ASICS Novablast 5

The Run Testers finds the ASICS Novablast 5 feels the more controlled and more balanced shoe compared to the Novablast 6.

The Run Testers finds the ASICS Novablast 5 has a really comfortable fit in his normal running shoe size.

The Run Testers finds the ASICS Novablast 5 is a pretty versatile shoe for a lot of people, but if doing a lot of speed work, you would probably not use it for that.

The Run Testers finds the FF Blast Max foam in the ASICS Novablast 5 is quite balanced, gives a nice bit of energy return and responsiveness, and is a pretty good daily foam.

The Run Testers observes that in the same size (UK 9 US 10), the ASICS Novablast 5 has a good amount of room around the toes, good hold around the midfoot, and a lot of padding at the back of the shoe.

The Run Testers observes the ASICS Novablast 5 has always been a bit slippy on the first couple of runs on grip, but then usually okay.

The Run Testers recommends the ASICS Novablast 5 if you are looking for a shoe to absorb a lot of your running mileage and you have a rotation with a shoe for faster workouts, because the Novablast 5 does not really excel at faster workouts.

The Run Testers used the ASICS Novablast 5 for track once and found it was a daily shoe not really designed for track; he would not use it out of choice if trying to hit a certain pace.

The Run Testers mentions that the ASICS Novablast 5 comes in cheaper than the New Balance 1080 V15 and offers a similarly comfortable and versatile ride, though it may be a little more rockered than the 1080.

The Run Testers compares the New Balance 1080 V15 to the ASICS Novablast 5, noting the Novablast 5 is cheaper.

The Run Testers finds the ASICS Novablast 5 is a very comfortable cushion shoe with a nice rocker, and is really lightweight given the high amount of foam.

The Run Testers observes the ASICS Novablast 5 remains nice and stable and works really well as a shoe for crunching through your miles.

The Run Testers finds the ASICS Novablast 5 is generally roomy and accommodating.

The Run Testers finds the ASICS Novablast 5's foam is softer but not overly soft or plush, providing enough protection and comfort for longer runs and the marathon distance.

The Run Testers observes the ASICS Novablast 5 is naturally a very broad shoe, making it very stable.

The Run Testers observes the ASICS Novablast 5's outsole has enough rubber to allow running on slightly lighter trails and provides good durability and grip.

The Run Testers picks the ASICS Novablast 5 as the top marathon shoe for beginners.

The Run Testers states the ASICS Novablast 5 can be used for all training and on race day itself.

The Run Testers believes the ASICS Novablast 5 could be a very good shoe for someone who just wants to finish a marathon and survive, guaranteeing a performance from start to finish.

The Run Testers finds it very difficult to maintain pace on tired legs in the ASICS Novablast 5 because the shoe does not help.

The Run Testers finds the ASICS Novablast 5 can be lively when moving with intent and with energy, but does not add energy — you have to deliver it and it returns it.

The Run Testers finds the ASICS Novablast 5 can cope at 7-minute miles or high 6:50 sections, runs fairly smooth and feels nice and light at that pace, with a little bit of bounce.

The Run Testers finds the ASICS Novablast 5 can work for runners aiming for a 4-hour-plus marathon in reliable comfort with good road protection and no threat of black toenails or bruised toes.

The Run Testers finds the ASICS Novablast 5 does not give the extra energy needed when very tired; it will not save you like some carbon racers that spare the legs.

The Run Testers finds the ASICS Novablast 5 is good for someone looking for a marathon shoe to get around in comfort; it feels light, has a reliable platform, is relatively stable, has big roomy uppers, loads of space in the toe box, plenty of wiggle room, and room for toes to breathe.

The Run Testers finds the ASICS Novablast 5 is not as energetic as the Superblast 2, but is softer and affords a little extra long-haul comfort over the Superblast 2.

The Run Testers finds the ASICS Novablast 5 is not giving a huge amount of energy return when running easy.

The Run Testers observes that after 9.5 miles, the ASICS Novablast 5 offers a lot of cushion, protection, and comfort, and feels quite light on foot.

The Run Testers observes that during the first seven easy miles, the ASICS Novablast 5 feels a bit soggy and does not give much energy back; the reviewer feels they are still having to do all the work.

