The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is a highly cushioned daily trainer designed for runners prioritizing comfort and bounce. It features a new FF Blast Max midsole and provides a softer ride than the previous iteration, making it well-suited for recovery runs and long distances while retaining enough responsiveness to handle some uptempo efforts. The mesh upper was redesigned to enhance breathability, shaving off a few grams from the ASICS NOVABLAST 4. With its improved cushioning and refined midsole, ASICS has made the NOVABLAST 5 a top choice for those seeking a lively yet deeply cushioned running experience.
Our Verdict
The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 offers a mix of cushioning and responsiveness that makes it an acceptable choice for marathon racing. The shoe provides a well-padded underfoot feel that helps reduce fatigue over long distances. However, the shoe's energy return is only decent, meaning it lacks the propulsive feel of true marathon racing shoes. Additionally, its weight is too heavy to be a competitive option. Overall, it's best suited for runners prioritizing comfort over speed but may not be ideal for those seeking maximum efficiency over 26.2 miles.
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Very plush.
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Reasonably lightweight.
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Too heavy to race.
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Unplated.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is mediocre for shorter races. It has decent energy return, and the foam in the forefoot is relatively firm to support quicker efforts. However, its heavier weight and the absence of a carbon plate mean it's not tailored for elite-level racing. These factors limit its competitive edge, positioning it primarily for recreational runners rather than elite racing scenarios.
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Reasonably lightweight.
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Too heavy to race.
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Unplated.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 5's energy return is decent, delivering a bouncy and efficient ride, especially for a daily trainer. While it doesn't have the aggressive propulsion of some high-performance models, it still offers enough responsiveness to spice up your daily miles and faster efforts when needed. Those seeking a bit of spring without an overly rigid or harsh feel will find it adequate.
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Quite springy for a trainer.
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Not as propulsive as super shoes.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 offers amazing cushioning, providing a plush underfoot experience. The cushioning is well-balanced, making it comfortable for long-distance runs. The shoe absorbs impact effectively without feeling overly soft.
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Very plush.
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Really well cushioned.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 provides a stable platform aided by a wide base that enhances balance. However, the soft heel foam and taller stack height make it less ideal for runners who need extra control. While most runners will find it stable enough for daily use, those prone to excessive movement or requiring more structured support might find it lacking in security.
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Wide base.
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Fully-gusseted tongue.
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Soft foam.
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High stack height.
- 6.5 Marathon Racing
- 6.2 5K/10K Racing
Performance Usages
- 7.0 Energy Return
- 8.5 Cushioning
- 7.4 Lateral Stability
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 in men's US size 9, as stated on the label. This model is available in a wide range of sizes for both men and women. Notably, wide versions are offered separately for both genders, catering to those requiring additional width. The shoes come in multiple colorways, including Black/Carrier Grey, White/Piedmont Grey, Pure Aqua/Seal Grey, Indigo Blue/Amber, Illusion Blue/Light Blue, and Greyish Purple/Coral Reef. The specific colorway we tested is Indigo Blue/Amber. Availability of these color options may vary depending on your region. Most of our review results are valid for all variants. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
Compared To Other Running Shoes
The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is a versatile daily trainer with excellent cushioning and dynamic responsiveness, making it ideal for longer runs that include tempo intervals. Its plush midsole compresses well, protecting your legs during extended efforts while remaining responsive enough to handle pace surges. In the broader shoe market, if you're looking for more energy return and are willing to sacrifice a bit of cushioning, check out the adidas Adizero Evo SL, which offers great value. Another compelling option that offers similar performance is the Mizuno Neo Zen.
Within the ASICS lineup, it's a modern daily trainer that's a bit more versatile than the ASICS GLIDERIDE MAX. Runners specifically prioritizing stability might prefer the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31, but the NOVABLAST 5 strikes a better balance for most. Compared to the slightly more dynamic ASICS SUPERBLAST 2, the NOVABLAST 5 is more cushioned in the heel. At the higher-performance end, the carbon-plated ASICS Magic Speed 4 is better suited to intense interval sessions, while the ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS and the ASICS METASPEED EDGE PARIS are dedicated racing shoes. For most runners wanting a cushioned, versatile, and fun experience, the NOVABLAST 5 remains a standout choice.
