In recent years, ASICS has seriously stepped up its game, consistently delivering shoes that balance innovation and reliability. While we’ve tested and loved numerous shoes, ASICS stands out for offering some truly solid options. Following the successful launch of the Superblast 2 earlier this year, our final review for 2024 dives into the ASICS Novablast 5.
Though I’ve never personally run in the Novablast line before, our review of the Novablast 4 last year left us with plenty of positives, so I was excited to see how the latest iteration stacked up. Spoiler alert: It’s worth the look.
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Looks:
Straight out of the box, the Novablast 5 is a visually appealing shoe. The purple review pair we received wouldn’t have been our first choice, but it’s grown on me. With 8 colorways to choose from, there’s likely a style that will resonate with any runner.
Fit & Construction:
In terms of weight, there’s virtually no difference between the Novablast 4 and 5—our office pairings weighed in identically. The fit remains accommodating, with a touch of extra room that some may love while others might prefer a more snug design. This balance ensures versatility, catering to a variety of preferences.
Upper:
The engineered jacquard mesh upper is a highlight, offering lightweight breathability and a comfortable fit. There’s just a hint of extra space in the toe box, which could be a pro or con depending on your preference. For me, it strikes a great balance, providing enough room to keep things airy without feeling loose or sloppy.
Midsole:
The Novablast 5 introduces the Flytefoam Blast Max midsole, a significant upgrade from the Flytefoam Blast Plus Eco found in its predecessor. This new foam, also featured in the Glideride Max, offers a softer, lighter, and more premium feel underfoot. Landings are cushioned with a slight sinking sensation before the foam rebounds, delivering a smooth and stable ride. It may prove too soft for some – but it has felt pretty solid on my feet thus far (and I still prefer more ground feel nowadays, so I’m pleasantly surprised).
With a 42mm stack height, the Novablast 5 qualifies as a max-cushion shoe, though it doesn’t feel bulky. The cushioning is surprisingly stable, even with the softer foam, and delivers exceptional comfort—especially for a $140 price point. While it’s not necessarily built for speed, it shines as a reliable daily trainer.
Outsole:
The outsole features AHAR Lo rubber, consistent with the Novablast 4 but with slightly adjusted patterns and coverage. While this helps reduce weight, the exposed midsole sections may make durability an issue in the long term – time will tell I suppose.
I started out testing these on the treadmill, and they worked great with no issues at all. But when I took them out on wet city streets, I noticed the traction slipped a bit. It’s not a huge deal—it depends on your speed, the conditions, and how the shoes feel overall—but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re running in slick weather.
Overall:
The ASICS Novablast 5 is an excellent shoe, especially given its $140 price point. While it might not quite reach the heights of its cousin, the Superblast 2, it offers exceptional value and a comfortable, stable ride.
It’s a versatile option that works well for a variety of runs, and the improvements to the midsole make it a worthy upgrade. If you’re looking for a high-quality daily trainer without breaking the bank, the Novablast 5 is a fantastic choice.
ASICS Novablast 5 $140
Specs & Socials:
- Weight: 41.5mm / 33.5mm
- Stack: 8mm
- Drop: 9 ounces
ASICS
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Thank you to ASICS for providing us with a sample pair. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