The Run Testers observes the ASICS Novablast 5 feels nicely cushioned, nicely cradled, and nicely protected, and is fairly stable with not too much wobble.

The Run Testers observes the ASICS Novablast 5 is not quite as stable as lower-stack options like the Saucony Ride 17.

The Run Testers observes the ASICS Novablast 5 performed the same throughout the whole marathon test; when running heavy it is not as bouncy or energetic as a carbon racer or the ASICS Superblast 2.

The Run Testers personally prefers the ASICS Novablast 4 over the Novablast 5 for a slightly stiffer, snappier ride rather than the full-on cushioning of the Novablast 5.

The Run Testers states the ASICS Novablast 5 is a potential marathon shoe for people who want good reliability, comfort, and maybe a little bit of energy rather than a carbon marathon race shoe.

The Run Testers states the ASICS Novablast 5 is not the race day shoe for runners chasing a sub-3-hour marathon; faster shoes exist.

The Run Testers states the ASICS Novablast 5 is pretty well priced and can be used for training and race day.

The Run Testers states the ASICS Novablast 5 will look after your feet from mile 1 to 26.

The Run Testers suggests heavier runners might enjoy the higher stack and protection of the ASICS Novablast 5.

EDDBUD suggests that both the Novablast 5 and the Saucony Azura are more stable shoes than the Adidas Adizero Evo SL.

EDDBUD finds that the Flight Foam Blast Max in the Novablast 5 is a little bit softer than what was in the Novablast 4.

EDDBUD finds that the Novablast 5's ride takes the shoe back almost full circle to the Novablast 1, but with a much better, more fitting upper.

EDDBUD finds the grip on the Novablast 5 is pretty good, and a little bit better in version five than in the past few versions — an area that hasn't always been great on the Novablast.

EDDBUD observes a whole load of soft compression in the Novablast 5.

EDDBUD observes elevated sidewalls around the heel of the Novablast 5, which provide a little bit more support than the first version ever did.

Yowana classifies the ASICS Novablast 5 as a softer shoe that belongs in a "Goldilocks camp" rather than the "soft and squishy" category, because it does not "compress down all the way" — its foam compresses somewhat but also responds well when picking up pace, creating a balanced feel.

Yowana explains that he classifies the Novablast 5 in the Goldilocks camp because when you try to run fast in it, you do not just sink down into the foam — unlike the very soft shoes where you get mostly compression and less bounce.

Yowana observes that the Novablast 5's foam has "some squish and protection" but also "responds really well when picking up the pace."

Doctors of Running finds Flight Foam Blast Max feels more compliant and a little softer on the foot than the Flight Foam Turbo Squared foam in the Sonic Blast, but lacks that spring.

Doctors of Running finds the Asics Novablast 5 has good volume with plenty of space for swelling and foot accommodation.

Doctors of Running notes complaints about the Asics Novablast 5 traction not being great in slick conditions; the Sonic Blast addresses this with a more tacky high-abrasion outsole.

Doctors of Running notes the Asics Novablast 5 price is in the 140 to 150 dollar range.

Doctors of Running observes that the Asics Novablast 5 upper feels more plush than the Sonic Blast, with more padding in the heel collar.

Doctors of Running observes that the Asics Novablast 5 upper feels more training friendly, softer on the foot compared to the Sonic Blast.

Doctors of Running observes the Asics Novablast 5 has a little bit taller sidewalls than the Sonic Blast.

Marathon Handbook believes durability was still a huge issue with the Novablast 5; some people say they barely made it past 150 miles before the shoe lost its pop.

Marathon Handbook finds that the ASICS Novablast 5 was celebrated for its relatively low price point and comfort despite being a fun daily trainer.

Marathon Handbook finds that the Novablast 5's upper was weird and kind of baggy, with very little lockdown on the foot.

Marathon Handbook observes it is hard to find shoes priced at $150 that have the type of fun responsive foam that the Novablast 6 has, even if only for part of its midsole.

Marathon Handbook observes that another knock on the Novablast 5 was that it was a slippery shoe, tough to wear on a rainy day without sliding all over the pavement.

Marathon Handbook enjoys the bounce of the Novablast 5 and feels he could break into a workout, describing it as 'a shoe with a couple gears' — you can run easy and pick up into a tempo run.

Marathon Handbook finds the Novablast 5 is slippery on snow and does not have the traction the Nimbus has.

Marathon Handbook finds the Novablast 5 less stable around the ankle than the Nimbus, noting the upper is more malleable and the heel does not feel as clipped in.

Marathon Handbook finds the Novablast 5's upper lighter than the Nimbus's and less rigid; he puts his foot in and feels it can move around a little on the ankle, which he does not want.

Marathon Handbook states that the Novablast 5 is much lighter than the Nimbus 27, calling 1.5 oz a lot that you feel on your feet.

Marathon Handbook finds that the FF Blast Max foam is unusually light for an EVA-kind of foam.

Marathon Handbook finds that the FF Blast Max foam is very soft but still allows for better energy return than other EVA foams of its kind.

Marathon Handbook finds that the Novablast 5 does not have extra pop or propulsion built in, characterizing it as a steady easy running shoe that may not have the gears for faster runs.

Marathon Handbook finds the Novablast 5 almost too plush, suggesting it is not for someone who likes to feel the ground under them.

Marathon Handbook observes that the Novablast 5 is weirdly light for its size, noting that training shoes with this much cushioning are not typically as light.

Marathon Handbook observes that the upper has new mesh that is lighter and a bit more breathable than the Novablast 4.

Marathon Handbook suggests the Novablast 5 might be for buyers looking for a bargain, calling them very reasonably priced.

Sagasu Running attributes to online claims that both the Novablast 5 and Rebel V5 will go flat at about 150 miles (240 km).

Sagasu Running describes the Novablast 5 as 'very springy', whereas the Rebel V5 is 'very soft'.

Sagasu Running describes the Novablast 5's fit as a traditional training fit with a bit more comfort and padding, compared to the Rebel V5's more performance-oriented feel.

Sagasu Running finds that the Novablast 5 can pick up the pace into tempo running quite well, and was surprised by its versatility after testing it for a full week across easy runs and track workouts.

Sagasu Running finds that the Rebel V5 feels more stable than the Novablast 5 because it is wider through the waist into the heel.

Sagasu Running judges that the Novablast 5 has the best execution so far of ASICS's railed outsole design, giving a balance of grip, durability, softness, and road compliance.

Sagasu Running notes that the Novablast 5 can withstand a heavier runner (around 100 kg / over 200 lbs) better than the Rebel V5, and stands up better.

Sagasu Running observes that at nearly 100 miles in the Novablast 5, there has been no change in the way the shoe feels underfoot, from foam to flexibility to outsole.

Sagasu Running observes that the Novablast 5 uses a new version of FF Blast foam called FF Blast Max, which is softer and has more resilience than previous generations.

Sagasu Running observes that the Novablast 5's upper is much more built up than the Rebel V5's, with more overlays, more padding in the ankle collar and Achilles flare, and a more built-up eyelet chain, making it more comfortable and more trainer-focused.

Sagasu Running speculates that heavier runners (pushing 90-100 kg / 200+ lbs) will get more wear from the Novablast 5 than the Rebel V5, but will still eventually bottom out the foam.

Emily Heller characterizes the FF Blast Max foam in the Novablast 5 as providing nice softness, protection from the road, and a very even-keel ride.

Emily Heller observes that the ASICS Novablast 6's outsole upgrades include ASICS Grip material in the forefoot, addressing the common complaint that the Novablast 5's forefoot grip was not good.

Ryan's Running Reviews identifies the ASICS Novablast 5 as costing $150 and having an entire midsole of Flight Famo Blast Max foam.

jogoncrago describes the ASICS Novablast 5's midsole feeling like "quicksand."

jogoncrago finds that he could not wear the ASICS Novablast 5 for much more than half an hour before wanting to take it off.

jogoncrago observes that on the ASICS Novablast 5, he felt there was so much plush foam that when he stepped into it or landed, he compressed it once, and then when he went to push off, there was a second layer of compression that happened which took away some of the force he was generating through his calves and hamstrings to get off the ground — describing it as a "double compression sensation."

MidLife Runner observes that his body doesn't really love the Blast Max foam in the Novablast 5 from a stability standpoint over time, to the point that he wouldn't walk in that shoe.

MidLife Runner observes that the Asics Novablast 5 caused some pinching underneath his toe pad.

MidLife Runner , who is one of the people who did not think the Novablast 5 was too soft, states that he loves the FF Blast Max foam.

MidLife Runner describes the upper of the Novablast 5 as having a 'stretchy tongue' that is 'very comfortable' with a nice lockdown.

MidLife Runner finds that the underfoot point sensation in the Novablast 5 disappears after a mile or two.

MidLife Runner finds the Novablast 5 great for long runs with marathon-pace-specific work in it.

MidLife Runner likes the upper of the Novablast 5 a lot.

MidLife Runner notes that the underfoot point sensation is not something he wants in a daily trainer and says it is 'not completely irksome' but he is aware of it.

MidLife Runner observes that underfoot the Novablast 5 feels 'really weird' — the trampoline underneath the pad of the foot feels 'sharp or singular ... like a point underneath.'

MidLife Runner says he has heard from some reviews that the Novablast 5's durability 'ain't so great' and plans to test it.

MidLife Runner says if he were going to use a non-plated trainer for a long run with marathon-pace stuff, the Novablast 5 would '100% be the shoe.'

MidLife Runner says the Novablast 5 reminds him most of the Novablast 2 among all Novablast generations.

MidLife Runner states 'Novablast is back' about the Novablast 5.

MidLife Runner finds that in the asics-novablast-5, 'the fun is back.'

MidLife Runner finds the asics-novablast-5 a return to form for the Novablast lineup, unlike the 'slappy cheap styrofoamy' feel of the Novablast 3 and 4.

MidLife Runner finds the asics-novablast-5 reminds him most of the Novablast 2, and is very different from the Novablast 3 and 4 which were more cruiser and less fun.

MidLife Runner observes a hot spot or a 'singular little dot' underneath the pad of the foot on the asics-novablast-5 that he can feel while running, though it disappears after a mile or two.

TF XC Running Shoe Reviews (TF XC) lists the Novablast 5 weight as 8.7 oz and the price as $150.

TF XC Running Shoe Reviews (TF XC) observes that after 75 miles on the Novablast 5, the midsole is holding up great and still feels bouncy and energetic.

TF XC Running Shoe Reviews (TF XC) ranks the Novablast 5 as the slowest shoe in the ASICS Blast lineup for speed, noting it can be a little too soft for faster workouts.

TF XC Running Shoe Reviews (TF XC) ranks the Novablast 5 as the softest shoe in the ASICS Blast lineup and says it is super soft right out of the box, nice and squishy, and bouncy.

Jason Jogs describes the ASICS Novablast 5 as firm and stable, and plush where needed, especially at slower paces.

Jason Jogs expresses durability concerns about the ASICS Novablast 5's outsole, based on having had the prior Novablast 5 (which he wore 150–200 miles) wear out faster than other shoes.

Jason Jogs finds the ASICS Novablast 5 has good stability, good impact protection, and a high stack height.

Jason Jogs finds the ASICS Novablast 5 setup feels decently soft, especially in the heel.

Jason Jogs finds the traction of the ASICS Novablast 5 to be "decent" to "average."

Jason Jogs notes that on dustier parts of the road the ASICS Novablast 5 felt less grippy, but nothing close to slipping.

Jason Jogs observes that the ASICS Novablast 5 could handle a lot of different paces: softer when running slow, and firmer in the forefoot when picking up the pace while remaining comfortable.

Jason Jogs ran in sunny, slightly hot conditions in the Bay Area and reports sticking like glue to the asphalt in the ASICS Novablast 5.

Jason Jogs recalls that the Novablast 5 felt a little bit squishy on first run, as if there were gel in it, and was too soft for his liking — he felt like he was sinking in.

Road To Trail finds that the ASICS Novablast 5 is a very fun ride and a fun experience, but is just not a fast shoe.

Road To Trail finds that the ASICS Novablast 5 is a very soft shoe with lots of bounce and lots of squish, but cautions not to mistake bounce for propulsion.

Road To Trail finds that the ASICS Novablast 5 just does not feel fast and does not feel like a shoe that springs the runner forward.

Road To Trail observes that in terms of upper, the ASICS Novablast 5 has a much more comfortable and luxurious design than the adidas EVO SL, with way more padding, more softness, and more structure.

Road To Trail observes that the ASICS Novablast 5 is a big and very soft shoe.