QUICK ANSWER
Yes, for comfortable daily mileage. This ASICS Novablast 5 review finds a soft, versatile neutral trainer that suits easy and long runs. Independent testers scored cushioning 8.6/10, but traction just 5.5/10. Choose it for plush road comfort, not maximum wet-road grip, firm stability, or all-out speed.
Is the Novablast 5 right for your runs?
- Best for neutral runners doing easy, steady, and long road runs.
- Official men’s weight: 255 g, with an 8 mm drop.
- Skip if slick roads or structured motion control are priorities.
GearLab overall
Cushioning
Traction
Amazon rating
Best for: Neutral road runners wanting soft, lively cushioning.
Not ideal for: Wet paths, narrow feet, or support-shoe needs.
Price guide: ASICS lists $150; Amazon’s live offer varies.
PUBLISHED PERFORMANCE SCORES
First four scores: OutdoorGearLab. Stability: RTINGS. These are separate testing systems, not one combined rating. Compare the GearLab test scores.
Comfort and fit 8.0/10
Cushioning 8.6/10
Breathability 8.6/10
Traction 5.5/10
Stability 7.5/10
I’m Steven Tyler. This research-based review uses published tests, not my own running logs.
What Is the ASICS Novablast 5 and Who Is It For?
The ASICS Novablast 5 is a high-cushion neutral road-running shoe. It pairs FF BLAST MAX foam with a tall sole and a breathable mesh upper.
- Run mostly on paved roads.
- Want high cushioning without a plate.
- Prefer a roomy forefoot.
- You need stability guidance for overpronation.
- You frequently run on slick surfaces.
- You want a firmer, faster workout shoe.
ASICS Novablast 5 Pros and Cons
Its strongest feature is plush road comfort. Its clearest weakness is less secure traction when surfaces get slick.
- GearLab rates cushioning 8.6/10 after independent shoe testing.
- Official 255 g weight is reasonable for this cushioning.
- Eight-millimeter drop suits many familiar road-running stride patterns.
- Wide sizing helps runners needing more toe room.
- GearLab’s traction score falls to just 5.5/10.
- RunRepeat scores toebox fabric durability only 1/5.
- Roomy upper can feel loose on low-volume feet.
- Soft, tall foam lacks dedicated stability guidance.
ASICS Novablast 5 Key Features — What Do Tests Show?
Does FF BLAST MAX Foam Make Long Runs Easier?
Yes, the soft foam is the main reason to choose this shoe. GearLab rates its cushioning 8.6/10.
Cushioning: published GearLab comparison
Takeaway: The Novablast sits close to the softest shoe in this selected group.
Is the Novablast 5 Actually Bouncy and Fast?
It has useful bounce, but it is not a race-day speed shoe. RTINGS scores energy return 7.0/10.
Takeaway: A lively daily trainer is different from a fast racing shoe.
RTINGS measured 77.3% energy return at the forefoot and 74.0% at the heel. Forefoot landings feel more energetic than heel landings.
Does the Mesh Upper Fit Wide Feet?
The fit is generous through the forefoot, with wide sizing available. RTINGS scores size accuracy 9.1/10.
Takeaway: Most can begin with their normal size, then check heel security.
Some hands-on reviewers found the upper too loose for low-volume feet. Try the shoe with your usual running socks before committing.
Fit tip: Check toe space and heel movement while walking and jogging. The Amazon listing flags this style as running large.
How Secure Is the Outsole on Wet Roads?
Grip is the main caution. GearLab gives the Novablast 5 a 5.5/10 traction score.
Traction: published GearLab comparison
Takeaway: Its strong cushioning score should not hide this grip gap.
Warning: Road traction scores do not make this shoe suitable for mud, ice, or technical trails.
Will the Outsole and Upper Last?
The rubber holds up better than the thin toe fabric. RunRepeat measured 0.9 mm of outsole damage in its abrasion test.
Takeaway: Watch toe fabric wear, not just tread wear.
Care tip: Dry wet shoes at room temperature. Avoid heat that can stress the upper and foam.
How Does the ASICS Novablast 5 Perform in Real Tests?
Independent RTINGS lab results show a shoe that protects well but is less explosive than its tall foam stack suggests. These scores reflect published tests, not testing conducted for this article.
RTINGS performance measures
ASICS Novablast 5 Full Specifications
These are the advertised men’s specifications and confirmed design details. Lab weight and stack measurements can differ by method and size. See the official ASICS technology announcement.
| Specification | ASICS Novablast 5 |
|---|---|
| Ride and geometry | |
| Men’s official weight | 255 g / 9 oz |
| Heel stack | 41.5 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 33.5 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Construction and fit | |
| Midsole | FF BLAST MAX |
| Upper | Engineered jacquard mesh |
| Outsole | AHAR LO rubber |
| Tongue | Winged/gusseted |
| Wide fit available | ✓ Yes |
| Carbon plate | ✗ No |
How Does the ASICS Novablast 5 Compare to Competitors?
