If you’re searching for an honest ASICS Novablast 5 review, you’ve landed in the right place. The Novablast series has been a fan favorite for years, and the ASICS Novablast 5 (released December 2024) takes everything up a notch with softer cushioning, better bounce, and surprising versatility — all while staying at a very reasonable price.
In this full ASICS Novablast 5 review, I’ll break down the real-world performance based on lab tests, long-run testing, and direct comparisons. Whether you’re a beginner chasing easy miles or a seasoned runner looking for a do-it-all trainer, I’ll tell you exactly who this shoe is for (and who should skip it).
ASICS Novablast 5: Key Specs at a Glance
Before we dive deep, here are the headline numbers:
- Price: $150 (still the same as the Novablast 4 — huge win)
- Weight: 9.0 oz / 254g (men’s US 9) — noticeably lighter than the v4
- Stack Height: 41.5 mm heel / 33.5 mm forefoot (lab measured 40.9 mm heel)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Midsole: Full-length FF Blast Max (brand-new POE foam)
- Outsole: AHAR LO rubber
- Upper: Engineered jacquard mesh
- Available widths: Normal + Wide
- Best for: Daily training, easy runs, long runs, recovery, light tempo
This is a neutral road shoe with a high-stack, max-cushion feel that still stays surprisingly light and lively.
NOVABLAST 5 : L’ÉQUILIBRE PARFAIT ENTRE CONFORT ET RÉACTIVITÉ (TEST) – We Rock Sport
What’s New in the ASICS Novablast 5?
The biggest upgrade is the FF Blast Max midsole foam. ASICS took the foam first used in the Glideride Max and put it full-length in the Novablast 5. Result?
- 8.5% more bounce (lab tests show ~64% energy return)
- Softer landings without feeling mushy
- Smoother heel-to-toe transitions (goodbye to the “slappy” feel some runners complained about in the v4)
The upper switched back to a lighter jacquard mesh (like the Novablast 3), the toebox got wider and more structured, and the heel flare was reduced for better rearfoot comfort. Everything feels more refined, modern, and ready for high mileage.
Upper: Breathable, Secure, and Wide-Foot Friendly
The engineered jacquard mesh in the ASICS Novablast 5 is thinner and more breathable than the furry knit on the Novablast 4. Lab breathability scores 3/5 — decent for most runs but not the most ventilated shoe on the market.
You get:
- A wider, more accommodating toebox (74.4 mm lab width)
- Semi-gusseted tongue with a new lace loop for perfect lockdown
- Soft heel collar with finger loop
- Reflective details for night runs
Fit verdict: True to size. The Novablast 5 finally fixes the narrow toebox issue of the v4. Wide-foot runners will love it (wide version available too). The mesh feels slightly rough sockless, so most people wear thin running socks.
Asics Novablast 5 Review: Strength in Softness
Midsole Magic: FF Blast Max Changes Everything
This is where the ASICS Novablast 5 shines brightest.
The full-length FF Blast Max foam is softer (30.3 AC on lab durometer — plushier than average) yet resilient. You sink in just enough for pillow-like comfort, then it springs you forward with excellent energy return (63.6% heel / 66.5% forefoot).
Lab shock absorption is elite (141 SA in heel). The subtle rocker geometry and wide midsole base (122.3 mm forefoot) give surprising stability for such a tall stack. No carbon plate, no aggressive propulsion — just smooth, fun, protective cushioning.
Real-world feel:
- Easy pace (7–8 min/km): Cloud-like and effortless
- Long runs (20+ km): Legs feel fresh the next day
- Light tempo/uptempo: Still bouncy and responsive
- Cold weather: Gets ~42% firmer (normal for most foams)
After 80–100+ km of testing across multiple reviewers, the foam shows zero breakdown. This is a high-mileage beast.
Asics Novablast 5 Performance Review – WearTesters
Outsole: Durable and Grippy on Dry Roads
ASICS used lightweight AHAR LO rubber in high-wear zones with strategic cutouts to save weight. After 83 km in one test, wear was minimal — experts expect 500–600+ miles of life.
