The Novablast has long been one of ASICS’ most popular daily trainers. It has built a loyal following with each iteration thanks to its blend of cushioning, energy, and everyday versatility. For the sixth version, ASICS have made some genuinely interesting changes. Most notably bringing in technology from the faster end of their Blast lineup. The big question is whether these updates push the Novablast 6 into a new, faster daily trainer category, or whether it stays true to the easygoing DNA that made the line so popular in the first place.
Let’s dig in.
Upper and Fit of the ASICS Novablast 6
What works for me
The upper of the Novablast 6 is, in the best possible way – unremarkable. ASICS have moved to a woven technical mesh, an update from the jacquard upper found on version 5. It brings a bit more structure and a slightly more tailored feel. All the boxes you would want a daily trainer upper to tick have been ticked: a nicely padded collar, no rubbing around the achilles, ample tongue padding, and good breathability throughout.
I also had the chance to test the Novablast 6 in some pretty wet conditions, and the upper performed well. It did not hold onto moisture excessively and dried out relatively quickly afterwards. This is exactly what you want from a shoe that will see year-round use.
What doesn’t work for me
There is honestly very little to criticise here, but equally there is not a lot to get excited about either. The upper does everything it needs to do competently, but it does not bring anything that makes it stand out from the crowd. It is the definition of solid and dependable rather than memorable. For a daily trainer, that is no bad thing, but if you are looking for an upper that wows you, this is not it.
Midsole and Ride of the ASICS Novablast 6
What works for me
The midsole is where the most exciting updates have happened, and it is what transforms the character of this shoe. ASICS have introduced an FF Turbo Squared insert in the forefoot to improve the bounce and energy return upon toe-off. This is the same exciting compound found in the Megablast and the Sonicblast, two shoes that target faster endurance and uptempo paces, which immediately raises an interesting question. Is the Novablast 6 reaching into that faster daily trainer category to compete with the likes of the adidas Evo SL and the Puma Deviate Pure? ASICS have also taken the geometric midsole design from the Novablast 5 and, to put it bluntly, pumped it full of steroids. The result is dramatic mountain peak-like volumes running the length of the midsole.
I will be honest, I was not quite sure what to expect when lacing these up for the first time. I found the Novablast 5 to be a great daily trainer with a bit of energy and excitement to the ride. That said, it did not quite have the bounce to match the level of softness on offer. That softness felt a little unregulated and undirectional. This resulted in a shoe I would not call especially unstable, but one I would not recommend to anyone with stability concerns. So when I heard the Novablast 6 was getting an FF Turbo Squared unit in the forefoot, I was intrigued to see what difference it would make.
The answer is: quite a lot. Overall, the ride feels extremely stable across the gait cycle thanks to the outer layer of FF Blast Max. The FF Turbo Squared unit in the forefoot injects a sense of energy and fun that genuinely transforms the shoe, especially when picking up the pace. I put this to the test during an interval session at my 10km pace and came away thoroughly impressed. It is worth noting that I am a forefoot runner. Therefore I was landing directly on the FF Turbo Squared unit and making the most of it. That said, I expect heel strikers would have a very similarly pleasant experience. The slightly firmer FF Blast Max in the heel stabilising and guiding the foot through the gait cycle before transitioning to the FF Turbo Squared in the forefoot for that extra bounce and energy return at toe-off.
Another thing worth highlighting is just how balanced and nimble the shoe feels underfoot. For a shoe with this much going on in the midsole, it never feels cumbersome or unwieldy, which only adds to the versatility and enjoyment of the ride.
What doesn’t work for me
Very little to complain about in terms of the ride itself. The main thing to be aware of is that the dual-compound setup does mean the experience varies slightly depending on your footstrike. ASICS have done a good job of making sure both heel and forefoot strikers are well catered for. If you specifically want a firmer, more traditional daily trainer ride, the added bounce here might be more than you are after. For most runners, this will be a welcome upgrade.
Outsole of the ASICS Novablast 6
Grip and Traction
ASICS have upgraded the forefoot outsole compound to ASICSGRIP. This is a step up from the AHAR LO found on the Novablast 5 while still positioning some AHAR LO at the heel to aid durability. I do most of my running on roads and light gravel paths. The grip of the Novablast 6 was never a concern. It did the job reliably across the surfaces and conditions I ran it in, including some wet outings, without any drama.
Durability
This is where I have my biggest reservation about the Novablast 6. There is a relatively thick layer of rubber across much of the outsole, which is reassuring. But in the areas where the midsole foam is left exposed, I found it had already begun to degrade quite considerably. This worries me about the long-term durability of the midsole. Particularly for runners who train on more abrasive surfaces or who heel strike aggressively. In the mid-section of the shoe there is an exposed outcrop of FF Blast Max that I cannot see lasting very long for most runners. It is the one area where I think ASICS may have prioritised weight savings over longevity. This is worth factoring into your buying decision.
Conclusion
Value for Money
At EUR160/$155, the Novablast 6 sits comfortably in a very saturated daily trainer market. For the technology on offer, particularly the introduction of FF Turbo Squared, the price feels fair and competitive. The one caveat that tempers the value slightly is the durability around the exposed midsole foam. If that holds up better than my early impressions, the Novablast 6 represents strong value. If it degrades as quickly as I fear for certain runners, the cost-per-mile could end up higher than ideal…
Fitting it into a shoe rotation
The Novablast 6 is a versatile daily trainer that can comfortably handle the bulk of your weekly mileage. It would be the ideal trainer for a heel striker looking for a stable yet fun daily option. Also, it would work for a forefoot striker after a daily trainer that can cover all the easy miles while not being afraid to pick up the pace when asked. It slots naturally into a rotation as your everyday workhorse. It is capable of stretching from easy runs through to faster efforts thanks to that forefoot bounce.
