The Novablast 5 has landed at Vertical Runner boasting a higher stack height, more cushion, and the same affordable price point as its predecessor. The Novablast 5 features a new roomier upper and a new FF Blast Max midsole. If you’ve been on the lookout for a new daily trainer (or, maybe something else to add to your shoe rotation), the Novablast 5 is sure to shine in comparison to other daily trainers on the market.
Two staff members put the Novablast 5 through its paces, here’s what you can expect on the run…
Matt: The ASICS Novablast 5 has proven to be the quintessential daily trainer. It excels at eating up regular training miles but has the versatility to handle recovery efforts and even faster runs when pushing the pace. It offers a roomy and comfortable upper with plenty of midsole cushion to protect your legs and help you get out the door day after day.
Emily: Having worn earlier versions of the Novablast, the Novablast 5 really nails it in comparison! While it’s always been a reliable daily trainer, this latest iteration takes things up a notch. The bouncier foam, improved step-in feel, and sleek new design make it a standout for daily miles. I find myself reaching for the Novablast 5 more often, knowing it will deliver a plush, comfortable ride with solid energy return. It’s the perfect addition to any running rotation.
Upper and Fit
Matt: The upper of the Novablast 5 features a new engineered jacquard mesh that offers plenty of stretch and ventilation. I haven’t experienced any hot spots or points of irritation during any of my runs. The shoe offers a nice lockdown in the heel and midfoot, which is especially important for my narrow foot. The forefoot is quite roomy, but for me, this does result in some bunching and puckering of the material. This, however, has not impacted the fit and is only an aesthetic issue. I would not say the feel of the upper is premium or plush, but overall, quite comfortable.
Emily: The Novablast 5 features a well-designed upper that offers more room in the toebox compared to the Novablast 4, providing plenty of space without any cramped toes. While Matt felt the upper was a bit too spacious, I found it roomy but not excessive. I didn’t notice any puckering or bunching of the material after lacing, though I tend to lace my shoes more loosely, which could influence the fit. Both Matt and I have narrower feet, but I believe the Novablast 5’s upper would comfortably accommodate anyone with a normal to wider foot. Overall, the fit is slightly roomier — but in a way that enhances comfort and freedom.
Midsole and Ride
Matt: The midsole of the Novablast 5 is composed of ASICS newest daily training foam, FF Blast Max, and this is where the magic happens. Upon step in, the foam immediately feels softer than the foam found in previous versions of this shoe. This updated foam offers enough protective cushion to handle the longest of training runs. Although the shoe feels soft and cushioned, it does have some bounce and responsiveness. While I would never say this shoe excels at the fastest of paces, the midsole does have the versatility to handle easy efforts while allowing you to push the tempo in your training. This is the perfect midsole to handle the majority of your runs and keep you coming back for more.
Emily: Matt perfectly captured the step-in feel of the Novablast 5 — it’s like stepping onto a Tempur-Pedic mattress. The foam is soft, supportive, and incredibly plush. While the previous version felt versatile enough for a range of paces, the Novablast 5 truly embodies the essence of a daily trainer, designed for logging miles at a comfortable pace. It’s not the shoe I’d choose for intense workouts or speed sessions, but for steady, everyday runs, it’s perfect.
Outsole and Durability
Matt: This outsole of the Novablast 5 is made of ASICS AHAR LO Rubber. The rubber coverage on the outsole is adequate and has shown little wear throughout my initial miles. I would expect this shoe to have quite good durability. I have seen other reviewers comment that the outsole has not handled slippery conditions. I have not found this to be the case. I have run in this shoe in all of the recent winter weather conditions, including many wet and snow-covered roads, and have not experienced any excessive slippage.
Emily: After running over 75 miles in the Novablast 5, I can confidently say the outsole offers better traction than the Novablast 4. However, I wouldn’t trust it on icy or snowy roads unless you're extra careful with your footing. That said, the shoe’s durability is impressive, and I fully expect it to perform beautifully for up to 500 miles.
Conclusion
Matt: In summary, I highly recommend the ASICS Novablast 5 for those looking for a comfortable and well-cushioned daily trainer. It excels at eating up daily miles and is the shoe I tend to reach for when I want a run where I can set it and forget it. It can handle long runs without issue and provides the protection for those doing high-mileage training blocks. It would pair nicely with a more speed-oriented option to complete an excellent running shoe rotation. At $140, it represents a great value, especially when you consider its capabilities and versatility.
Emily: To sum it all up, the Novablast 5 is an outstanding daily trainer. Priced at $140, it delivers a level of comfort, responsiveness, and durability that’s hard to beat in this price range. Whether you’re preparing for your next marathon or simply need a reliable shoe for everyday runs, you really can’t go wrong with the Novablast 5.
Stop in now to try the ASICS Novablast 5 at Vertical Runner Hudson or Brecksville!
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ASICS Novablast 5 specs:
Stability: Neutral
Cushioning: High
Drop: 8mm
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About Matt:
Matt has run several marathons and half marathons, but his proudest accomplishment was running from Ft. Wayne, Indiana to Medina, Ohio in a week as part of the MS Run the US Relay. He covered the 180 miles by running a marathon a day for a week all in the effort to raise money to support his daughter Hannah all those living with MS and to ultimately, find a cure for this disease. He is a proud dad of Jessi, Hannah, and Joey and loving husband to Rhoda. He is a sports addict who loves rooting on all of his favorite Chicago sports teams, but he is most passionate about cheering on his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame. Go Irish!
Shoe Size: 10
Favorite Distance: Marathon and Half Marathon
PRs:
Marathon: 3:48
Half Marathon: 1:43
About Emily Moran:
Emily ran a 50 miler before she ever raced a marathon. She ran track and cross country in high school and has been a prodigy of the sport ever since. She’s run a 50 miler, a few 50ks, a handful of half marathons and three marathons (and, counting). She has a VDOT & UESCA certification and loves helping her clients chase their dreams. She enjoys reading anything related to running, training as much as possible, copious amounts of cold brew coffee, walking with her three dogs, traveling whenever possible and spending time with her husband, Brian.
Shoe Size: 10
Favorite Distance: Marathon
PRs:
50k: 3:58
Marathon: 2:47
Half Marathon: 1:21