Our decisive viewpoint
Asics Novablast 5 review: correcting the inconsistencies before it launched here, the Asics Novablast 5 is an incredible performing daily trainer which is at least another rung on the comfort, responsiveness, and versatility ladder.
The new FF Blast Max midsole is made of POE and delivers a softer and more energy-efficient ride than the prior generations using EVA midsoles.
Enhanced cushioning offers superior responsiveness, making each footfall feel springier on both tempo-driven pick-ups and the long haul.
ASICS Novablast 5 Global Score By Sneakers Tips.
Over the previous five years, the Novablast series has established itself as one of the finest running sneakers available. A plush, bouncy ride, it excels for any kind of run whether that be an easy jog, a longer run, or a tempo.
ASICS has dialed in the design with version 5 to produce an even lighter, livelier, and more comfortable running experience than before. Curious to see whether this update can help keep the Novablast out in front of the crowd in a rapidly-saturating space for versatile daily trainers.
History shows otherwise, and given what we’re seeing in version 5, it may very well continue its run as a go-to shoe for runners seeking the versatility of a well-rounded performance shoe.
you may like this : Evaluating the Asics Novablast 5 – Sneakers Tips
Full Specification – Evaluating the Asics Novablast 5
Provides great dynamic bounce and responsive energy return, making it a great comfort sneaker with versatility all around for runners as well. The upper, featuring engineered mesh with a tongue gusset, fits true to size and feels locked in.
The midsole sits on full-length Flytefoam Blast Max foam here with an 8 mm heel drop, delivering a pillowy but peppy ride. High-wear areas are made with carbon rubber for durability.
The Novablast 5 comes in at 255 grams (9 ounces) for a half pair in Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27, features a 41.5 mm stack height in the heel and 33.5 mm stack height in the forefoot. It comes in D and 2E widths.
Replacing the Novablast 4, this model comes in under 10oz (possibly grams) and still performs the same. It is made in Vietnam.
In particular, it is suited for daily training, recovery runs, and marathons, and it works with all foot strike orientations, be it heel, midfoot, or forefoot.
The average mileage for the shoe comes out to about 400 miles and is best at paces of 5:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile) or slower. It is also designed to be used in a higher temperature range, ideal for anything above -5° C (23° F), making sure that you get excellent comfort and performance for every situation.
a complete guide about : The Ultimate Review of New Balance 9060
The Good and The Bad | Summary Table | ASICS Novablast 5 Review :
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
New foam for more energy return | Lacks grip on wet surfaces |
Softest cushioning in a Novablast to date | Better breathability |
| Keeps the same price as v4 | Toe box durability concerns |
More stack height for additional cushioning | |
| Enhanced flexibility | |
| Lighter than its predecessor | |
| Best Novablast ever for wide feet | |
| Exceptional weight-to-cushion balance | |
| Works for short, medium, and long runs |
The Novablast 5 keeps its price tag but gives even better energy return, cushioning, flexibility, and fit. That said, the traction on wet ground, the breathability, and the durability of the toe box could use improvements.
Recommended buyers
Runners who want an everyday trainer — This shoe has versatility through its DNA, cushioned but responsive enough for easy runs, long runs, and tempo workouts. That price point is a nice sweet spot rather than getting into the realm of premium-tier running shoes.
For Novablast 3 fans unhappy with version 4– If you loved the plush, bouncy ride and breathable jacquard mesh upper of the Novablast 3 but felt the Novablast 4 was a step backward, you will be pleased to hear this latest model corrects everything that made the 4 a disappointment. Despite overhauling its midsole with an even bouncier and more responsive ride, the Novablast 5 retains the upper that has always made improvements.
Lightweight maximalist shoe buyers – The Novablast 5 features a high stack height, providing plenty of cushion, but even with this volume, they remain quite light. They certainly get the balance right here, offering a feeling of comfort without steering towards slowness, perfect for plush fans who shy away from anything that seems to add bulk.
