The ASICS Novablast 5 is a neutral running shoe designed to deliver a more energetic, responsive ride than traditional daily trainers. It sits in a unique position within the ASICS lineup, bridging the gap between cushioned everyday shoes like the Gel-Nimbus and more performance-oriented trainers. The Novablast line has always leaned toward a livelier feel, and version 5 continues that direction with refinements rather than a complete redesign.
This model is typically chosen by runners who want cushioning but don’t want to lose a sense of bounce or forward movement. Compared to the Novablast 4, the fifth version feels like an evolution. The core concept remains the same, but small updates in foam tuning and upper construction aim to improve consistency and control.
Running Coach’s Tips for This Shoe
I’ve logged a lot of miles on the backroads of the Niagara Region, where pavement can be uneven and conditions shift quickly. The Novablast 5’s bounce shows up more out there. It feels lively on smooth stretches, but you’ll want to stay aware on rough shoulders since it’s not the most planted shoe.
This is a shoe that can quietly pull your pace up. I’ve gone out for easy runs and ended up moving faster than planned because it just feels efficient. That’s useful, but something to manage if you’re following a structured plan.
If you’re an urban runner, the experience is a bit different. On consistent sidewalks and paved paths, the shoe feels more predictable and controlled. The bounce works in your favor without the same need to watch footing.
I’d use this more for steady or moderate runs than true recovery days. Pair it with a more stable, grounded shoe to balance things out through the week.
In-Depth Review of the ASICS Novablast 5
The Novablast 5 uses FF BLAST+ ECO foam, which gives it a noticeably energetic feel compared to more traditional cushioned trainers. Underfoot, the shoe feels soft on landing but quickly transitions into a responsive push-off. The bounce is present without feeling exaggerated, which makes it suitable for a range of paces.
The cushioning is distributed evenly, though the forefoot tends to feel slightly more active than the heel. This contributes to a forward-moving sensation during runs, especially at moderate speeds. The foam does not feel overly plush, which helps maintain a sense of control.
Over longer distances, the cushioning holds up well without feeling flat. It absorbs impact effectively while maintaining enough rebound to prevent the ride from becoming dull.
Stability and Platform Behavior
The Novablast 5 is still a neutral shoe, and its geometry reflects that. The platform is moderately wide, which helps improve balance compared to earlier versions of the line that were known for a more unstable feel.
There is no built-in guidance system, but the sidewalls and midsole shape help keep the foot centered. Runners who prefer a natural stride without interference will likely find this comfortable. That said, the foam and stack height can create a slightly less grounded feel than traditional trainers. For some runners, especially those who prefer firmer shoes, this may require a short adjustment period.
Fit, Toe Box, and Sizing Experience
The Novablast 5 generally fits true to size. The toe box offers a moderate amount of room, allowing for natural toe movement without feeling too spacious. The midfoot lockdown is secure, supported by a well-structured lacing system and the shoe wraps the foot without creating pressure points, which is important for longer runs. The heel fit is stable, with enough padding to provide comfort without excessive bulk. Width options are typically limited, so runners who require wider fits may need to consider alternatives.
Upper Construction and Breathability
The upper uses an engineered mesh that balances flexibility with structure. It adapts well to foot movement while maintaining shape throughout the run.
Breathability is solid, with airflow that helps keep the foot comfortable in warmer conditions. The material feels lightweight compared to more heavily padded trainers. Over time, the upper maintains its integrity without excessive stretching. The internal construction is smooth, which helps reduce irritation during longer sessions.
Outsole, Traction, and Durability
The outsole is designed for road use, with rubber placement in key impact zones. Grip is reliable on dry pavement and performs predictably in standard conditions. Traction remains consistent without feeling overly aggressive. On wet surfaces, performance is generally stable, though not specialized for slick environments, whereas its durability is in line with other daily trainers. Wear tends to occur gradually, and the outsole provides enough protection to extend the life of the midsole foam.
Running vs Walking Performance
For running, the Novablast 5 performs best at easy to moderate paces, with enough responsiveness to handle occasional faster efforts. The energetic cushioning helps maintain momentum without requiring additional effort.
For walking, the shoe remains comfortable but may feel slightly more active than necessary. The bounce that benefits running can feel less natural at slower walking speeds.
Overall, it works well for mixed use but is clearly designed with running performance as the primary focus.
Specs Box
- Shoe type: Daily trainer with performance lean
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
- Midsole foam: FF BLAST+ ECO
- Support type: Neutral
- Ride feel: Bouncy, responsive
- Outsole: Rubber with targeted coverage
- Upper: Engineered mesh
- Weight category: Moderate
- Men’s sizes: Standard range
- Women’s sizes: Standard range
- Width options: Typically standard only
- Best surfaces: Road, pavement
- Where to buy online? Amazon has the best size selection. Click here
What Foot Health and Gait Issues Does the ASICS Novablast 5 Address
The Novablast 5 is often chosen by runners who prefer a more energetic ride without sacrificing cushioning. Those who naturally maintain a neutral stride and do not rely on structured support may find the shoe aligns well with their movement.
The responsive foam and geometry can feel supportive for runners who prefer a forward-moving sensation, especially during steady runs. The moderate cushioning also suits those who want impact absorption without an overly soft platform.
However, the design is not intended for runners seeking high levels of stability or motion control. Those who prefer a more grounded or structured feel may find it less predictable. It is best suited to runners who are comfortable with a neutral, slightly lively platform.
Who This Shoe Works Best For
The Novablast 5 fits into a rotation for runners who want a mix of comfort and responsiveness without moving fully into performance-focused footwear.
• Runners looking for a bouncy daily trainer
• Runners who mix easy runs with moderate-paced efforts
• Road runners training on pavement and urban routes
• Those who prefer a lively feel over maximum softness
If You Like These Shoes, You May Like the ASICS Novablast 5
Shoe name | Why people like it | Why this shoe is similar |
|---|---|---|
Soft, energetic cushioning | Similar bounce-focused ride | |
Balanced cushioning and versatility | Comparable daily trainer feel | |
Reliable daily performance | Slightly firmer alternative | |
Lightweight cushioning | Shares daily trainer role with different feel |
What Changed from the Previous Model
The updates from the Novablast 4 to the Novablast 5 are moderate but not a full redesign. Adjustments focus on refining the foam feel and improving upper fit. Stability has been slightly improved through platform shaping, while the overall ride remains consistent with the previous version.
Model Comparison Table
Model (links to Amazon for current pricing) | Ride feel | Primary use case | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Bouncy, responsive | Daily training, moderate pace runs | Current | |
Bouncy with softer feel | Daily training | Previous model | |
Energetic, slightly less controlled | Daily training | Discontinued |
Pricing and Value
The ASICS Novablast 5 typically falls in the $140 to $160 USD range. Pricing can vary depending on size availability, colorways, and seasonal inventory. Some versions may be discounted as newer releases become available.
You can check pricing here for men’s version. The women’s model is here.
Where to Find the ASICS Novablast 5
The Novablast 5 is widely available online, where full size runs are typically easier to find than in-store. Width options are usually limited to standard sizing. Use the button below for general availablity and color ways on Amazon:
