Ask me the most requested shoe review on the blog, and it’s usually the ASICS Novablast 5. The pull this model has had on some runners is wild. Truthfully, I’ve been a Superblast girlie for a while now.
The ASICS Novablast 5 continues to build on the success of previous models, offering a high-stack, cushioned performance trainer with a few key updates. One of the biggest trends in running shoes lately has been increasing stack heights, more cushioning, and often, higher prices. However, ASICS has managed to maintain a competitive price point while refining the Novablast 5 with a new upper and the introduction of the FF Blast Max midsole. This results in a lighter, smoother, and more comfortable ride than ever before.
Questions I Had Before Trying the ASICS Novablast 5:
- Is the ASICS Novablast 5 good? I think it’s better than previous versions.
- What makes the ASICS Novablast 5 different? The introduction of the new FF Blast Max has made the shoe much softer and much smoother.
- Does the ASICS Novablast 5 fit true to size? For an ASICS shoe, it’s fairly true to size but it does fit on the more narrow side.
- Is there a big update for the ASICS Novablast 5? Yes, the introduction of the FF Blast Max makes the shoe feel completely different.
ASICS Novablast 5 Quick Facts
Price: $139.95
Weight: 9 oz (255 g) / 7.9 oz (225 g)
Stack Height: M 41.5 mm / 33.5 mm; W 40.5 mm / 32.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
ASICS Novablast 5 Upper and Fit
Well definitely not important, I’m a huge fan of the color of these Novablast. Seriously how fun is the pink? The ASICS Novablast 5 features a new mesh upper that provides a secure yet comfortable fit. Thank goodness, because if we’re being honest here, the previous version’s fit just didn’t do it for me. In the Mojave Desert summer, my feet were sweating up a storm. This year, the material is slightly thinner and more breathable than previous versions, with a lower-volume fit that ensures a snug feel without being overly restrictive.
The toe box has a slight taper on the lateral side but offers enough room for natural toe splay. The midfoot fits slightly wider but remains low in volume, while the tongue is thin and gusseted, ensuring it stays in place. The heel collar is generously padded, which helps with comfort and lockdown, though the moderately stiff heel counter or higher cut may not be ideal for those with extreme heel sensitivities.
The best running shoe uppers disappear on your feet, and for the most part, the ASICS Novablast 5 does just that. Some may find the heel counter a bit too stiff, but it hasn’t bothered me.
Overall, the upper is an improvement, offering a balance of breathability, security, and comfort. However, the mesh material can feel slightly scratchy against bare skin, so wearing socks is recommended.
In running shoes, I tend to wear between a women’s size 10–11 wide. There have been years when I couldn’t even fit into a women’s size 11 in ASICS running shoes. Alas, the ASICS Novablast 5 fits fairly true to size, although on the slightly narrower side. The narrowness is fairly common for the ASICS shoes.
ASICS Novablast 5 Ride
The midsole is where the magic happens, and the Novablast 5 has had a big update. This year, the Novablast 5 introduces FF Blast Max, an updated midsole foam that is softer and slightly bouncier than its predecessor. This change results in a smoother and more comfortable ride. The midsole compression provides a natural feel, making the 8mm drop less noticeable. It’s a lot smoother and a lot softer.
So, does the ASICS Novablast 5 feel completely different from previous versions? I do believe so.
The Novablast 4 had a slightly harsh transition and could feel clunky when transitioning from heel to toe. Version 5 improves the heel-to-toe flow, eliminating that clunky transition. To be honest, I just didn’t see the appeal of the fourth version. The forefoot remains slightly stiff but benefits from the added bounce, making the shoe suitable for easy runs, long runs, and moderate uptempo efforts.
The cushioning remains responsive and durable, ensuring a consistent ride over long miles. The softer feel makes it more comfortable at slower paces while still offering enough energy return for faster efforts.
Where does the ASICS Novablast 5 fit into my running shoe rotation? It’s an easy run or faster long-run shoe. Because it’s lighter than the Superblast 2, it feels easier to pick up the pace and less cumbersome on my feet. The previous version felt weird and heavy to pick up the pace, but ASICS has really eliminated that clunky feeling.
My first run in the ASICS Novablast 5 was actually really good. I didn’t have high hopes for it because it has never been my favorite shoe, but the minute I tried it, I felt like ASICS had really done a good job with the update. It felt easy to pick up the pace, and the ride just felt a lot smoother. Since then, I’ve used it on several different runs, and it’s fallen into the easy run or faster long-run shoe category. I want a dedicated workout shoe for races and hard efforts (like the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris), but for those runs where I may or may not pick up the pace, it’s been great.
Outsole
The outsole of the Novablast 5 remains similar to the previous version, featuring AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) for durability. If you’ve never worn ASICS, they have some of the best durability of any running shoe brand. I’ve now put about 100 miles on them with no signs of slowing down.
I’ve taken the ASICS Novablast 5 out on easy sandy trails as well as in inclement weather with no major issues. The AHAR rubber provides the traction you may need on less-than-perfect running days (and since it’s February, that’s most days).
ASICS Novablast 5 Conclusion
The ASICS Novablast 5 update has been awesome, and it’s definitely one of the best-updated shoes of 2025. I can see why it has so much hype. The new FF Blast Max midsole delivers a smoother, softer, and more balanced ride, making it a great option for daily training.
The ASICS Novablast 5 has delivered a much-needed update, improving comfort, ride, and versatility. ASICS has created a solid daily trainer that works well for easy runs, long runs, and even some faster efforts. If you liked previous Novablast models but wanted a smoother, more refined experience, this version is worth checking out.
Who Should Buy the ASICS Novablast 5
- Runners looking for a lightweight, cushioned daily trainer
- Those who prefer a bouncier ride with a high-stack midsole
- Runners needing a durable, long-lasting trainer
- Those seeking a performance-oriented shoe without the high price tag
Who Should Not Buy the ASICS Novablast 5
- Those who prefer a firm and highly responsive midsole
- Anyone sensitive to stiff heel counters
- Runners who want a shoe specifically for racing or speedwork
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, New Balance 1080v13 Shoe Review , Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0 Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Nike Alphafly 3
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro ,Nike Vaporfly 3 ,
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
What is you favorite daily trainer?
Have you tried the ASICS Novablast 5?