ASICS Novablast 5

(Paid for with my own money and not sponsored) In my opinion these have to be one of the best shoes for versatility. Have loved wearing them! Pros: - Comfort. No issues with discomfort, blisters or anything else - Versatility. Can handle an variety of sessions Cons - Not built for speed.

T The Run Testers The Run Testers · 121K subscribers · Jun 2026

I think it's an improvement all round, I would say.

S ShoesTrace ShoesTrace Editorial Team · reviewer

Absolutely—the NOVABLAST 5 EKIDEN is specifically designed as a road-focused neutral trainer ideal for everyday training, tempo runs, and long-distance work. The high-stack FF BLAST MAX cushioning provides an energized, responsive ride that reduces fatigue over extended distances.

P Preloved Kickx Preloved Kickx · 22 subscribers · Apr 2026

The Novablast 5 is lighter, bouncier and just more fun to run in. It's the new default daily trainer, full stop.

W WearTesters Drew Whitcomb · reviewer

Its accommodating, true-to-size fit (plus availability of a wide version), excellent price, protective comfort, and incredible versatility make the Novablast 5 an easy shoe to point to for those looking for “one affordable shoe to rule them all.” Full review.

K KennyJoggins KennyJoggins · 18 subscribers · Jul 2026

They're great. Personally, I weigh 225 lb when I started running in these. I was probably I think that works out to about but I've run in these from anywhere from 99 kilos up to about 105. So, of 200 105. So, been really solid for me. I've really enjoyed the run.

R RUNNEA Gorka Sedano · reviewer

The ASICS Novablast 5 is the running shoe with the highest search volume on RUNNEA . That means 3 things. That it is a shoe in great demand by the popular runner. That it is a shoe with a good quality/price ratio. And that it is a shoe for almost everyone.

B Believe in the Run Article

One of our returning favorites, the newly updated Novablast 5 features minimal yet noticeable changes from its predecessor. That being said, iterating on an already-solid shoe is tough work, especially when you’re throwing upper mods into the mix.

R RunRepeat - Athletic shoe reviews Carlos Sánchez · reviewer

The heel counter retains a balanced design that earned a 3/5 in our assessment, providing reliable support without ever feeling intrusive. In addition, ASICS packed the area with generous foam padding to create a truly luxurious step-in feel.

L Lemon8 Article

I choose NOVABLAST 5 because of how versatile it is so it can help me better figure out my best form. It’s good to understand your current form and some bad habits (eg heel striking) and get a running shoe that helps correct it!

R Rundreamachieve Article

The Novablast 5 is a robust, well-constructed daily trainer. Its midsole foam and outsole rubber are built for the heavy volume of base training, meaning it often survives longer in your rotation.

R RunRepeat - Athletic shoe reviews Carlos Sánchez · reviewer

Meanwhile, the Novablast 5 uses FF Blast Max, a well-balanced compound in every aspect, and the Versablast 4 relies on the cheaper Amplifoam+, which is not even a supercritical foam but basic EVA.

B BlackToe Running Inc. Sarah Strehler · reviewer

It would make a great intro shoe for a newer runner, or a good daily trainer for those easy 5 to 10k runs for just about anybody. It does feel like an upgrade from the 4 with more cushioning.

T The Running Channel Mark Dredge · reviewer

ASICS Novablast was the most-used running shoe for Strava users in 2025. As a versatile and comfortable daily trainer, the Novablast has become a much-loved franchise for ASICS.

F Find My Footwear Paul Freary · reviewer

From the first version of the NOVABLAST, the shoe proved to be an instant hit with runners. It offers a lightweight package of cushioning that handles any speed with ease.

K kofuzi neverbelieveing5284 · owner · Nov 2024

Just had my best race in those a few days ago. Felt great after 21km, improved my best time with 9 minutes. So far i like the shoe a lot, very comfortable and light.

T The Travelling Foxes Natalie Tarin · reviewer

The Novablast 5 hits that sweet spot of performance and style. It’s a versatile daily trainer that I’d trust for everything from a quick 5k to a half-marathon.

