ASICS Novablast 5 introduction:
ASICS’ Novablast series has long been a versatile daily shoe which has brought fun to the run. While some thought that the blast part of the shoe had been dampened in the fourth iteration, everyone has been waiting to see what came next. Quite a lot, that’s what! Moving away from ASICS’ usual small iteration cycle with maybe a different foam or slightly updated upper, the Novablast 5 gets both a brand new foam and a totally new upper.
Have ASICS thrown the baby out with the bathwater or have they brought back the blast?
ASICS Novablast 5 upper:
Andy: Straight out of the gate, the Novablast 5 looks good. The new jacquard mesh in the rather less than poetically named ‘greyish purple’ looks a lot better on foot than it does in some photos. Aesthetics aside, the upper’s new material adds a lot more stretch than the previous versions. Admittedly, my last Novablast were a selection of the 2 which I picked up for cheap from an ASICS outlet but I have had the more recent iterations in hand and can confirm the new softness.
This softness adds to the excellent step in feel of the shoe. The plushness of the upper is balanced with the stretch offered in the forefoot. Sliding into the Novablast 5 is like a warm embrace for the foot. This is helped by the new tongue which has a material which feels akin to a space age sleeping bag for the foot. It wraps the foot well and the padding protects the top of the foot from any lace pressure. Two ‘tongue wings’ as ASICS have named the gussets really help the feeling of lockdown.
Breathability feels good so far. Although, I have only had the chance to test it in a British November so the temperatures have hardly been soaring. The padding around the heel collar and ankle cutouts may become a moisture magnet during warmer months, but I’ll have to wait about 6 months to find out!
Overall, the upper is a fantastic upgrade which really treats the foot well.
Josh: I’m a big fan of ASICS’ uppers recently. This is particularly the case in the Metaspeed Sky Paris, Superblast 2 and the Nimbus 26. To me, the Novablast 5 takes all the best parts of these uppers and blends them into a plush easy running shoe package.
Similarly to Andy’s experience, I have found the Novablast 5’s upper to have a subtle, but noticeable plushness. This reminds me slightly of the Nimbus 26. While the upper doesn’t quite feel as thick and plush as the one found on the Nimbus, the stretchy upper mesh wraps the foot and provides support. This not only makes it extremely comfortable to wear, but also greatly improves the lockdown. A key point of the fit is the relatively padded tongue as well as the looped lacing system. With these, the fit system is very strong. Furthermore, the tongue is very reminiscent of that in the Superblast 2
My pair of Novablast 5 were in my standard UK M8.5 and I can confirm that these fit TTS. I had no issues with heel slippage. Furthermore, the toe box was both appropriately sized. This ensures that there wasn’t any unnecessary movement while still allowing comfortable space for ventilation.
Ivan: ASICS has long been recognized as one of the top brands for designing running shoes with uppers that cater to a wide range of runners. Their commitment to comfort and fit is evident in the latest ASICS Novablast 5. The shoe offers a well-cushioned and secure feel. This is particularly evident in the heel area, where ample padding ensures a solid lockdown without any heel slippage.
The midfoot wrap is another strong point of the Novablast 5. It hugs the foot securely without feeling restrictive, providing a comfortable and confident fit. One of the defining traits of the Novablast series has been the fairly roomy forefoot. In this iteration, the forefoot still retains its generous fit, but it feels slightly tighter and more conforming compared to earlier versions. This subtle adjustment results in a more tailored fit that enhances comfort, especially for runners who appreciate a balance between roominess and structure.
One potential downside mentioned by Andy, my co-reviewer, is that the shoe may feel slightly warm during the summer months. However, since we’re currently in the middle of Scandinavia’s freezing temperatures, this isn’t something I’ve experienced yet. It will be interesting to see how it performs in warmer conditions.
The updated fabrics and design language are both appealing. Given its price range, the Novablast 5 offers excellent value as a “modern” running shoe.
ASICS Novablast 5 midsole: Pure Fun (and instability)
Andy: One of my favourite genres of shoe are those which allow you to run easy runs too fast. The New Balance Rebel is a prime example of this genre for me. The Novablast 5 is another fantastic exa mple of this. The FFBlastMAX foam is fabulous so far. Light, bouncy and soft. My first run in the Novablast 5 caused me to get moaned at by my running buddies. The morning run turned into a morning tempo because the midsole rides so well, so smoothly and offers so much bounce the run felt effortless.
That said, for me, the foam works well at every pace I have used it at so far. From easy runs pushing 6:30/km to harder tempo reps at around 3:45/km it has felt excellent. The forefoot feels bottomless and the rebound is wonderful. Even on legs trashed by 8.5km of cross country racing in spikes, they felt very enjoyable to run in. However, there is one caveat, if you are a person who needs some stability elements to keep themselves injury free, this is probably best avoided.
The ride of the Novablast 5 is enjoyable on both roads and track, it protects the legs from shock while returning a good amount of energy. When slowing down, the FFBlastMAX sinks and softens. When turning up the pace, it rebounds really well. The 8mm drop also helps with getting the foot rolling through the gait cycle.
Overall, this has been an excellent upgrade to the Novablast series. The FFBlastMAX is a foam which I would very much like to see in some other shoes as it brings so much fun to the run. Stability runners beware, this does not offer much in that department, but hey, who needs ankles anyway?