All-rounders seeking one shoe for everything – If you are after a single pair of shoes suited to casual runs and fast sessions, the Novablast 5 is a great option. The ultimate blend of comfort and energy return, this is for the runner who is still finding their way in the sport.
Not ideal buyers
Plush Foam : The Novablast 5’s best feature is its slightly softer foam, which cushions every run. Suitability: But if you prefer a firmer, more stable ride, you may prefer the more supportive Saucony Ride 17 and Brooks Ghost Max 2.
ASICS Novablast 5 Conclusion and Score While the Novablast 5 shines bright in softness, firmer enjoyers who prefer a more balanced ride may want to look elsewhere. If cushy rides aren’t your thing, the more structured ride with stable cushioning of the saucony Ride 17 and Brooks Ghost Max 2 may be what you’re looking for.
Novablast 5 Outsole on Dry & Wet Pavement : While we enjoyed the Novablast 5’s performance on dry terrain, the outsole has issues in wet conditions and we found the potential for slippery road traction to be a concern.
For those seeking an even more grippy shoe, check out the ASICS Superblast 2 with a fully revamped outsole for a top-notch grip on wet surfaces. For something a little more affordable, the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is an option too, with great PumaGrip rubber for traction on wet roads.
Maximalist Stack Height Is Not For Everyone : The high stack on the Novablast 5 provides nice cushioning but it is not for everyone, if you are looking for a more nimble profile shoe then this is not the one. For a more streamlined, agile option with a livelier feel, the Hoka Mach 6 might be a better choice. This provides that light, fast-sensed structure ideal for sprightly sessions & more active training.
Comparison Chart
Here’s a dedicated comparison chart for the ASICS Novablast series:
| Feature | ASICS Novablast 5 |
|---|---|
| Audience Score | 92 Superb! |
| Price | $140 |
| Pace | Daily running, Tempo |
| Competition | Tempo |
| Arch Support | Neutral |
| Weight (Lab) | 9 oz / 254g |
| Weight (Brand) | 9 oz / 255g |
| Drop (Lab) | 7.4 mm |
| Drop (Brand) | 8.0 mm |
| Strike Pattern | Heel, Mid/forefoot |
| Size Fit | True to size |
| Midsole Softness | Soft |
| Cold Midsole Softness Change | Small |
| Toe box Durability | Good |
| Heel Padding Durability | Good |
| Outsole Durability | Bad |
| Breathability | Moderate |
| Toe box Width (Widest Part) | Medium |
| Toe box Width (Big Toe) | Medium |
| Stiffness | Moderate |
| Cold Stiffness Change | Normal |
| Torsional Rigidity | Stiff |
| Heel Counter Stiffness | Stiff |
| Rocker | ✓ |
| Heel Height (Lab) | 40.9 mm |
| Heel Height (Brand) | 41.5 mm |
| Forefoot Height (Lab) | 33.5 mm |
| Forefoot Height (Brand) | 33.5 mm |
| Widths Available | Normal, Wide |
| Orthotic Friendly | ✓ |
| Season Suitability | All seasons |
| Removable Insole | ✓ |
| Ranking | #8 (Top 3%) |
| Popularity | #3 (Top 1%) |
This table summarizes key specifications of the ASICS Novablast 5 based on performance, durability, comfort, and overall fit.
Cushioning
Heel stack height
ASICS Novablast 5 review ASICS Novablast 5 Fit, Upper, and Comfort Performance In testing, we put the ASICS Novablast 5 resolutely in the maximalist category of shoes, which includes those seats with a heel stack height of a minimum of 40 mm.
It manages to hit quite a bit of cushioning that I think many runners will enjoy the feel of for such a lightweight day-to-day trainer. The Novablast may have also helped stoke the fire of the recent surge in plush, high-stack shoes built for daily runs.
However, ASICS says the Novablast 5 still has the same 41.5 mm stack height it always has, and we have the measurements to prove otherwise.
