ASICS NOVABLAST 5

Runner's World’s Ali Ball praises the ASICS Novablast 5 as a bouncy, versatile, and hard‑wearing daily trainer that delivers noticeably softer, more responsive FF Blast Max cushioning without hiking the $150 price. The reviewer is genuinely enthusiastic—saying they looked forward to lacing these up and used them across easy runs, tempo sessions and a half marathon—while remaining measured about limits: the roomy midfoot may not suit narrow feet, the outsole underperforms on wet surfaces, and some runners may prefer firmer, snappier shoes for dedicated speed work. Notable insights include the new engineered Jacquard upper, gusseted tongue, forefoot pod groove and a >40mm heel stack that still feels versatile rather than maxed out. Overall, it’s recommended as an outstanding one‑shoe solution for many runners, especially those seeking comfort and versatility at this price.

Nathaniel Bailey from OutdoorGearLab highlights the ASICS Novablast 5 as an exceptionally comfortable, lightweight, and bouncy daily trainer that kept testers in rotation long past lab cycles. He praises the new FF Blast Max midsole (41 mm heel, 36 mm forefoot) for delivering plush, resilient cushioning and smoother transitions, plus an upper that fits securely without hot spots. The review is upbeat about its versatility—easy runs to quicker paces—and notes improved AHAR LO traction versus prior models. Criticisms are measured: the softer foam reduces stability and makes the rocker geometry less suitable for brand-new runners, and traction still isn’t ideal for consistently cold, wet, or icy conditions. Comparisons to alternatives (Saucony Ride 18, Gel-Kayano 32, Adidas Adizero SL2) and concrete test details support a positive, well-qualified recommendation for most everyday runners.

Brandon Law from Running Shoes Guru praises the ASICS Novablast 5 as the best Novablast yet — a noticeably lighter, softer, and livelier daily trainer that restores the squishy energy of earlier models while improving fit and long-run comfort. He highlights the new FF Blast Max (POE) midsole’s superior energy return and softer ride, a roomier toe-box, improved upper and fewer “slappy” transitions, and notes solid durability and broad pace-range suitability (easy runs up to uptempo efforts). Criticisms are measured: the shoe is slightly less stable than v4, the long tongue label feels cheap, the outsole can pick up small stones, and it isn’t ideal for threshold/V02 max sessions. Overall, Law conveys clear enthusiasm and recommends the Novablast 5 as a versatile, well-priced daily trainer and a worthwhile upgrade for Novablast 4 owners.

RunRepeat’s Carlos Sánchez praises the ASICS Novablast 5 as a joyful, well-priced maximalist daily trainer that restores much of the series’ original bounce. He highlights meaningful upgrades—softer, lower‑density FF Blast MAX foam, improved energy return, lighter weight, a roomy yet secure fit, and better flexibility—backed by lab measurements (stack height, durometer, energy‑return and traction scores). Criticisms are candid: wet‑surface grip is only adequate, some upper and heel‑collar materials sacrifice durability, and the plush, high‑stack design reduces ground feel and nimbleness for runners seeking a firmer, more agile ride. Sánchez balances lab data with many real‑world tests and clear comparisons (Saucony Ride, Brooks, Hoka, ASICS Superblast), concluding the Novablast 5 offers exceptional cushioning‑to‑price value for neutral runners and beginners, while recommending alternatives for those prioritizing traction, responsiveness, or long‑term upper durability.

Running Magazine / Canadian Running’s Madeleine Kelly praises the ASICS Novablast 5 for bringing lively, confident updates to a familiar daily trainer. She highlights the new all-FF Blast Max midsole—unique to this model—for noticeably more bounce (about an 8% increase), durable cushioning after 100+ km, and an outsole geometry that amplifies the shoe’s trampoline-like energy. Kelly also commends the comfortable, true-to-size upper with roomy toe box and a Superblast-inspired tongue that delivers a secure, locked-in fit. Criticisms are minimal and measured: the review frames the shoe as a versatile do-it-all trainer rather than a lightweight racer, implying users wanting a faster race shoe may pair it with something lighter. Overall the tone is upbeat and enthusiastic, emphasizing practical, real-world wear experience and durable performance.