Josh: When it comes to the midsoles for daily trainers, the Novablast 5 ticks almost all of my boxes. The midsole somehow incorporates a bounce, dampening, spring, and lightness into each step. This, for me, provides a great base for a shoe. It’s one which you can slip into when your legs are feeling heavy after a long week of training, or when you want a bit of pop in your run.
The soft midsole reminds me a lot of the first Nike Invincible. Although they may not be quite as soft and squishy, they give me that same sense of dampening while having far better stability. However, it is worth noting that although I’d say the Novablast 5 has great stability for a soft-cushioning daily trainer, I would not recommend them to anyone who may be prone to instability injuries.
Ivan: The latest ASICS Novablast 5 introduces a softer ride thanks to the updated FF BLAST MAX foam compound, which significantly changes the shoe’s character. The enhanced cushioning makes it more comfortable, especially for daily and even recovery runs. That said, it also comes with some trade-offs. The softer foam reduces overall stability, which may be a concern for runners who need support. Additionally, I think the rocker up front felt more prominent in earlier versions, as the foot now sinks deeper into the foam.
While the Novablast 5 is still lightweight and offers some energy return, it feels less responsive to me than before. I find it lacking the snappy feel of previous iterations. This makes it a bit less suitable for speedwork or uptempo sessions, though it can surely still handle those runs. Instead, it now feels more like a dedicated daily trainer. One that excels at providing a plush and forgiving ride for easier, steadier efforts for runners with no need for stability.
This shift in focus seems intentional. The running shoe market has evolved, with many runners now using more specialized shoes for faster workouts. By emphasizing comfort and affordability, ASICS has positioned the Novablast 5 as an approachable, easy-going trainer that delivers great value.
ASICS Novablast 5 outsole:
Andy: Now, this has been quite a glowing report card so far. Here’s the catch. The AHAR low-density outsole material hasn’t always felt the most secure on damper, frostier mornings. When the pavement has been slimy with damp, autumn leaf fall, the Novablast 5 can feel a little skittish. This is due to a mix of low adhesion rubber and very soft midsole material. I have definitely found myself taking a few corners with a little more caution than usual, especially at pace.
While the outsole might not be Saucony Endorphin Speed 1 and 2 levels of friction free, it certainly won’t be challenging PUMAGRIP for any adhesion crowns this year. That said, on dry pavements and gravel paths which I have run on, the grip has been adequate.
Ivan: I agree with Andy on this point – ASICS still has room for improvement when it comes to grip. The rubber outsole performs well in dry conditions. However, its traction on wet pavement leaves something to be desired. This is especially noticeable during frosty winter mornings, where the lack of secure footing can be a concern for runners navigating slick or icy surfaces.
That said, I expect durability to remain a strong point with the Novablast 5. This is consistent with earlier iterations and ASICS’ reputation for quite long-lasting outsoles. However, enhancing the outsole’s performance in wet and slippery conditions would make a significant difference, especially for runners in colder climates who encounter these challenges regularly.
ASICS Novablast 5 conclusion:
Andy: I have been fortunate enough to test a wide range of shoes this year. Some have been absolute bangers, some have left me flat. However, it seems like I might have just received my shoe of the year in the form of the Novablast 5. It gives me everything I love from a running shoe. Secure, comfortable fit. Soft, bouncy midsole. A big smile on my face when haring around the streets at 5:30am. For runners who don’t need stability and want a bit of versatility in their lives, head to ASICS on December 1st and treat yourself to an early Christmas present. For those who need stability, you might want to look elsewhere.
Overall, I just want to say, thanks ASICS, the Novablast 5 has put the fun back into some dark, dreary running this November.
Josh: The ASICS Novablast 5 has become my go-to daily trainer. This is due its relatively lightweight, soft, and comfortable ride. My only caveat may be that because of the soft midsole paired with the rather minimal outsole grip I wouldn’t use it for anything other than easy runs. However, that’s exactly what the Novablast is designed for. The Novablast is the baby sister of the Superblast, ASICS’ uptempo trainer. This makes it a go-to easy running shoe for recreational to elite runners alike. This is helped by the highly competitive pricing of the Novablast 5. For this reason, I will recommend Novablast 5 to many of my fellow runners in the coming months.
I look forward to logging many more winter miles in the Novablast 5 in the coming months. Also, testing it alongside some of the other daily trainers on the market. With new releases from Nike, adidas, Saucony, New Balance, and many others this is an exciting time. However, I would definitely be pleasantly surprised if anyone managed to beat or equal the near-excellent performance of the ASICS Novablast 5.
Ivan: For runners who don’t need stability and are in search of a comfortable daily trainer, I’m confident that the ASICS Novablast 5 is an upgraded choice. The shoe features a more refined upper and improved fit. Furthermore, the plush cushioning enhances overall comfort for those daily runs. While the lack of stability and the subpar outsole grip could be a deal breaker for some, I believe the majority of runners will appreciate the softer, more cushioned ride, especially on easy, everyday runs. That said, it does lose some of its snappiness, making it less responsive on faster days.
With the competition in the tempo category becoming increasingly fierce – even with ASICS’ own Magic Speed and Superblast models – it makes perfect sense for the Novablast 5 to be a more budget-friendly, modern alternative in the daily trainer space.
