REASONS TO BUY
Well cushioned
Fun to run in
Smooth landings
Relatively versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the best for new runners
Can lack stability
Traction isn’t the best
Asics Novablast 5 Review
One of the best all-around running shoes that can reliably handle whatever you throw at it, but not the best for new runners
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
By Nathaniel Bailey ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ January 9, 2026
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Our Verdict
The Asics Novablast 5 is soft underfoot, a little bouncy on the run, supremely comfortable, and light enough to never feel clunky on your feet. It's perfect for a variety of runners, from those who want a comfortable shoe to help make their runs more enjoyable to those who need a versatile shoe for race training. This version of the Novablast is softer and a little bouncier than previous versions. We think this makes it more comfortable for long runs, although the softer foam has reduced stability. The softer foam, paired with the geometry, keeps us from recommending this shoe as a first pair for new runners. However, once you have a few miles under your belt, we think it's hard to find a more comfortable, reliable, and enjoyable running shoe.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Asics Novablast 5 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Everyday Running Shoe |  Best for Race Training | Impressive Plush Cushioning | Best for New Runners |  Best Runner on a Budget |
| Price | $150 List Check REI (on sale!) | $150 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) | $170 List Check Price at REI | $145 List Check Price at REI | $130 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | One of the best all-around running shoes that can reliably handle whatever you throw at it, but not the best for new runners | Thanks to a premium midsole foam and no-nonsense design, this shoe pairs great cushioning with top-notch pace versatility | A plush, lightweight cushion shoe that makes easy runs and long slow efforts feel effortless | A forgiving, well-rounded daily trainer with reliable grip and a ride that makes easy miles feel effortless | A great value shoe that can crush fast or slow runs, but it might be a little too narrow for some |
| Rating Categories | Asics Novablast 5 | Adidas Adizero Evo SL | New Balance 1080v15 | Saucony Ride 19 | Adidas Adizero SL2 |
| Comfort and Fit (45%) | |||||
| Cushioning (30%) | |||||
| Breathability (15%) | |||||
| Traction (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Asics Novablast 5 | Adidas Adizero Evo SL | New Balance 1080v15 | Saucony Ride 19 | Adidas Adizero SL2 |
| Who is it best for? | Everyday runners | Everyday runners | Comfort-focused distance runners | Everyday neutral runners | Everyday runners |
| Best Use | Versatile for variable paces | Versatile for variable paces | Easy runs, long runs | Daily training, long runs | Versatile for variable paces |
| Measured Weight | 9.50 oz | 8.73 oz | 9.50 oz | 9.54 oz | 9.36 oz |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 5 mm | 9 mm | 7 mm | 7 mm | 9 mm |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 41 mm | 39 mm | 40 mm | 35 mm | 38 mm |
| Available Sizes | 6-15 US, regular & wide | 6.5-16 US, regular | 7-16 US, regular, wide & extra wide | 7-16 US, regular & wide | 4-19 US, regular & wide |
| Midsole | FF Blast Max | Lightstrike Pro | Infinion | PWRRUN+ (SCF reformulated) | Lightstrike Pro, Lightstrike |
| Plate Type | None | None | None | None | None |
| Upper | Engineered jacquard mesh | Engineered mesh | Two-layer perforated mesh | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh |
| Outsole | AHAR LO | Continental rubber | Ndurance rubber | XT-900 rubber | Rubber |
| Heel Tab Type | Finger loop | None | Pull tab | Pull tab | Pull tab |
| Style | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | Max Cushion Trainer | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Novablast stayed in our testers' personal rotation long after testing was over. He finally retired his test pair at around 600 miles. Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Comfort and Fit
In keeping with a comfort-focused approach, the upper of the Novablast 5 is well above average in both comfort and fit. While the upper is not plush, the use of soft knit materials at key contact points, such as the heel cup, ankle, and midfoot, helps prevent abrasion. The knit material also grips your sock and prevents slipping inside the shoe. The tongue is winged, lightly padded, and stays in place, helping prevent rubbing on the top of the foot. There is ample padding around the ankle and at the heel, and while the back of the shoe does come up pretty high, it's flexible enough not to cause annoyance or discomfort. We didn't experience rubbing, slipping, abrasions, or any concerns about lockdown.
The fit of the Novablast 5 is about perfect for the average runner. It has a slightly wider-than-average toe box, but it's not so high-volume that runners with average to narrow-width forefeet will find it sloppy. The midfoot and heel are about average width, and easy to adjust thanks to the lacing. There is plenty of room to adjust the width, and the laces slide easily through the eyelets and loops when you need to make changes.
The lace loops of the Novablast do a great job of distributing pressure and allowing for quick and easy adjustments. Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Cushioning
Runners who used the previous version of the Novablast can expect a similar overall experience, but with a new underfoot feel. This version features a new midsole foam, Asics' FF Blast Max, and there is a lot of it. We measured 41mm of foam at the heel. It's both softer and more resilient, meaning the shoe compresses more and is also a little bouncier. This version retains the fun geometry of the last model, but it's a tad more understated thanks to the softer foam, especially at the forefoot. Instead of the energy return feeling concentrated under the forefoot, this shoe has some bounce throughout. The softer foam also makes the transition from heel to midfoot to toe a little smoother on landing.
We loved the cushioning of the Novablast 5 for his daily mileage. It feels just as good 90 minutes into a run as it does at the start. We particularly appreciated that while the shoe is very protective, it is also not very heavy. This design makes running in the shoe more enjoyable. Overall, we think this shoe is very well-rounded. It offers good cushioning and comfort for easy running, and some energy to make faster running enjoyable as well. There's also a lot to like for runners with different foot strikes: those who land on their heels will likely enjoy a smooth-rolling shoe; those who land on their midfoot will likely appreciate the plentiful forefoot cushioning (36mm of foam) and the trampoline-inspired forefoot.
The Novablast has a lightweight upper with soft materials around your ankles. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Breathability
The Novablast 5 is a breathable shoe, though not the most breathable we've seen. We had no issues with hot feet in the Novablast thanks to the engineered jacquard mesh upper. The rear of the foot runs a little warmer than the front (which is pretty typical), though it was not an issue for us.
Overall, the Novablast 5 is a good choice for hot summer days and can also hold its own in freezing winter conditions.
The rubber compound on this version of the Novablast grabs better, and the addition of some lugs helps grip on loose surfaces. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
The Novablast 5 offers significantly improved traction compared to the previous version. The Asics AHAR Lo rubber compound is tackier and handles cold or wet surfaces much more safely. However, it still leaves something to be desired. This isn't a shoe we'd recommend to runners who spend a lot of time running in cold and wet (or icy) conditions.
Should You Buy the Asics Novablast 5?
The Asics Novablast 5 is exceptionally comfortable, lightweight, and bouncy enough to feel fun at a range of paces, and will easily do anything most runners want. The shoe performs as well, if not better, than many shoes with a higher price tag. However, we don't think it's a good option for first-time runners due to the rocker geometry. We believe newbies are best served by a slightly simpler shoe, allowing their body to find the movement pattern that works best for them before exploring this shoe. Similarly, runners who really value support and stability will find this shoe lacking. But for most other runners, we think it's worth trying on a pair!
What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?
For new runners, we recommend the Saucony Ride 19. It's comfortable, simple, and reliable. If you want a very comfortable shoe that is also more stable, check out the Asics Gel-Kayano 32. It's not quite as versatile, but it's very comfortable and far more supportive. Finally, if you want a reliable and versatile shoe at a reasonable price point, you should consider the Adidas Adizero SL2, which performs well across all key considerations.
—Nathaniel Bailey
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