ASICS Novablast 6

Believe in the Run notes that previous Novablast versions had complaints about wet traction, and the Novablast 6 'kind of solved that problem.'

Believe in the Run observes the ASICS Novablast 6 upper 'works' for a daily trainer, is 'solid,' has 'plenty of padding,' and is 'comfortable.'

Believe in the Run observes there is now ASICS Grip in the forefoot of the Novablast 6, a 'grippier, durable rubber' that helps with traction.

Believe in the Run recommends the Novablast 6 as a 'great entry-level shoe' and also 'a good shoe to put into a rotation if you're a little more advanced.'

Believe in the Run states the ASICS Novablast 6 is priced at $155.

Believe in the Run states the Novablast 6 works for daily training and also when you want to pick up the pace.

Believe in the Run (Megan) states that the previous iteration of the Novablast fell flat for her in the forefoot, but the Novablast 6's addition of bouncy foam under the forefoot provides extra pop on the run.

Believe in the Run (Thomas) compares the Novablast 6 to the Puma Pure, noting the Puma felt like a slab without toe-off kick, while the Novablast 6 provides extra oomph when running and popping off the toe at faster paces.

Believe in the Run describes the ASICS Novablast 6 as costing $155 and being a good value.

Believe in the Run finds that the Novablast 6 can serve multiple purposes, from daily miles to up-tempo runs, and could be a single-shoe rotation for someone wanting to spend $155.

The Run Testers finds that rolling onto the forefoot, the firmer FF Turbo Squared foam gives nice resiliency and a lot of energy off the toes.

The Run Testers finds the Novablast 6 feels good at all paces, and especially at tempo pace, making it closer to an all-rounder than the Vomero Plus.

The Run Testers finds the Novablast 6 is the more versatile of the two shoes, being lighter and having a more lively feel under the forefoot that helps at faster paces.

The Run Testers notes the Novablast 6 outsole uses two materials: AHAR LO around the heel for durability and ASICS Grip at the forefoot for better grip, especially in wet conditions.

The Run Testers observes the Novablast 6 has a woven upper that is built for comfort but is lighter than the Vomero Plus upper.

The Run Testers observes the Novablast 6 is spacious around the toes and built for comfort.

The Run Testers recommends the Novablast 6 for a runner who wants one shoe to do everything — a cushioned shoe that can handle faster paces — and calls it a touch more versatile than the Vomero Plus.

The Run Testers states the Novablast 6 is £140 or $155.

Running Warehouse (Aliyah) likes the ASICS Grip traction on the Novablast 6.

Running Warehouse (Aliyah) likes the upper of the Novablast 6.

Running Warehouse (Aliyah), who typically wears stability shoes, finds the Novablast 6 to be a neutral shoe with enough inherent stability for her.

Running Warehouse (Lucas) finds that at easier (recovery, maintenance) paces, the Novablast 6 is 'fine' — he doesn't hate it or love it.

Running Warehouse (Lucas) finds that at tempo paces, the FF Turbo Squared puck in the forefoot helps pop his foot off the ground.

Running Warehouse (Lucas) finds that the FF Turbo Squared addition in the forefoot provides an energetic boost.

Running Warehouse (Lucas) finds that the Novablast 6 'comes alive a little bit better' at tempo and threshold paces, including uphill tempo segments.

Running Warehouse (Lucas) finds that the Novablast 6, while firmer than version 5, offers a little more sink, squish, and comfort, and he noticed it breaking in after getting at least 50 miles in it.

Running Warehouse (Lucas) finds that when he puts more energy into the Novablast 6 (tempo and threshold), it 'comes alive' and gives an assist.

Running Warehouse (Lucas) finds the Novablast 6 fine at easy recovery paces.

Running Warehouse (Lucas) finds the weight increase of the Novablast 6 to be an okay trade-off and not enough to notice on foot, expecting it to be half an ounce or less.

Running Warehouse (Lucas) measured that in his size 11.5, the Novablast 6 is a little heavier than the Novablast 5.

Running Warehouse (Lucas) speculates that the main layer of foam encasing the FF Turbo Squared puck is FF Blast Max, and that it feels a little denser and firmer than the Novablast 5, which he speculates bodes well for longer durability and foam longevity.

