Article by Sam Winebaum, Ben David, Renee Krusemark, and Peter Stuart
ASICS Novablast 5 ($140)
Introduction
The Novablast is ASICS lightest and one of its most highly cushioned daily trainers. For its 5th edition, it drops 9g to about 8.75 oz / 247g in a US9 while retaining its max cushioned 41.5mm heel 33.5 forefoot stack height. Originally positioned as a fun trainer for more casual younger runners, it rapidly became a classic for its light and lively ride while over the years gaining in stack height, platform width and dropping in weight as new foams and upper constructions evolved.
Recent editions largely kept the momentum going. A neutral shoe for runners with decently efficient form, it is strongly differentiated from similar stack height ASICS such as more stable Nimbus (RTR Review) as the more uptempo focused rainer in the line and sits closest to the 1 oz lighter somewhat lower stack height, irmer and more stable Noosa Tri 16 (RTR Review)
A new FF Blast Max midsole foam, a lighter engineered Jacquard mesh upper, a 5mm narrower heel and forefoot platform width and a new outsole design are the key changes for the 5th edition.
I have taken them out for an initial progression run as well as an A/B comparison run with the Novablast 4 on the other foot and share my first impressions with a full multi tester review coming soon.
Pros:
Lots of cushion for weight: very light for its big 41/33 stack height: Sam / Ben / Sally/Peter/ Renee
Energetic ride: new FF Blast Max is quicker reacting than prior Blast Plus foam Sam / Ben / Sally/Peter/ Renee
Versatile uptempo focused ride, can for sure be a daily trainer for lighter efficient runners: Sam / Ben / Sally/Peter/ Renee
Smooth fitting, true to size, lighter more breathable upper with improved forefoot hold:
- Beautiful simpler less busy styling: Sam/ Sally Peter
- Solid value at $140:Sam/ Sally/ Renee
- Heel shape creates a more agile ride: Renee
Cons:
Not for slower paces heel striking or if you need pronation control: rear rigid heel counter is short, foam is soft, upper at midfoot is quite unstructured Sam
Mid foot hold could be improved Sam/Ben/Sally
Looking forward to the next colorway (shades of purple not my jam): Sally
Ride is not as smooth and flowing at slower speeds: Peter
Kind of loud on the road: Peter
Outsole will catch small pebbles: Renee
Most comparable shoes
Adizero SL 2
Topo Specter 2
Nike Pegasus Plus
Topo Specter 2
Hoka Clifton 9
New Balance Rebel v4
Stats
Approx. Weight: men’s 8.75 oz / 247g
Sample Weights: men’s 8.5 oz / 242g US8.5 (-9g vs. Novablast 4)
women’s 7.7 oz / 218 g (US W8) (- 6 g vs Novablast 4)
Stack Height: men’s 41.5 mm heel / 33.5 mm forefoot (unchanged)
women's: 40.5 mm heel / 32.5 mm forefoot
Platform Width: 85 mm heel /73 mm midfoot / 110 mm forefoot US8.5
(5mm narrower at the forefoot and heel than v4)
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Sam: Breaking from some of its louder neon predecessors the Novablast 5 has an elegant more muted yet still striking colorway. The carving of the midsole sidewalls is less busy and more subtle. All of this to appeal to more “mature” runners?
The upper is a very light and thin engineered Jacquard mesh. ASICS says: “A new technical mesh upper provides a unique balance of lightweight comfort and enhanced breathability”. I would agree,
There are no overlays to speak of with the “Tiger” branding at midfoot as pliable as the rest of the upper. We do have a fairly substantial high toe bumper, essential for such a largely unstructured upper.
The midfoot area of the upper sees dual cord based lace holders at the front of lace up. In my A/B run with the v4, this design clearly provided a better lock down there than the prior version’s.
The gusset tongue is lightly padded at lace up, a bit more so than in the prior Novablast. Lace up is very easy and secure.
The midfoot hold is adequate but I do think it could be more substantial for this soft thin upper and big soft stack height here The tongue gusset is far forward and could be extended and beefed up with the overlays thickened. The midfoot hold didn’t present issues for me but for may for any more pronating runner than me.
The rear of the shoe is comfortable with slightly better heel hold than v4.
As with the midfoot a bit more structure would be appreciated. The mostly rigid heel counter could extend a bit further forward to help control landings a bit better at slower paces but that would add weight and after all the Novablast is focused on faster daily training.
The fit remains true to size for me with the slight stretch of the 5 and the cord based lace holders making up for what appears to be a narrower toe box.
Ben: Sam said it well above. The Nova Blast 5 - picking up on its predecessors - will no doubt remain at the center of the Asics lineup for many of us. The latest iteration of the Nova Blast runs smooth, comfortable and easy. This is, simply put, a great daily trainer.
It fits true to size, with a full, padded heel collar that helps with lockdown and feels really great. I found the slightly padded tongue to be very comfortable and not at all intrusive. It stayed in place and only added to the shoe’s overall comfort. The shoe was true-to-size for my men’s US9. The ride is plush without feeling mushy. I’m not sure it’s a fast shoe but it’s a good cruiser. That said, there’s some responsiveness here for those ready to pick up the pace somewhat.
Peter: Love the colorway and the styling. A great looking and lightweight shoe–looks to be a winner straight out of the box. Upper is nearly perfect in my book. In addition to the excellent color and style, the material feels plush and breathable. The tongue is excellent, lacing is easy, and foothold is good.