RoadTrailRun praises the ASICS Novablast 5 as a lively, lightweight max‑cushion daily trainer that sharpens the series’ fun, bouncy character. Multiple testers loved the reduced weight, new FF Blast Max foam and sleeker engineered jacquard upper for a quicker, more agile toe‑off and strong breathability—calling it an excellent, good‑value $140 daily trainer for efficient, faster‑paced runners. Criticisms are measured: midfoot and rear structure could be firmer for slower heel‑strikers or those needing pronation control, the outsole can trap small pebbles, and one tester found the forefoot trampoline feel a bit loud or harsh at easy paces. Unique insights note the narrower platform versus v4 restores some of the original Novablast’s nimbleness and that the shoe performs best for mid/forefoot runners or lighter athletes seeking energetic cushion rather than slow‑pace stability. Overall, the team views v5 as an improved, highly capable member of the Novablast line.

Women’s Running praises the ASICS Novablast 5 as a versatile, well-priced daily trainer that balances plush comfort with lively responsiveness. The reviewer, Laura Fountain, highlights meaningful updates—lighter weight and the new FF BLAST MAX foam—that make landings softer than the Novablast 4 while retaining spring for quicker paces; the 32.5mm stack feels substantial without being overly high. Fit is true-to-size with roomy toe box and secure heel padding, and the jacquard mesh avoided rubbing during runs. After three outings the shoe earned strong marks as a one-shoe solution for beginners or runners with limited rotation. The main caveat is traction: the lighter AHAR LO outsole and cutaways reduced surface area, producing less grip on frosty surfaces. Overall the tone is upbeat and confident, recommending the Novablast 5 for its comfort, responsiveness, and value while noting modest traction limits.

Believe in the Run praises the ASICS Novablast 5 for delivering an exceptionally comfortable, high‑stack daily trainer at a strong $140 value. The reviewers celebrate the new Flytefoam Blast Max for its soft, light, and protective ride that’s ideal for long miles and marathon training, noting surprising stability despite the 41.5 mm stack. They also praise forefoot cushion and toe-off feel, comparing its ride favorably to pricier competitors. Criticisms focus on a looser, less structured upper than the Novablast 4 (problematic for low‑volume feet) and a mid‑tier AHAR Lo outsole that can feel slippery when wet. Overall, the tone is positively measured: enthusiastic about the ride and value but candid about fit and traction tradeoffs, recommending the 5 for runners who prioritize plush daily comfort—while suggesting others favor the Novablast 4 or Superblast depending on their needs.

Lisa Buckingham from The Telegraph praises the ASICS Novablast 5 as an energizing, highly comfortable daily trainer that delivers exceptional bounce and shock absorption for road running. After about 90 km of mixed runs—short fast efforts, tempo work, hill sessions and longer steady outings—the reviewer found the FF Blast Max foam and trampoline-inspired outsole made running feel noticeably easier and more responsive, while the engineered Jacquard upper offered roomy, breathable comfort (particularly welcome for wide feet). Durability through the test miles impressed, with little wear and preserved cushioning, though the shallow outsole lugs mean traction in wet or uneven conditions is a real caveat; narrow-footed runners may also find the roomy fit too loose. Overall, Buckingham presents the Novablast 5 as a versatile, value-packed daily trainer that favors lively propulsion over rugged, trail-ready grip.