Running Warehouse (Lucas) speculates the weight increase in the Novablast 6 vs Novablast 5 is due to the denser, firmer foam for longevity.

Road Runner Sports finds the ASICS Novablast 6 super stable.

Road Runner Sports finds the upper feels really nice and snug on their foot.

Road Runner Sports would use the ASICS Novablast 6 as a daily trainer for easy runs and tempo runs, and even feel comfortable putting in a long run in them.

FORDY RUNS finds that the addition of FlyteFoam Turbo Squared at the front has improved the Novablast 6.

FORDY RUNS finds the Novablast 6 a very good daily trainer that is extremely versatile.

FORDY RUNS finds the Novablast 6 very comfortable, with excellent lacing, lockdown, and fit.

FORDY RUNS observes that the ASICS Novablast 6 (UK 9.5) fits true to size.

FORDY RUNS observes that the Novablast 6 has lost weight versus the previous version, estimating it at '260 something grams' for UK 9.

FORDY RUNS recommends skipping the Novablast 6 if you can get 15% off the Superblast 3 via a club discount, because the Superblast 3 is the better option for daily miles at that price point.

A reviewer advises that the Nova Blast 6 is solid, but they just don't see people pulling for it over what they already have.

A reviewer states they do not pull for the Nova Blast 6 over the Hyperboost Edge or the Hyper, and that the Nova Blast 6 is 'just not something that's going to get a lot of miles for me'.

Yowana asserts that the Nova Blast 6 has a very defined characteristic: the forefoot is 'just so punchy at an affordable price point.'

Yowana states that ASICS gave the forefoot of the Nova Blast 6 'a ton of pop.'

Doctors of Running finds the ASICS Novablast 6 (NovaBlast 6) to be one of the shoes that is working for his chronic ankle instability and fibularis tendon irritation.

Doctors of Running finds the midsole of the ASICS Novablast 6 to be a little bit firmer.

Doctors of Running observes that the ASICS Novablast 6 has a bevel at the heel and the lateral flare is pretty far posterior, which provides resistance to push him to the inside, decreasing demand on his fibularis muscles.

Doctors of Running observes that the ASICS Novablast 6 has a lot of heel flaring out to the medial and lateral side.

Doctors of Running observes that the lateral flare on the ASICS Novablast 6 comes back closer to the back side of the shoe.

Doctors of Running observes that the lateral flare on the outside of the ASICS Novablast 6 pushes him to the inside.

Marathon Handbook advises against buying the Novablast 6 if the buyer is in the market for something that's 'maximally durable'.

Marathon Handbook advises not to be afraid of the Novablast 6's grippiness, as the six improves that by a lot compared to the five.

Marathon Handbook describes the Novablast 6 as 'predominantly an easy running shoe' and warns that a buyer might be disappointed if they are mainly in it for speed.

Marathon Handbook finds the Novablast 6 is 'faster, more aggressive, and more grippy' compared to the Novablast 5.

Marathon Handbook finds the Novablast 6 is 'way more responsive and aggressive and fast' than the Novablast 5 as a result of the FF Turbo Squared foam pod in the midsole.

Marathon Handbook notes the price of the Novablast 6 remains low, which he considers a good thing.

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

Marathon Handbook observes that the Novablast 6 has an ASICS grip applied on pretty much the whole perimeter of the shoe and down the middle, which gives the shoe a lot more traction than the Novablast 5.

Marathon Handbook observes the upper of the Novablast 6 is updated and 'hugs the foot without squeezing it, and just locks it down in a nice way', unlike the Novablast 5 upper which he found weird, baggy, and lacking lockdown.

Marathon Handbook puts the Novablast 6 in the same bang-for-buck category as the Adidas Evo SL, calling it 'a shoe that can do everything pretty well', versatile, fun, and still very affordable.

Marathon Handbook rates the Novablast 6's performance an 8, noting there are 'still a lot of big questions around the durability' and that he has run about 100 miles in the shoe but that 100 miles is not that much in the grand scheme of things.

Marathon Handbook rates the Novablast 6's value the highest at 8.6, saying it's hard to find a good running shoe at $150 or less and that the Novablast 6 is 'a bit of an anomaly'.

