Asics Novablast 5: The Ultimate Daily Trainer Review
- Flourish Everyday Health And Fitness
- 18 hours ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 1 minute ago
The ASICS Novablast 5, for men and women, is the shoe everyone in the running world seems to be buzzing about right now. It's quickly earned a reputation as a top-shelf daily trainer that nails the sweet spot between soft, plush cushioning, an energetic ride, and fun. Thanks to some major upgrades like the new FF BLASTâ„¢ MAX foam and a more stable platform, this shoe is a big step up from previous versions, built to deliver an awesome experience on all kinds of runs.
Table of Contents
Why Everyone Is Talking About The Asics Novablast 5
The running shoe market is packed, but every once in a while, one model cuts through the noise. Right now, that shoe is the ASICS Novablast 5. It's generating serious hype because it masterfully blends comfort and performance into one versatile package. This isn't a one trick pony; the Novablast 5 is a true workhorse, ready to handle your daily miles, long weekend runs, and even pick up the pace when you feel like it. For most runners, the good news is that the Novablast 5 runs true to size.
The ASICS Novablast 5 has shot to the top of the charts, becoming one of the most popular daily trainers out there. As the fifth version, it introduces FF BLASTâ„¢ MAX foam, which lab tests show delivers landings 38.4% softer than the average running shoe. You can find out more about its best in class features at Running Warehouse.
What Makes The Novablast 5 Perform So Well
What’s all the buzz about with the Asics Novablast 5? To get it, we need to look at the engineering that creates its famously fun ride. This shoe isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a smart blend of new materials and clever design.
The heart of the Novablast 5 is its brand new midsole foam. The shoe is packed with FF BLASTâ„¢ MAX cushioning, a super soft and bouncy material that defines its personality. This foam is the star, soaking up impact for a cushioned feel while returning a ton of energy. This is why the shoe feels amazing for long, easy runs and still has enough pop for when you want to pick up the pace.
The Upgraded Engine: FF BLASTâ„¢ MAX
Bringing in the FF BLASTâ„¢ MAX foam is the biggest and best change from older versions. This material is lighter and gives more energy back than the FF BLASTâ„¢ PLUS ECO foam used in the Novablast 4. ASICS says this new foam bumps up the shoe's "bounce properties" by 8.5%. You can feel that extra spring in your step, making the run feel more propulsive and fun.
This new foam gives the Novablast 5 a maximum cushion feel without being heavy or clunky. It hits that sweet spot, offering soft protection for daily miles while keeping a playful pop.
Smarter Geometry For A Smoother Ride
It's not just about the foam. The shoe's overall geometry is a huge piece of the puzzle. The Novablast 5 has a more refined rocker shape, designed to help your foot roll smoothly from landing to push-off. This design propels you forward, making each stride take a little less effort. ASICS also tweaked the forefoot with a unique pod like groove for an extra push at the end of your stride.
A Breathable and Secure Upper
The top part of the Asics Novablast 5, the upper, also got a major upgrade with a new premium jacquard mesh. This material is super breathable, keeping your feet cool and comfortable. It wraps your foot in a soft but secure way, moving with you without feeling tight. The reinforced tongue design is another nice touch that locks down the fit, stopping the tongue from sliding around.
Asics Novablast 5 Technical Specifications
This table summarizes the key measurements for both men's and women's models.
Specification | Men's | Women's |
|---|---|---|
Heel Stack Height | 41.5 mm | 40.5 mm |
Forefoot Stack Height | 33.5 mm | 32.5 mm |
Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
Weight (Approx.) | 255 g (9.0 oz) | 220 g (7.8 oz) |
When you put it all together, the bouncy foam, the smooth rolling shape, and the comfy upper, you get a versatile daily trainer that performs incredibly well.
How The Novablast 5 Compares To The Novablast 4
When you have a shoe as popular as the Novablast 4, any update is under a microscope. The ASICS Novablast 5 isn't just a minor tweak; it’s a significant evolution that refines the formula while introducing key upgrades that change how it feels on the road.
The biggest change is under your foot. ASICS swapped the FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam for their newer, premium FF BLAST MAX foam. This single update gives the shoe a much softer and bouncier ride than its predecessor.