Solereview praises the ASICS Novablast 5 as an ultra-plush, comfortable everyday trainer with a noticeably improved upper fit and excellent cushioning for long miles, but criticizes its softened midsole and weak rocker that blunt speed and propulsion. The reviewer uses the Japanese metaphor of "umami" to argue the shoe has lost the distinctive character that made earlier Novablasts special: the new FlyteFoam Blast Max delivers a rubbery, doughy softness (temperature-sensitive like Nike React) that dampens energy return and can feel sluggish during quicker efforts. Positives include roomy toe-box, breathable upper, secure heel, and strong long-run damping; concerns cover reduced propulsive feel, possible midsole fatigue after several hundred miles, and confusing FlyteFoam naming. Overall, the Novablast 5 is an agreeable, crowd-pleasing daily trainer—comfortable and commercially appealing—but no longer the standout speed-capable model it once was.

Tom's Guide praises the ASICS Novablast 5 as a very comfortable, lightly weighted daily trainer with a smoother, softer ride than its predecessor thanks to updated FF Blast Max Plus foam and a reduced heel bevel. The reviewer is upbeat but measured — clearly prefers this fifth generation and finds it excellent for easy, steady, and long runs, noting good grip, durability, roomy fit, and strong value against pricier cushioned models. Criticisms are tempered: the Novablast 5 isn’t a dramatic upgrade over the Novablast 4, and it lacks the responsiveness of plated or more race‑oriented trainers, so it’s best paired in a rotation rather than used as a primary racing shoe. Overall the tone is positive and confident, recommending the Novablast 5 as a top do‑it‑all daily trainer while acknowledging sensible caveats about performance and value.

WearTesters praises the Asics Novablast 5 as a versatile, well-priced ($140) daily trainer that restores much of the line’s liveliness while adding durability and stability. Drew Whitcomb conveys upbeat, measured enthusiasm—he highlights the new FF BLAST MAX midsole for its squishy comfort and surprising responsiveness during uptempo efforts, the gusseted neoprene-like tongue that ends slippage, and the grippy AHAR LO outsole that shows minimal wear. Criticisms are modest but specific: the engineered jacquard upper increases forefoot volume and causes some awkward flex/“poofing,” a cosmetic and fit annoyance for picky runners. Tested across recovery runs and faster intervals, the shoe performs well to about 10–12 miles and offers strong value relative to pricier peers. Overall tone is positive and confident: not as explosive as the Novablast 3, but a sensible, satisfying evolution that will please most fans of the series.

Amazon reviewers overwhelmingly praise the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 for its lightweight, highly cushioned ride and roomy toe box. Runners and walkers report that the shoe delivers a springy, responsive feel that helps increase pace and reduces foot and lower-back discomfort; several purchasers say the shoe even helped resolve overuse pain like peroneal tendonitis or underpronation issues. Reviewers highlight strong arch support, stable cushioning for long runs and half marathons, and a comfortable upper that molds to the foot when sizing up slightly. Buyers frequently recommend ordering a half to a full size larger than street shoes to allow toe splay and downhill clearance. People also note the broad color selection and attractive styling as pluses. A few reviewers express minor durability and fit variances, but most emphasize the NOVABLAST 5’s combination of cushion, lightness, and forward propulsion makes it an excellent daily trainer.

Marathon Sports reviewers praise the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 for its lively, bouncy ride and plush yet not overly soft cushioning. Runners repeatedly call it an ideal daily trainer—comfortable for easy runs, responsive enough for tempo work and strides, and light enough to encourage faster pacing. Several users highlight an improved upper over prior versions: a stretchier, more form-fitting mesh that reduces front-of-foot wiggle and enhances lockdown. Many runners notice strong energy return compared with other shoes they’ve run in, reporting less perceived effort and easier turnover. Reviewers also point out a few trade-offs: some expect slightly reduced durability versus earlier generations as the foam’s spring can diminish after a few hundred miles, and a few mention a loud, firm outsole that can feel “slappy” at slower paces. A couple of users advise sizing up or note the fit runs a touch snug for some feet. Overall, Marathon Sports customers consistently describe the NOVABLAST 5 as a fun, versatile daily trainer with standout cushioning and responsiveness.