The Novablast 5 wins for plush daily comfort over the HOKA Mach 6. The adidas Adizero Evo SL is the stronger pick for fast workouts.
ASICS Novablast 5 vs adidas Adizero Evo SL
Choose the Novablast for softer easy miles; choose the Evo SL for more snap. GearLab rates their cushioning 8.6 and 8.0, but traction 5.5 and 7.5, respectively.
ASICS Novablast 5 vs HOKA Mach 6
Choose the Novablast for more underfoot foam; choose the Mach 6 for a lighter, firmer ride. The Mach 6 lists an 8.2 oz men’s weight and a 5 mm drop.
| Feature | Novablast 5 | Evo SL | Mach 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| List price | $150 | $150 | $140 |
| GearLab overall | 80/100 | 78/100 | 68/100 |
| GearLab cushioning | 8.6/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Drop, brand spec | 8 mm | 6 mm | 5 mm |
| Men’s listed weight | 9 oz | Approx. 7.9 oz | 8.2 oz |
For test details, see the RTINGS review.
ASICS Novablast 5 Pricing — Is It Worth the Price?
Yes, if comfort is your main goal and the final price stays competitive. ASICS lists the shoe at $150, while older colors often sell for less.
A third-party Amazon tracker recorded $129.95 for one listing and a historical low of $108. Those figures apply to that listing, not every size.
The checked Amazon page currently shows no featured offer. Confirm the seller, return policy, final price, and size before ordering.
ASICS Novablast 5 Neutral Cushioned Road Running Shoes
Worth considering at a discount, but do not overpay for scarce sizes.
Who Should Buy the ASICS Novablast 5?
Buy it if easy and long road runs make up most of your week. Skip it when grip, strict support, or race pace matters more.
- Neutral runners logging long, relaxed miles on paved roads.
- Runners who prefer soft cushioning over firm ground feel.
- Shoppers finding their correct size at a clear discount.
- Rain, slick turns, or wet leaves dominate your routes.
- You need motion-control guidance or close-fitting race-shoe lockdown.
Bottom line: Prioritize secure fit and dependable road conditions over impressive stack-height numbers.
What Are Real Buyers Saying About the ASICS Novablast 5?
Amazon displayed 4.6/5 stars from 2,562 ratings on the checked men’s listing. That is encouraging, but the rating alone cannot identify verified-purchase trends.
Amazon listing snapshot: 4.6/5 · 2,562 ratings
- Soft landings feel comfortable on longer paved road runs.
- Generous forefoot works well for many neutral-footed runners.
- High cushioning comes without an unusually heavy listed weight.
- Wet road grip trails stronger-performing competing running shoes.
- Loose upper fit frustrates some low-volume-footed road runners.
Themes above summarize independent professional reviews, not a verified sample of Amazon comments.
Final Verdict — Should You Choose Comfort Over Grip?
The ASICS Novablast 5 is a strong everyday road trainer when soft cushioning matters most. Independent test scores support that strength, while weaker traction makes the buying decision less automatic. Its broad fit suits many feet, but low-volume runners should try it first. The foam offers comfort without the snap of a dedicated workout or racing shoe. The next Novablast generation is already available, so compare prices rather than paying a premium for an older model. For dry-road mileage at a sensible price, this remains a compelling choice.
ASICS Novablast 5 High-Cushion Neutral Daily Running Shoe
Check stock and compare the final price with newer neutral trainers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASICS Novablast 5 good for beginners?
Yes, for beginners comfortable in neutral shoes. Its 8 mm drop and high cushioning can feel welcoming on easy runs. However, the tall, soft platform does not offer dedicated stability guidance, so runners with support needs should also test a structured trainer.
Does the ASICS Novablast 5 run true to size?
Most independent tests call it true to size, and RTINGS scored size accuracy 9.1/10. Yet Amazon labels the checked style as running large. The forefoot is generous, so narrow-footed shoppers should pay close attention to heel security and upper volume.
Is the Novablast 5 good for marathon training?
Yes, especially for easy and steady long training runs. The 41.5 mm heel stack provides substantial cushioning, though RTINGS gives long-run performance 7.3/10. For race-day speed, a lighter and more propulsive option can make more sense.
Is the ASICS Novablast 5 good for walking?
It can work for walking if its soft ride feels stable to you. The official shoe weight is 255 g in the men’s reference size. Still, the high stack and soft heel may feel less grounded than a firmer walking shoe.
How is the Novablast 5 different from the Novablast 4?
The Novablast 5 switches to FF BLAST MAX foam and a redesigned mesh upper. Reviewers generally describe a softer, more comfortable ride than version 4. The official 8 mm drop remains, but some runners prefer the older model’s more structured feel.
Is the ASICS Novablast 5 good on wet roads?
It is usable on some damp pavement, but wet traction is not a strength. GearLab scored traction 5.5/10, and several reviewers reported slips. Slow down on slick corners and choose a grippier shoe if rain is part of most runs.
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