Marathon Handbook speculates ASICS is positioning the Novablast 6 'more as a fun and propulsive daily trainer than a long slogging durable one', and that the shoe is not necessarily more durable than the Novablast 5.

Marathon Handbook states the weight of the Novablast 6 is slightly reduced but almost the same as the Novablast 5.

Meta Endurance finds the Novablast 6 a versatile ride and daily trainer that can be used for almost anything and can be the only shoe packed in a suitcase.

Meta Endurance finds the Novablast 6 midsole has come a long way compared to the Novablast 5 and has addressed instability issues the Novablast 5 had.

Meta Endurance finds the Novablast 6 more bouncy in the forefoot when picking up the pace compared to the Novablast 5.

Meta Endurance finds the Novablast 6 ride much more stable and more firm compared to the Novablast 5, and less soft.

Meta Endurance finds the Novablast 6 stable at slower paces and bouncy/energetic at faster paces.

Meta Endurance finds the upper of the Novablast 6 comfortable and breathable, with a snug fit and excellent lockdown.

Meta Endurance observes no issues with the ASICS AHAR Grip outsole on muddy trails and roads.

The FOD Runner finds the ASICS Novablast 6 massively underwhelming.

The FOD Runner finds the Novablast 6 midsole is not as responsive as he would like it to be.

The FOD Runner has loved previous Novablast versions but finds the Novablast 6 disappointing and says it might make him reconsider for the future.

The FOD Runner is struggling to pull himself away from other daily trainers to put more miles on the Novablast 6.

The FOD Runner observes the Novablast 6 feels 'cumbersome' and like 'a dead weight on foot' compared to other daily trainers he is enjoying.

The FOD Runner says the Novablast 6 is 'a bit bulkier, a bit heavier, a bit more rubbery underfoot' compared to earlier versions he remembers.

The FOD Runner speculates about the Novablast 6 midsole durability: 'Midsole is decent for now. How long will it last? Who knows?'

The FOD Runner speculates that ASICS added premium foam to the Novablast 6 to improve durability, which he says was 'atrocious' in version five.

The FOD Runner speculates that ASICS has 'nerfed' the Novablast 6 and dialed it in for the mass market.

The FOD Runner still feels the 'puck' (a design element inserted in the forefoot of the Novablast 6) is a bit of a gimmick.

The FOD Runner thinks the Novablast 6 is 'maybe regressing a little bit' while other daily trainers are advancing.

In the reviewer's UK size 13, the Novablast 6 weighs 321g (11.3 oz), which is 4g lighter than the previous version.

The FOD Runner did not notice much difference from the FF Turbo Squared puck in the Novablast 6; when heel striking, they found nice soft cushion rebound from the heel, and when landing on the forefoot, it felt softer in the heel — the opposite of what many would expect.

The FOD Runner disliked the Novablast 4 (calling it 'the worst version') and found the Novablast 5's foam went flat after 150–160 miles, becoming an unenjoyable ride by 300 miles.

The FOD Runner finds the Novablast 6 feels more stable than previous versions, noting the original version 1 was 'quite a wild shoe' with a thick, dense, very bouncy midsole that many people could not get on with.

The FOD Runner finds the Novablast 6 is enjoyable and a safe shoe, but considers it 'bang average' — it no longer stands out like the earlier versions and sits among all other daily trainers.

The FOD Runner finds the Novablast 6 upper is not particularly breathable; the front where mesh thins out for ventilation has little ventilation, so it is a relatively thick upper that may be warm in summer heat, but it is very comfortable.

The FOD Runner observes the Novablast 6 has a gusseted tongue held on the medial and lateral sides by elastic, with a bit of cushioning to prevent hot spots, and a standard lacing system with good-length laces that could use the extra eyelet if desired.

The FOD Runner observes the Novablast 6 has a very stout heel counter with a heel flare that flares away, nice cushioning around the back, and a bumper padding that sits nicely under the ankle bone.

The FOD Runner speculates that ASICS has made the Novablast safer and more average over the years to become the number-one selling shoe, catering to a wide range of runners, rather than maintaining the wild, exciting feel of version 1.

The FOD Runner speculates that the FF Turbo Squared puck in the Novablast 6 may be gimmicky and may not make much difference, but if it increases durability they would be happy, though they are not hopeful since the majority of the midsole is the same foam as version 5.