Check out our recommendations for the best running shoes for more options.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 and the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 weigh about the same, but they target different types of runs. The NOVABLAST 5 is a versatile daily trainer, comfortably handling long miles, easy efforts, and mixed workouts, thanks to its great cushioning. The SUPERBLAST 2, meanwhile, positions itself as an unplated uptempo trainer, but in practice, its foam offers only marginally better energy return. However, its more pronounced rocker and slightly firmer foam make it feel more rolling, favoring faster-paced runs. For runners prioritizing faster workouts and intervals, the SUPERBLAST 2 will have a slight edge, whereas the NOVABLAST 5 offers greater comfort and cushioning for longer, slower-paced runs or general daily mileage.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 and the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 offer noticeably different running experiences despite their shared lineage. The NOVABLAST 4 provides a firmer ride with greater stability, appealing to runners seeking a secure and predictable feel underfoot. In contrast, the NOVABLAST 5 represents a clear improvement for most, delivering a softer, more dynamic experience thanks to enhanced cushioning and better responsiveness. This shift does come at the expense of stability, but overall, the NOVABLAST 5 is lighter, more energetic, and better suited to handling versatile workouts and longer miles comfortably.
The HOKA Mach 6 and the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 are both versatile daily trainers but cater to different needs. The Mach 6 sits closer to the ground and offers a lighter, firmer feel, making it a great no-fuss option for daily training. In contrast, the NOVABLAST 5 provides significantly more cushioning, helping to protect your legs during longer efforts, and a midsole that delivers greater energy return.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 and the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 are both daily trainers, but they cater to different running preferences. The New Balance offers a classic daily trainer feel with a firmer midsole and a more grounded, stable ride. On the other hand, the ASICS is significantly more cushioned, providing better underfoot protection, which is especially beneficial during longer runs or for those who prioritize softness and comfort. While both shoes are reliable choices for daily training, choose the Rebel v4 if you prefer a stable, firm feel and the NOVABLAST 5 if you want maximum cushioning and comfort over extended distances.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is better overall than the ASICS GLIDERIDE MAX, but each shoe has its strong suit. The NOVABLAST 5 is better for picking up the pace, with significantly better energy return and a more lightweight design. The GLIDERIDE MAX, by contrast, is a much more stable shoe that's better suited for longer, easier miles.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 and the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3 are both high-stack cushioned trainers that perform similarly despite some key differences. They both return a similar amount of energy, but the ASICS offers a more cushioned ride, making it a better choice for longer efforts and for those seeking plush comfort. The PUMA, however, feels more controlled, with a carbon fiber plate and firmer foam.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 and the adidas Adizero Evo SL both deliver impressive versatility, but each shines in different areas. The NOVABLAST 5 provides deeper, more protective cushioning, making it ideal for long runs and daily training, particularly if you prioritize plush comfort. Meanwhile, the Evo SL is lighter and offers more energetic responsiveness, allowing for snappier workouts and even racing.
Test Results
This shoe is quite lightweight for a daily trainer. It won't feel light enough for racing but remains manageable for longer distances and daily training. Compared to the ASICS NOVABLAST 4, this version is a bit lighter, enhancing efficiency over extended mileage.
ASICS shoes typically run slightly longer than most other brands, and this model follows that trend—something to consider when selecting your size.
Thanks to its refined midsole foam, the shoe sees an improvement in heel energy return compared to its predecessor, the ASICS NOVABLAST 4. The new foam composition enhances energy return, making heel landings feel more lively. Runners will notice a bouncier sensation upon impact, helping with smoother transitions and making for quite an energetic ride for a daily trainer.
The forefoot provides a better bounce than the heel, meaning runners who land towards the front of the shoe will find it more bouncy. It's also a huge step up from the ASICS NOVABLAST 4, providing a more propulsive experience. The new foam formulation delivers more dynamic sensation, making it easier to pick up the pace. It's still just a daily trainer, so don't expect top-of-the-line responsiveness, but this update makes the shoe feel more at home during faster efforts and adds a bit of fun to your easy mileage.
This shoe's heel cushioning is amazing. It's more protective than the ASICS NOVABLAST 4, thanks to the updated foam, which enhances impact absorption, creating a smoother and more comfortable landing for heel strikers. This makes this shoe a great choice for those prioritizing a plush feel on longer runs.
This model offers improved comfort with a more forgiving forefoot than the ASICS NOVABLAST 4. The foam composition allows for a very cushioned and protective feel.
The shoe has a soft heel, prioritizing comfort and cushioning over firmness. This results in a plush, forgiving landing that reduces impact, making it a great choice for long runs and recovery sessions. However, runners who preferred the firmer, more supportive heel of the ASICS NOVABLAST 4 may notice a slight reduction in overall stability.
The forefoot is slightly softer than that of the ASICS NOVABLAST 4, making it feel more cushioned while still maintaining some firmness for toe-offs. However, runners who liked its predecessor's firmer, slightly more snappy feel might find the updated version a bit softer than expected.
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