Asics Novablast 5 - Women's Review

Comfort and Fit

The Asics Novablast 5 is one of the rare running shoes that offers all-day comfort, helping cement its standing as a highly versatile and beloved daily trainer.

The Asics Novablast 5 combines a breathable mesh upper, a precisely cushioned tongue, and a wide, supportive platform. Each component plays a role in delivering a plush, cradled sensation around the entire foot, creating a shoe that feels thoughtfully engineered for comfort from top to bottom.

This model isn't designed for runners who prefer a minimalist, ground-connected experience or who want to feel every nuance of the terrain beneath them. Instead, it leans fully into its soft-cushioned personality, resulting in a shoe that feels both well-rounded and impressively supportive.

The midsole's energetic rebound adds a lively feel to daily miles, while the structured heel provides steady and confident transitions. While designed for comfort, the shoe remains surprisingly energetic, making it suitable for both moderate-paced runs and longer efforts. This elevated focus on comfort raises the bar, delivering a smooth, highly enjoyable ride for runners who value plushness and protection underfoot.

The updated fit of the Novablast will help this iteration appeal to a wider variety of runners. The forefoot of this shoe is noticeably wider than the fourth iteration (which we also loved and joyfully recommended). Asics doesn't currently offer a wide version, but the Novablast's standard width is wider than many of the typical-feeling shoes we've tested, making it an approachable option for runners who want some forefoot wiggle room. This added space also reduces pressure during longer runs, allowing the foot to expand naturally without feeling restricted. Combined with the shoe's well-structured midfoot hold, the fit feels both relaxed and secure, striking a balance that many everyday runners will appreciate.

Cushioning

The Novablast 5 is one of the more well-cushioned road running shoes in our lineup. Standing at 40 mm tall in the heel, the Novablast 5 offers roughly 5 mm more underfoot cushioning than the average road shoe. This upgrade immediately sets the tone for its plush, protective ride.

For many runners, this extra stack height will feel like stepping into a dream: cloudlike softness that absorbs impact, smooths out pavement harshness, and gives tired joints a welcome break. Long runs, recovery days, and easy miles become noticeably gentler, and the shoe's buoyant rebound helps maintain rhythm without demanding much effort. It's the kind of cushioning that invites you to settle in, relax your stride, and let the shoe do a bit of the work.

Other runners, however, may find the undercarriage of the Novablast too fluffy or high off the ground, especially those who prefer a firmer or more connected feel to the road. The tall, generously padded platform can feel a touch unwieldy at first for runners who prioritize precision over plushness. Ultimately, only you can decide whether your legs and lungs are craving a deeply cushioned experience. If the answer is yes, the Novablast 5, with its rich layer of Asics' FF Blast+ Max cushioning, might be precisely what your body has been hoping for, offering an experience that's equal parts protective, energetic, and joyful.

Breathability

The Asics Novablast 5 isn't the most breathable running shoe on the market, but this factor didn't overshadow our overall experience.

While the Novablast 5 doesn't lead the pack in breathability, its engineered mesh upper still allows for adequate airflow to keep feet reasonably cool on most runs. It won't provide the open, ventilated feel of a minimalist or super-lightweight racer. However, for a shoe this cushioned, it strikes a solid balance by trapping enough warmth to feel cozy without overheating. This shoe's overall performance makes up for any minor compromise in airflow, but this quirk is worth considering if you plan to run on scorching terrain.

Traction

The Novablast 5 offers dependable traction on various road surfaces, thanks to its durable rubber outsole and strategically placed texture.

The outsole of this shoe grips well on damp pavement without feeling sticky, and the tread pattern offers enough bite to handle light debris or slightly uneven asphalt. While not intended for technical trails or seriously saturated roads, this shoe's traction provides a stable, secure feel on everyday runs, allowing you to focus on your stride rather than worrying about slipping. Combined with its cushioned platform, the Novablast 5 is a reliable and comfortable choice for road running.

Should You Buy the Asics Novablast 5?

When it comes to versatility, plush comfort, and overall value, the Asics Novablast 5 is an exceptionally appealing option for a wide range of runners, regardless of their experience level or goals. While it may not quite capture the same standout wow factor as its predecessor, it remains a highly capable, all-around performer for runners of all ability levels. Whether you're chasing speed, logging long miles, or simply seeking a comfortable, reliable daily trainer, this shoe delivers on all fronts. Its price point is reasonable, its cushioning consistently comfortable, and its construction durable enough to handle heavy mileage or walks in the park. For runners seeking a single shoe that meets multiple needs, the Novablast 5 ticks nearly every box.

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