The FOD Runner speculates the Novablast 6's increased stability may be due to geometry, a firmer foam, or a combination of everything.

The FOD Runner went true to size (UK 13) in the ASICS Novablast 6, which was perfect as per every other Novablast version and most ASICS shoes.

Sagasu Running finds the Novablast 6 maintains the same stability or support as the Novablast 5, but feels more nimble and agile due to the parametric design.

Sagasu Running finds the Novablast 6 softer overall than the Novablast 5, which surprised him given that some other reviewers found it firmer; he speculates the difference may be due to the very hot temperatures he ran in.

Sagasu Running measured about 52 miles (83 km) in the Novablast 6 during testing and found the shoe very consistent, with no issues of the two foams breaking in or fatiguing differently.

Sagasu Running observes that ASICS admitted to him that they are kind of disappointed with the durability of FF Blast Max foam, and part of putting the FF Turbo Squared core in the Novablast 6 was to bring more durability and consistency to the platform.

Sagasu Running observes that ASICS kept the price of the Novablast 6 at the same level as the Novablast 5 (though he believes it raised $5 to 155 USD in the US), and continuing to use FF Blast Max was part of managing the price point.

Sagasu Running observes that he tested the Novablast 6 predominantly in super hot temperatures (37-38°C in Taipei, Taiwan), and the shoe performed really well under those conditions, which he takes as a positive indicator for durability.

Sagasu Running observes that the outsole of the Novablast 6 uses AHAR low rubber rails from midfoot to heel (same as the Novablast 5) and ASICS Grip rubber on the forefoot, and after 50 miles he saw no wear.

Sagasu Running speculates that the Novablast 6's durability will be much better than previous Novablast models, potentially closer to a 50% improvement, but he is unsure and wants to push the shoe further to test it.

Emily Heller finds that having FF Turbo Squared foam under the foot in the forefoot makes the Asics Novablast 6 a more bouncy ride.

Emily Heller finds that the Asics Novablast 6 uses an engineered woven upper, which he describes as comfortable through the midfoot.

Emily Heller notes that the Asics Novablast 6 has a nice sturdy heel counter that keeps the ankle in place.

Emily Heller notes that the Asics Novablast 6 has a soft gusseted tongue.

Emily Heller observes that the Asics Novablast 6 is a little bit lighter than previous versions.

Emily Heller observes that the Asics Novablast 6 outsole uses two different types of rubber: Asics grip rubber in the forefoot (described as more tacky) and ahar low rubber on the back portion.

Emily Heller observes that the laces on the Asics Novablast 6 help give a nice lockdown.

Emily Heller reports no blisters or irritation from the Asics Novablast 6.

RadDadBodTV finds that 'the addition of the FF Turbo in the forefoot was a game-changer' in the Novablast 6.

RadDadBodTV observes that 'the shoe overall is not quite as squishy as the Novablast 5'.

Jason Jogs concludes that the Novablast 6 at $155 is the best value and overall best shoe for the majority of runners.

Jason Jogs considers the Novablast 6 the best value for midsole cushioning because it is the cheapest of the three.

Jason Jogs finds the Novablast 6 versatile — not great at any one aspect — but at $155 compared to the other two shoes it is a good value, suitable for every type of run.

Jason Jogs finds the Novablast 6's upper is thicker and has little ventilation/breathability, unlike the Superblast 3.

Jason Jogs finds the Novablast 6's upper soft and nice, with good heel lockdown, good mid-foot lockdown, and ample room in the toe box for their wider-than-average foot.

Jason Jogs finds the traction of the Novablast 6 decent, average to slightly above average, based on running in slight rain, on light trails, and on asphalt in California.

Jason Jogs notes the Novablast 6 is priced at $155, the Superblast 3 at $210, and the Maga Blast at $225.

Jason Jogs ranks the Novablast 6 above the Superblast 3 from a value perspective for cushion.

Jason Jogs recommends going true to size in the Novablast 6.

Jason Jogs reports being 6'1" and 200 lb (a heavier runner) and observes that, at that body mass, the Superblast 3's outsole wore quicker than expected, while the Novablast 6's and the Maga Blast's have held up decently, around average durability.