6 as a dynamic training shoe, in practice its closest competitors are versatile models designed for everyday running. These include the adidas Supernova Rise 3, the Hoka Clifton 11, and the Saucony Ride 19. Like the Novablast 6, these shoes combine a high level of everyday cushioning with good performance. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a model focused even more on speed, it’s worth checking out shoes classified as super-training shoes.
If, on the other hand, you prefer the characteristics of the Novablasts, check out our shoe guide for everyday running on the road.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Supernova Rise 3 | 35/28 | 7 | 272 | 230 | 150 |
| Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 | 37/30 | 8 | 259 | 223 | 160 |
| Asics Novablast 6 | 41.5/33.5 | 8 | 253 | 215 | 150 |
| Brooks Ghost 18 | 36/26 | 10 | 289 | 260 | 150 |
| Brooks Ghost Max 3 | 39/33 | 6 | 317 | 283 | 160 |
| Diadora Equipe Nucleo 2 | 38/32 | 6 | 280 | 210 | 150 |
| Hoka Clifton 11 | 41/33 | 8 | 283 | 236 | 150 |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 29 | 38/30 | 8 | 265 | 225 | 160 |
| New Balance 880 v15 | 38/32 | 6 | 304 | 238 | 160 |
| Nike Pegasus 42 | n/a | 10 | 300 | 243 | 140 |
| Nike Vomero 18 | n/a | 10 | 325 | 263 | 150 |
| On Cloudsurfer 7 | 32/22 | 10 | 245 | 205 | 170 |
| Puma Magnify Nitro 2 | 40/30 | 10 | 275 | 245 | 150 |
| Saucony Ride 19 | 36/30 | 8 | 270 | 220 | 150 |
High cushioning
The most significant changes in the Novablast 6 model concern the midsole. It’s still based on FF BLAST MAX foam, but this time Asics has enhanced the construction with an element made of FF TURBO2 foam. This more advanced foam is located in the forefoot—the area responsible for a springy push-off and greater energy return. This design makes the Novablast 6 more clearly encourage slightly faster running, without losing its training-oriented DNA.
The stack remains unchanged. It measures 41.5 mm at the heel and 33.5 mm at the forefoot. This maintains an 8-millimeter drop, which strikes a balance between a flat “zero-drop” design and the maximum drop of 12 millimeters found in running shoes. This drop and sole geometry are nothing out of the ordinary. These are currently typical specifications for soft, training running shoes. The level of cushioning remains one of the Novablast 6’s greatest strengths. The generous amount of foam ensures the shoe can easily handle daily training sessions for runners weighing up to about 90 kilograms.
An even stronger point of the Novablast 6 is its performance. The addition of FF TURBO2 foam to the forefoot has made the push-off slightly more springy and increased energy return in the forefoot. As a result, the shoe accelerates readily and performs well during tempo runs or long runs with gradually increasing speed. It is precisely this combination of high cushioning and distinctly noticeable springiness that has long been the hallmark of the Novablast series.
The Asics Novablast 6 is a shoe exclusively for runners with a neutral foot strike. It offers these runners a sufficiently high level of stability. This is thanks to the wide heel platform and the slightly raised sidewalls of the sole, which limit excessive foot movement. However, what works for neutral runners doesn’t always work for runners with pronated or supinated feet. In cases of severe overpronation or supination, the soft and flexible sole actually has the opposite effect—it exacerbates pronation and supination even further, which can be dangerous and may lead to an increased risk of injury.
Road-friendly and lightweight
The Novablasta 6 outsole has been significantly refined. It still performs best on roads, cobblestones, and paved paths, but this time ASICS has used two types of rubber. The forefoot features ASICSGRIP, which improves traction—especially on wet surfaces—while the rearfoot retains the lightweight and durable AHAR LO rubber. This is one of the most noticeable changes compared to the previous generation.
As before, the rubber elements do not cover the entire surface of the outsole, leaving the foam exposed in some areas. At first glance, this might raise concerns about durability, but experience with previous generations shows that this design works well in practice. Of course, the Novablast 6 remains a shoe designed primarily for paved surfaces, and that’s where its outsole makes the best use of its properties.
The upper is wide and fairly breathable
In the Novablast 6, Asics has incorporated a new Engineered Woven Upper. The material is lightweight, flexible, and fits the foot well. Compared to other materials, it’s exceptionally “breathable.” It easily wicks away excess heat, making this model a great choice even on warmer days.
A distinctive feature of the series remains the fairly spacious forefoot. The Novablast 6 is definitely not a tight-fitting model, so it makes your toes feel free while running. Among everyday running shoes, these are one of the first options that come to mind when looking for spacious shoes. They should also be suitable for slightly wider feet.
The midfoot area is also more spacious than tight. The fit is loose. Suitable for people with wider or standard feet. However, people with narrower feet may need to tighten the laces more to achieve the right fit. It’s also worth noting how the shoe sits once laced up. If the upper wrinkles unattractively (which happens with the Novablast 6), it usually means the shoe is too wide and won’t sit well on the foot in the long run.
The heel counter has been slightly redesigned but offers no surprises. The collar around the ankle is slightly better padded, but the internal construction has similar stiffness and offers similar stability to the previous edition. For runners with a neutral foot strike, this support will be perfectly adequate. However, for runners who pronate or supinate, this solution is insufficient. This is not due to the heel counter’s construction itself, but rather to the soft and highly flexible platform underfoot. When truly good lateral stability is needed, the Novablast 6 does not make it possible.
Lightweight for a training shoe
According to the producer’s data, the ASICS Novablast 6 weighs 253 grams in the men’s version and 215 grams in the women’s version. That’s very light when comparing the Novablast 6 to other training shoes designed for everyday running. It’s also very close to the weight of previous generations of the model. Once again, ASICS has successfully combined high cushioning with relatively low weight.
In my case, with a size 12 US, one shoe weighs 269 grams. That’s 10 grams less than the Novablast 5, and this result still places the Novablast 6 among the lighter training models. With this weight, the Novablast 6 can easily compete even with speed training shoes (including those with a plate). As a result, the Novablast 6 performs well both during daily runs and faster training sessions, where the extra grams won’t be noticeably burdensome.
Summary
The Asics Novablast 6 is the next step in the evolution of one of the Japanese brand’s most popular training series. It’s a shoe that doesn’t try to be everything to everyone, but excels precisely where many runners spend most of their time—on their daily runs. Its comfort, responsiveness, and lightness make it an easy choice both for an easy run and when your plan calls for a slightly faster pace. It’s simply a model that encourages you to run—whether you’ve got a few kilometers on the clock or a long, tiring training session ahead.