A Softer, Bouncier Midsole
While the Novablast 4 had plenty of energy, the Novablast 5 takes the cushioning up a notch. The new FF BLAST MAX foam makes landings incredibly plush, a huge plus for easy recovery days or long runs. However, this shift toward softness does change the shoe's responsiveness. Some runners might miss the slightly "snappier" feel of the Novablast 4. The Novablast 5 is all about springy, trampoline-like bounce rather than sharp feedback.
Refinements in Fit And Stability
ASICS also refined the shoe's upper and geometry. The Novablast 5 has a redesigned premium jacquard mesh that feels more accommodating, especially in the toebox, which is great for wider feet. The shoe's base is also slightly wider, and the aggressive heel bevel from the v4 has been toned down. These tweaks create a more stable, planted feel, addressing minor instability concerns from past versions.
Key Differences Asics Novablast 5 vs Novablast 4
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison.
Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
Midsole Foam | FF BLAST MAX | FF BLAST PLUS ECO |
Heel Stack (Men's) | 41.5 mm | 41.5 mm |
Weight (Men's) | 255 g (9.0 oz) | 260 g (9.2 oz) |
Ride Feel | Softer, bouncier, more cushioned | Firmer, snappier, more responsive |
Upper | Premium Jacquard Mesh | Engineered Woven Upper |
Stability | More stable platform | Slightly less stable |
The bottom line depends on your preference. If you loved the sharp, responsive pop of the Novablast 4, it’s still a fantastic shoe. But if you’re after a softer, bouncier daily trainer that prioritizes comfort for logging miles, the ASICS Novablast 5 is a clear and compelling upgrade.
Tech specs are one thing, but the real test is how a shoe feels on the pavement. The ASICS Novablast 5 is a true workhorse designed for a runner's entire week.
Your Go-To For Daily Miles And Long Runs
Its main job is to be an exceptional daily trainer. For easy runs, recovery jogs, and long weekend efforts, the Novablast 5 truly shines. The plush FF BLAST MAX foam provides a soft, forgiving platform that absorbs impact, keeping your legs fresher for longer. It's the perfect sidekick for building your aerobic base without beating yourself up. Whether you're doing a quick 30-minute shakeout or a multi-hour long run, the blend of max cushioning and smooth rocker geometry helps you find a natural rhythm.
Versatility For Faster Paced Efforts
While comfortable, the Novablast 5 has a surprising amount of pop when you pick up the pace. It’s not a racing flat, but it’s more than capable of handling tempo runs, fartleks, and progression workouts.
The energetic rebound from the midsole gives a noticeable push-off, making it feel lively when you shift gears. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any shoe rotation.
It bridges the gap between a pure recovery shoe and a speed-day specialist, making it a fantastic all-in-one choice for runners who want one shoe to do almost everything. For more on versatile footwear, check out our guide on running shoes for everyday use.
Support For Cross-Training And Gym Use
Thanks to its wider, more stable platform, the Novablast 5 is also a solid option for cross-training and general gym use. It’s not a specialized lifting shoe, but it provides plenty of stability for activities like dynamic warm-ups, bodyweight exercises, and light strength training. For runners pushing their limits, knowing how to speed up muscle recovery is as critical as having the right shoes. This well-rounded capability ensures the Novablast 5 supports your entire fitness journey.
Understanding The Novablast 5’s Fit Profile
The biggest change to the fit comes from the new premium jacquard mesh upper and a slightly roomier shape.
Toebox: You’ll notice the wider toebox, which gives your toes space to splay out naturally. This is a fantastic improvement for anyone with average to slightly wider feet.
Midfoot: The gusseted tongue and updated lacing system deliver a secure lockdown, hugging your midfoot comfortably without feeling restrictive.
Heel: The heel counter provides a solid, locked in feel. Combined with the wider base, it creates a stable sensation and reduces heel slip.
For runners with average or slightly wider feet, the Novablast 5 offers a fantastic, accommodating fit. Those with narrow feet might need to cinch the laces down more to get a perfect lockdown.