F FORDY RUNS Gog1985 · owner · Nov 2024

Brilliant review Going from my HOKA Clifton 9s into these Novablast 5 , for me , has been an absolute treat. Love them . Hoping they stand the test of time .

I love them. Really comfy and roomy toe box. I briefly tried a Nike shoe but didn’t compare. I’d say go with whatever you’re familiar with.

R Run Weekly Run Weekly · reviewer

After plenty of miles in these, I’d say this version is a genuine return to form, especially for anyone let down by the fourth iteration.

R Running Scientist shuichi hibino · reviewer

Durability on the NOVABLAST 5 is excellent. At 700km, the midsole cushioning was still very much intact — the bounce was there.

E Emily Heller drewman747 · owner · Nov 2024

I usually buy the previous year’s version to save money, but I am tempted to get the 5’s instead of the 4’s.

C CorrerJuntos Abraham Márquez Rodríguez · reviewer

Yes, it is worth it if you want a shoe with reactive, fun cushioning for daily runs and long runs.

That’s why I love the Novablast 5 - and honestly, ASICS shoes in general.

B BuzzFeed Spencer Althouse · reviewer

Between the two, though, my pick would easily be the Novablast 5.

S Solereview Article

There are reports of the FF Blast Max foam partially losing its cushioning after a couple of hundred miles. Since our review is of a short-term (30-50 miles) nature, we cannot confirm the cushioning degradation. But again, people complain when there’s a valid reason to. So we’ll list cushioning fatigue as one of the potential areas to watch out for.

J Jack Runs Jack Runs · 850 subscribers · Feb 2026

It's almost like that classic daily trainer where realistically, it can handle almost everything, but again, it's not something you'd want to be using for your quality or speed sessions at all.

Y Yowana emceenz · owner · Mar 2025

I'm a 60kg, 1:17 half / 2:50 full marathon runner that midfoot strikes, and I'd pick the Superblast 2 over the Novablast 5 any day of the week. I've put 400km (250-ish miles) in the Novablast 5, and the foam doesn't feel great. I'm finding it compressing a lot with not much return, and I'm not a very 'heavy' runner that puts down a tonne of force.

@ @sophielovesrunning @sophielovesrunning · 298 subscribers · Jan 2026

I love this shoe and I have tried everything to stop it giving me blisters, but I get them in the same place on my right foot with anything over 10 kilometers and I run far quite regularly. So, it means that these haven't been being used nearly as much as I would want. And I'm gutted. I am gutted because every time I put this shoe on, it feels amazing. Like amazing.

R RunToTheFinish Article

I was simultaneously testing the new Gel-Nimbus 27 and had the same feeling in that shoe, but not so much in the Novablast 5. Which leads me to believe this might just be the fit of Asics shoes and I’d forgotten.

F FORDY RUNS jasonmiszuk9870 · owner · Dec 2024

Novablast was too soft for me, caused a lot of knee issues. Actually bought the EVO SL to replace them and have been super happy. For reference I’m also 6’3” and 195 lbs.

T The Run Testers robfeakins783 · owner · Nov 2025

I loved the Novoblast 5 out of the box but lost its bounce at 80 miles. Enjoying the Vomero Plus which has more bounce and feels more durable.

F FORDY RUNS FORDY RUNS · reviewer

While that has broadened its appeal, some of the character that made the early Novablasts so memorable has gradually disappeared.

S Solereview Article

However, runners who loved the ultra-secure upper and defined rocker effect of the Novablast 4 will be disappointed.

R Runner's Cove Runner's Cove · reviewer

Novablast 5: More breathable and lighter, but sacrifices a tiny bit of that “locked-down” structure.

Both are disappointing. You can get far better options for the same money.

I just got the novablast and yeah they can be a bit slippery.

G Garage Gym Reviews Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC · reviewer

Less ideal for athletes needing stability features

R RunToTheFinish Article

Durable over many miles