Given the stack heights, we measured the heel height at 40.9 mm using digital calipers and according to World Athletic guidelines, ranked this high as the highest-stacked Novablast yet. Past versions were 37.2 mm for the Novablast 3 and 39.2 mm for the Novablast 4, so there’s been a continual hike in cushioning on these things.
The increased stack height pays dividends in terms of an incredible cushioning-top-price ratio, and the Novablast 5 is an ideal option for anyone looking for plush comfort on a budget. But other runners like a classic, lower-profile, and more ground-contact feel, that would place them better in something like the Nike Pegasus 41.
Forefoot padding thickness
Using 40 mm as the upper limit in the heel of the shoe for it to be considered maximalist, then 30 mm becomes the upper limit in the forefoot. Well, the Novablast 5 raises the bar here with a cushy 33.5 mm stack height in the forefoot.
There is hardly any registered ground feel, but it does feel just a tad more than previous iterations due to the foam being softer and the rubber outsole slightly thinner.
The FF Blast MAX midsole, which boasts incredible protection for the muscles and joints and accommodates all foot strike patterns even for torturous and extended bouts of running, is all up to the task.
Heel-to-toe offset
ASICS officially lists the drop as 8 mm for this shoe, but our measurements put it a little lower at 7.4 mm. This small variation is still comfortably within our standard 8 to 10mm range, making it a neutral shoe ideal for a daily trainer that suits most footstrike tendencies.
Colors Available In Asics Novablast 5
| Color Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Black Carrier Grey | Sleek black with grey accents |
| Black White | Classic black and white combination |
| Lite-Show Edition | Reflective elements for visibility |
| ASICS Track Club | Special edition with unique branding |
| Luxe Edition | Premium design with elevated aesthetics |
| TR Nature Bathing | Inspired by natural tones |
| Wide Fit Options | Available in select colors for wider feet |
The Novablast 5 comes in a variety of styles, including special editions like Lite-Show for enhanced visibility and Luxe for a more premium feel.
Elasticity / Structural resistance
Stack height in a shoe is one that leads many to compromise with a fickle loss of flexibility, which is an important factor in a daily trainer deemed capable of running as well as casual wear.
Yet ASICS has alleviated the unintended consequence of this in the Novablast 5 by incorporating FF Blast MAX foam and reworking the outsole to be aa better shoe than its predecessor.
As our test at 30 degrees of bend showed, the Novablast 5 only needed 11.2N of force to bend to our target, well clear of the Novablast 4 requiring 17.8N. This flexibility increases the comfort level on walking, jogging, and slower runs, giving the feel of a more adaptable and softer shoe debileration.
Mass measurement
Despite its towering height and increased stack height from previous iterations, ASICS has built the Novablast 5 lighter than ever before. Executive Editor, David Zenlea, commented on the weight savings in his own right, adding, “It’s only a few ounces (200, to be exact), but it’s a rare accomplishment in the pursuit of lighter-car design.”
This high-cushion shoe weighs in at only 8.95 oz (254g) in our measurements, which is a remarkably light build given the volume of foam currently underfoot. For reference, the Brooks Ghost 16, which has far less cushioning, weighs in at 9.4 oz (266g), demonstrating just how well-engineered the Novablast 5 is.
Airflow performance
The remarkable aspect of the Novablast 5 however is that it returns to a jacquard mesh upper after being replaced by the Novablast 4. It is a fantastic looking thing, though how does it compare for warmth?
The breathability is decently a part of our tests. 3/5: Ventilation (Comfort during all seasons) is rated with a smoke-pumping machine In the case of excessively hot days though, we strongly advise wearing it with ultra-thin, moisture-wicking socks, to minimize the risk of overheating.
It revealed ASICS’ intentionality in its design when putting it under direct light. Thinner sections with a more complex pattern are used in the range of widths in the toe box to allow heat to escape through openings among the strings of the lace-up portion, with thicker ones for added structure. The tongue was also fascinating with a bunch of large holes to allow for more air.
We examined the upper with a digital microscope for a closer look. Our first observation was that the mesh layer which is the thinnest layer is sitting outwardly which is not a common practice since the thicker layers are usually kept on top. This adds some extra annotation on the amount of craftsmanship that goes into the making of the Novablast 5.