Tips For Runners With Different Foot Shapes
Finding the right fit is personal. For a deeper look at ASICS' sizing, you might want to check out our guide on how ASICS shoes fit in general.
For Wide Feet: You'll likely love this update. The extra room in the forefoot should eliminate rubbing and pinching.
For Narrow Feet: You may want to use the extra eyelet to tie a runner's knot to lock your heel in snugly.
For High Arches: The flexible engineered mesh upper should prevent pressure points, and the secure midfoot wrap provides necessary support.
Ultimately, try them on if you can, ideally later in the day when your feet have swollen slightly.
The Novablast 5 vs Competitors
No running shoe exists in a vacuum. To understand the ASICS Novablast 5, it helps to compare it against other popular daily trainers. The Novablast 5 carves out its own niche with a blend of high stack cushioning and an energetic bounce, hitting a sweet spot between soft landings and a springy toe-off.
The New Balance Rebel line is known for being lightweight and snappy. The Rebel v5 gives you a more direct connection to the ground and an agile feel, making it great for faster daily miles. In contrast, the ASICS Novablast 5 is all about cushion. Its taller stack height and softer FF BLAST MAX foam absorb more impact. If your main goal is protecting your legs and getting a bouncy, forgiving sensation, the Novablast 5 is the clear choice. Think of the Rebel v5 as a nimble speedster and the Novablast 5 as a cushioned cruiser with a playful kick.
The On Cloudsurfer 2 is loved for its incredibly smooth, rolling ride from its CloudTec Phase® technology. The experience is often described as fluid and seamless. Where they differ is in energy return. The Cloudsurfer offers a smooth, quiet ride, but the Novablast 5 delivers a more noticeable and lively bounce. If you love that "trampoline" effect, the Novablast 5 will feel more exciting. If you prefer a more subtle, gliding feel, the Cloudsurfer might be a better fit.
For more options, our guide on the top running shoes for daily training breaks down even more choices. The Novablast 5 stands out with its unique mix of max cushioning and dynamic energy, making it a top pick for runners who want their daily trainer to be both comfortable and fun.
Common Questions About The Asics Novablast 5
Let's wrap up with answers to common questions about the Asics Novablast 5.
Is The Novablast 5 Good For Beginners?
Absolutely. It's a fantastic choice for beginner runners. Its huge amount of cushioning is great for protecting joints as your body adapts to the impact of running. The shoe also has a stable and smooth ride that is incredibly forgiving and encouraging for anyone starting out.
How Many Miles Can I Expect From The Novablast 5?
While this varies by runner, Asics built this shoe to last.
Most runners should comfortably get between 300 to 500 miles (about 480 to 800 kilometers) from a pair of Novablast 5s. The tough AHAR outsole rubber holds up well, and the FF BLAST MAX foam is known for keeping its bounce.
Can I Use This Shoe For Walking Or Gym Workouts?
For sure. The Novablast 5 is a versatile all around. The plush cushioning makes it an unbelievably comfortable shoe for long walks or being on your feet all day. For the gym, its wider, more stable base is a solid option for most workouts, including general strength training, cardio machines, and fitness classes that don't involve sharp lateral movements. This versatility makes the Asics Novablast 5 a fantastic do-it-all athletic shoe.
References
ASICS. (n.d.). NOVABLAST 5. Retrieved from https://www.asics.com
Running Warehouse. (n.d.). ASICS Novablast 5. Retrieved from https://www.runningwarehouse.com/ASICS_Novablast_5/descpage-ANB5M5.html
Flourish-Everyday. (n.d.). Running Shoes for Everyday Use: A Practical Guide. Retrieved from https://www.flourish-everyday.com/post/running-shoes-for-everyday-use-a-practical-guide
Flourish-Everyday. (n.d.). How Do ASICS Fit: The Definitive Sizing Guide. Retrieved from https://www.flourish-everyday.com/post/how-do-asics-fit-the-definitive-sizing-guide
Elemental Edge Health. (n.d.). How to Speed Up Muscle Recovery. Retrieved from https://www.elementaledgehealth.com/blogs/news/how-to-speed-up-muscle-recovery
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