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The Asics Novablast 5 is a mid-range daily trainer that offers a lot of comfortable cushioning while still being quite lightweight. The Novablast 5 has a new midsole and redesigned upper and outsole compared to the Novablast 4, but still delivers a similar level of performance, though we think it’s a tad less versatile. It competes with the best running shoes we’ve tested this year and it’s one of the best running shoes for beginners, with its main rivals being other mid-range daily trainers like the Nike Pegasus 41, Saucony Ride 17 and Hoka Clifton 9.
Key Stats
- Price: £135/$140
- Weight: 274g/9.7oz (men’s UK 9 / US 10)
- Drop: 8mm
- Stack height: 41.5mm heel, 33.5mm forefoot
Asics Novablast 5 Review
How’s The Fit
Four of the team tested out the Novablast 5 for our review, and all of us recommend sticking with your normal running shoe size. The Novablast 5 does have a spacious upper in the toe box, which does maybe provide a bit too much room if you have a narrow foot like Nick or Tom, but overall the hold around the heel and midfoot was secure.
The Run Test: Likes
The Novablast 5 has a smooth ride and it works for runs at a wide range of paces, even if it’s not the fastest shoe out there. It has a lot of cushioning underfoot, and certainly delivers a protective ride thanks to the high and wide stack of foam, and the width you get here also ensures it’s a stable shoe.
While Asics made a lot of changes to the shoe, it mostly delivers a similar level of performance to the Novablast 4. Nick liked the redesigned heel bevel on the Novablast 5 though, which creates a smoother ride for heel-strikers, and we all found that the new FF Blast Max is softer than the foam on the Novablast 4.
It’s a comfortable shoe that will suit beginner runners very well, including those looking for one of the best marathon running shoes, because it’s still quite sprightly and versatile despite the high level of cushioning you get.
The Run Test: Dislikes
Some of us found that the softer foam on the Novablast 5 reduced its versatility and liveliness compared with the previous model. It’s not a shoe that any of us would rate as a very fast option in general, being more suited to easy daily training.
Mike, Tom and Kieran also all found that their experience in the shoe differed a surprising amount from run to run, and that it magnified their sluggishness when they were tired, but amplified their enjoyment of runs where they felt fresh.
Verdict And Alternatives
The Asics Novablast 5 is an impressive daily trainer and one that will work well for a wide range of runners. The Novablast is a shoe line that changes more than most from generation to generation — we’ve tested every single version of the shoe to date — and with the Novablast 5 you now have a softer ride than the Novablast 4, but one that’s still stable and provides a little versatility.
However, we’re not convinced it’s a worthwhile upgrade on the Novablast 4, which some of us found more versatile. Nick likes the Novablast 5 the most, and more than the Novablast 4, but even he would look for a deal on the older shoe and buy it if you do find it cheaper.
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Compared to other mid-range daily trainers it certainly competes with the best of them. The Nike Pegasus 41 and Puma Velocity Nitro 3 are good options for those who want a higher drop shoe, while the Hoka Clifton 9 is a lower drop, more rockered daily trainer. The Saucony Ride 17 delivers a similar ride, but it has a denser feel to the foam and is heavier.
If you want more of an all-rounder from Asics, then the Superblast 2 has a more responsive and exciting ride than the Novablast 4 for sure, but you will pay a premium to get it. The Novablast 5 is a shoe we prefer to the more cushioned and expensive Asics Gel-Nimbus line though, because it’s lighter and more versatile while still being comfortable.