To sum it up, this is the best upper of the Novablast series by a mile and one of the best you will find for the price. For the heel, it offers plush padding making it incredibly comfortable and the forefoot gets the benefit of lightweight materials. Still, while there are no annoying seams, the toe box is a little scratchy, so maybe don’t go sockless in these.
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Lab Test Results
Category | ASICS Novablast 5 | Average |
|---|---|---|
Cushioning | ||
| Heel Stack Height | 40.9 mm | 34.2 mm |
| Forefoot Stack Height | 33.5 mm | 25.6 mm |
| Drop | 7.4 mm | 8.6 mm |
| Midsole Softness | 13.0 HA | 20.9 HA |
| Midsole Softness in Cold | 18.5 HA | 25.9 HA |
| Softness Change in Cold | 42% | 25% |
| Insole Thickness | 4.4 mm | 4.4 mm |
Size & Fit | ||
| Sizing | True to size | True to size |
| Toe box Width – Widest (New Method) | 97.5 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Toe box Width – Widest (Old Method) | 98.9 mm | 98.5 mm |
| Toe box Width – Big Toe (New Method) | 74.4 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Toe box Width – Big Toe (Old Method) | 79.5 mm | 78.4 mm |
| Toe box Height | 27.2 mm | 27.1 mm |
Stability | ||
| Torsional Rigidity | 4 | 3.4 |
| Heel Counter Stiffness | 3 | 2.9 |
| Midsole Width – Forefoot | 122.3 mm | 114.1 mm |
| Midsole Width – Heel | 97.6 mm | 90.6 mm |
Flexibility & Stiffness | ||
| Flexibility (New Method) | 11.2N | 15.7N |
| Flexibility (Old Method) | 19.1N | 28.1N |
| Stiffness in Cold | 21.9N | 36.2N |
| Cold Stiffness Change | 15% | 32% |
Weight | ||
| Overall Weight | 8.96 oz (254g) | 9.35 oz (265g) |
Breathability | ||
| Breathability Rating | 3 | 3.8 |
Durability | ||
| Toe box Durability | 1 | 2.6 |
| Heel Padding Durability | 3 | 3.3 |
| Outsole Hardness | 78.0 HC | 79.7 HC |
| Outsole Durability | 0.9 mm | 1.1 mm |
| Outsole Thickness | 3.3 mm | 3.2 mm |
Miscellaneous Features | ||
| Price | ₨48,000 | — |
| Reflective Elements | Yes | — |
| Tongue Padding | 5.0 mm | 5.8 mm |
| Tongue Gusset Type | Both sides (semi) | — |
| Heel Tab | Finger loop | — |
| Removable Insole | Yes | — |
FAQs: ASICS Novablast 5
What are the only major change found in the Novablast 5 ?
Soft FF Blast MAX foam is simnifically plushier and more cushioned, and the second change is the biggest.
Is Novablast 5 a good daily trainer?
Yes! At 574 grams this is a lightweight, protective shoe ideally suited for everyday running.
What’s new on the Novablast 5 vs. older versions?
While the Novablast 4 has a higher stack height, softer foam, and better flexibility.
Should I wear the Novablast 5 for long-distance running?
Absolutely! Best for: Long runs with its plush cushioning and soft foam.
How heavy is the Novablast 5?
Hit the scale at 8.96 oz (254g) for size 10, lighter than plenty of beefy, dynamically-cushioned trainers.
Does the Novablast 5 breathe?
Moderately so! The jacquard mesh upper obviously lets air through, but the shoe is not super breezy.
Is the Novablast 5 for walking only?
Yes! With its comfort and cushioning, it is perfect for everyday wear.
Is the insole removable?
Short Answer: Yes, the Novablast 5 has a removable insole for you to customize the feel.
How high is the heel-to-toe drop of the Novablast 5?
ASICS says 8 mm, but our lab benchtop testing found 7.4 mm.