Traction is solid on dry pavement and light trails. Wet grip is average (0.53 lab score), so be careful on rainy days or leaves. Small stones can get stuck in the cutouts, but that’s a minor complaint.
Fit, Sizing & Comfort: True to Size and Plush
Most runners (over 600 votes on RunRepeat) say the ASICS Novablast 5 fits true to size. Internal length measures 274.6 mm in a men’s US 9.
- Heel: Secure with good padding
- Midfoot: Wraps nicely
- Forefoot: Spacious and roomy — biggest improvement over v4
The shoe feels immediately comfortable out of the box. No break-in needed. Orthotic friendly with removable insole.
On the Run: How the Novablast 5 Actually Performs
I’ve seen testers put 30–40+ miles on these in just a few weeks. Here’s the breakdown:
Easy & Recovery Runs This is where it feels unbeatable. The plush cushioning and rocker make slow miles fly by. Perfect for base building or active recovery.
Long Runs High stack + excellent energy return = happy legs after 25–30 km. One tester called it “the best long-run shoe under $150.”
Tempo & Speedwork Surprisingly capable for light tempo and strides. Not a racer (go Superblast for that), but it handles marathon-pace efforts better than most max-cushion trainers.
Daily Training Versatile enough to be your only shoe. It does everything well without feeling specialized.
Overall ride: Soft, bouncy, stable, and fun. The improved transitions make it feel faster than the numbers suggest.
ASICS Novablast 5 vs Novablast 4: Big Upgrade or Not?
Yes — this is the best Novablast yet.
| Feature | Novablast 5 | Novablast 4 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 254g | 267g | Novablast 5 |
| Midsole Feel | Softer + bouncier | Firmer, sometimes slappy | Novablast 5 |
| Transition | Smooth rocker | Noticeable slap | Novablast 5 |
| Toebox | Wider & structured | Narrower | Novablast 5 |
| Energy Return | +8.5% (lab ~64%) | Lower | Novablast 5 |
| Price | $150 | $150 | Tie |
If you loved the v4’s firmer ride, you might still prefer it for faster efforts. But 90% of runners will find the Novablast 5 more comfortable and versatile.
Asics Men’s Novablast 5 | Marathon Sports
Who Should Buy the ASICS Novablast 5?
Perfect for:
- Neutral runners wanting max cushion without max weight
- High-mileage marathon trainers (easy + long runs)
- Beginners to intermediate runners
- Anyone with slightly wider feet
- Runners who hated the v4’s firmness
Skip if:
- You want a firm, snappy ride for speedwork
- You run mostly in wet conditions
- You need maximum stability (try GT-2000 or Kayano)
- You prefer super-shoes for racing
Pros and Cons of the ASICS Novablast 5
Pros:
- Exceptional value at $150
- Lighter + softer + bouncier than v4
- Smooth, protective ride for long distances
- Surprisingly stable high-stack design
- Wide fit option available
- Durable outsole
Cons:
- Average breathability
- Toebox mesh durability is lower
- Wet traction could be better
- Too soft for aggressive racers
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the ASICS Novablast 5?
Yes — 100%. The ASICS Novablast 5 is the best daily trainer ASICS has ever made in this price range. It fixes every complaint about the v4, delivers plush-yet-lively cushioning, and feels like a $180+ shoe.
If you want one shoe that can handle 80% of your training (easy, long, recovery, light tempo), this is it. It’s comfortable, fun, protective, and great value.
Rating: 9.2/10
Highly recommended for 2026 training blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the ASICS Novablast 5 true to size? Yes — overwhelmingly true to size. Wide option available.
How does it compare to the Hoka Clifton or Nike Pegasus? Softer and more cushioned than Pegasus 41, lighter and bouncier than most Hokas in this category.
Is it good for marathon racing? Great for training. For race day many will pair it with a super-shoe, but plenty of runners use it successfully for half and full marathons.
How long will the cushioning last? Expect 500–600+ km with no major breakdown.