Final Verdict
The ASICS Novablast 6 is a great update to the line. It modernises the shoe by bringing in some of the exciting technology from the faster Blast shoes in ASICS’s lineup, while still maintaining the daily trainer DNA that fans of previous versions will appreciate. The FF Turbo Squared forefoot insert is a genuine highlight, transforming the ride into something more energetic and engaging than its predecessor, and the FF Blast Max base keeps everything stable and controlled, while also improving midsole durability.
My one significant reservation remains the durability of the exposed midsole foam, which is something to keep in mind depending on your running surfaces and footstrike. But if you are after a stable, fun, and versatile daily trainer that can handle your easy miles and still come alive when you push the pace, the Novablast 6 is well worth a look.
Comparisons Against Similar Shoes
ASICS Novablast 6 vs. Saucony Ride 19
Both shoes occupy the versatile daily trainer space and aim to cover a wide range of paces. But, they go about it in different ways. The Ride 19 offers a more consistent, balanced ride across its single PWRRUN+ midsole. It offers a softer and more forgiving feel that adapts smoothly as you change pace. The Novablast 6 brings more outright bounce and energy thanks to its FF Turbo Squared forefoot insert. This makes it feel more lively and fun when picking up the pace, particularly for forefoot strikers. On durability, the Ride 19 currently has the edge based on my experience, with the Novablast 6’s exposed midsole foam being the main concern. If you want a dependable, durable all-rounder, the Ride 19 is the safer bet. If you want something with a bit more pop and excitement underfoot, the Novablast 6 is for you.
Novablast 6 vs. Pegasus 42
The Pegasus 42 is the archetypal dependable daily trainer, offering a firmer and more structured ride that prioritises reliability and consistency above all else. Compared to the Novablast 6, the Pegasus is the more conservative and traditional option. It is lacking the bounce and energy that the FF Turbo Squared insert brings to the ASICS. The Novablast 6 is the more cushioned, more fun, and more versatile shoe of the two. It has a noticeably softer and bouncier ride. However, the Pegasus 42 is likely to have the durability advantage given its more robust, fully covered outsole. For runners who value a firm, no-nonsense daily trainer that will last, the Pegasus 42 makes a strong case. For runners who want more cushioning and a more engaging ride, the Novablast 6 is the more exciting choice.
Other People’s Opinions on the ASICS Novablast 6
Andy’s Take on the ASICS Novablast 6
New Novablast day always ranks as one of my top days of the year. It has long been an exciting daily trainer which is good for pushing the pace and also tackling your slower efforts. However, the recent explosion of the $150 supefoamed daily trainer market made me question whether the Novablast may feel a little less special in comparison. Thankfully, ASICS have put a puck of FF Turbo Squared in the forefoot. This adds some energy return and also firm up the forefoot somewhat.
Since I received it, I have put around 100 miles into the Novablast 6. I have used it at paces from 6:00 +/Km down to 2:55/km. It has been able to handle each of these well. As Josh mentions, the stability is improved by the firmer forefoot. This makes it a more accessible shoe for a wider range of runners.
While it is certainly a little clunkier and chunkier than some of the newcomers to the market like the EVO SL and Skechers Aero Razor, it does retain a good level of fun and it is a very versatile shoe. ASICS’ build quality does make me feel that the Novablast will last a good long time and add into the value for money column. It is certainly a shoe which can be used for the bulk of your running. It’s nice to see one of the venerable daily trainers retaining its DNA but moving with the times to remain relevant.
ASICS Novablast 6 Quick Questions:
How should I use ASICS Novablast 6?
Use the Novablast 6 as a versatile daily trainer for your easy miles, with the freedom to pick up the pace when you want thanks to the bouncy FF Turbo Squared forefoot.
Is ASICS Novablast 6 a good shoe for long runs?
Yes, the cushioning and versatility of the Novablast 6 make it a comfortable and dependable choice for long runs.
Is ASICS Novablast 6 a good shoe for fast sessions?
Yes, the FF Turbo Squared forefoot insert gives it real energy and bounce when picking up the pace, and I was impressed using it for an interval session at 10km pace.
Is ASICS Novablast 6 a shoe for daily training?
Yes, daily training is exactly what the Novablast 6 is built for, comfortably handling the bulk of your weekly mileage.
Can I wear ASICS Novablast 6 as a lifestyle shoe?
Yes, it works well as a lifestyle shoe, especially in the muted pastel colourways that look great off the run.
Is ASCIS Novablast 6 suitable for all terrains?
It is best suited to roads and light gravel paths, where the ASICSGRIP outsole performed reliably, rather than technical or off-road terrain.
Is the ASICS Novablast 6 a good shoe for racing?
It would not be my first choice for race day, but having run a 3:45 marathon in the Novablast 5, the 6 would be even better suited to the task.
Is ASICS Novablast 6 a good shoe for stability?
Yes, the outer layer of FF Blast Max keeps the ride feeling extremely stable across the gait cycle, especially in the heel section of the shoe.