First impressions on the foot are great, first impressions on the run are a little less exciting for me. First run impressions are that the shoe sounds pretty loud on pavement and feels a bit stiffer than I might have hoped. Cushioning is good, but a bit stiff.
Renee: I’ll try not to repeat everyone else’s thoughts. I’ve run in all previous versions of the Novablast. They all have an aspect I liked, but I’m going to call the v5 my favorite and it all comes down to the lower weight (even if slightly) and the change to the heel shape, which I’ll discuss in the next sections. Like others, I find the fit is true to size for ASICS, and I found the upper to be a good combo of comfortable and secure for the shoe’s main purpose as a do-it-all daily trainer. The additional tongue padding (while still thin) feels improved over the past two versions.
Midsole & Platform
The Novablast gets the FF Blast Max foam also found in the Glideride Max (RTR Review).
To pressing it is slightly more rubbery and softer in feel than the predecessor’s FF Blast Plus foam. On the run during the A/B test with the 4, I felt a slightly quicker return from the Max foam.
And we have plenty of Max foam here at 41.5 mm heel / 33.5 mm forefoot. So this is a very well cushioned shoe with lots of energy return and shock absorption. The EVA sockliner helps amplify the cushion.
The platform narrows by about 5mm at heel and 5mm at the forefoot. Compared side by side on the run, the toe off of the 5 is noticeably more agile and quick to toe off, aided by the new outsole design. The forefoot of the 4 feelis more ponderous in comparison. Given the soft foam and minimal upper, I might have kept the rear platform the same as before but this is a minor point.
What the new set up does is return some of the quick agile magic of the OG v1 with on its now wider and higher platform calling of less of a need to be a “arrow” like in form as the OG required. But, no mistaking it if you need some stability and tend to run slower paces back on the heel most of the time there are better choices such as the Nimbus or Kayano.
Ben: I agree with Sam that this looks and feels like softer riding foam. It is that, in droves. I think it’s softer than the SuperBlast 2 and thus can operate as a recovery day type shoe if that’s what you’re looking for. The foam is very forgiving and very protective. To me this is an easy day shoe that’s ok to be taken for a bit of speed but it’s not designed for that and there are other ASICS shoes that would be better suited such as the also unplated Noosa Tri 16 compared below.
Renee: About that heel . . . Sam makes a good point about the stability of the heel, which works in my favor. I found the previous versions to be clunky at really slow paces and sometimes obtrusive for strides or fast/sprint paces. Not the case with v5.
The narrower platform allows for a natural mid to forefoot take off, whereas the wider platform of previous versions felt controlling. For this reason, v5 feels more agile and smoother at all paces.
The midsole itself is still fun and bouncy, which is what we all want from a Novablast. I don’t usually notice a midsole losing its pop as soon as others, likely because I run dirt and gravel instead of paved road. I expect the same durability as previous versions, although I am curious how others will gauge the durability at 100+ miles if they run pavement. The shoe was easy to get 50 miles in the course of four days. Each run was fun, and Garmin gave me a “productive” status each time. I felt pretty good about myself.
Peter: I think I’m going to be the outlier here as there’s something about the midsole/outsole combination here that feels just a bit harsh for me. It’s difficult for me to pinpoint whether it’s the midsole which feels relatively good on landing, but takes a bit of effort for me to push through the toe-off or the outsole which may be just a bit too firm. The giveaway seems to be in the volume of the outsole hitting the pavement. It’s a relatively loud shoe and I’ve come out of the runs in the Novablast 5 with a bit of lower back soreness.
Outsole
ASICS says about the outsole:“ (new) soft AHAR™ LO outsole provides better
traction on more surfaces. Increased energy return. A trampoline inspired outsole design helps
deliver increased bounce in every step.”
In addition to of course traction and durability, outsoles play a key role in a shoe’s ride.
The new outsole design is especially noticed at the forefoot as yes there is a bit more of a “trampoline” sensation off the front due to the larger central coverage area and the new lower density rubber. The narrower strips of front rubber also give the Novablast 5 more flex and help with a quicker toe off than the 4 which, even after considerable running in it, remains a rigid rocker type shoe.
Ben: The outsole is vast and broad and highly plush, especially at the forefoot. It is faster than the 4; I agree with Sam, in part due to the outsole. The traction is very, very good. This shoe will not be afraid of wet roads, uneven surfaces or other potentially hazardous conditions.
Renee: I discussed the platform difference in the previous sections, but I’ll reiterate that the narrow platform works much better for my mid to forefoot strike than the previous versions, which improves the stability and agility. I do understand how heel strikers might disagree. The same under forefoot shape gives the trampoline-like spring as the previous versions. A minor note as someone who runs gravel: small pebbles will wedge into the grooves. I did not notice this affecting the ride, but I imagine for those moving from gravel to pavement it might be slightly annoying.
Peter: The outsole is a bit firm for me. It feels efficient–if a bit harsh.. It doesn’t sink in to the road at all–and in fact jumps off the pavement really nicely once I move up to a quicker tempo. I think that the “trampoline” area is actually what is problematic for me at slower tempos. When I try to roll through the forefoot at slower tempos, I have to fight through the “trampoline” area of the forefoot to get to toe-off. When I’m running quicker I’m landing more in that area and it is doing what you’d hope it would do and propelling me off the ball of the foot.
Ride, Initial Conclusions and Recommendations
My initial runs now totaling 14 miles in 2 days in the Novablast 5 were fun and fast As intended!
The improved front upper hold kept me anchored to the now livelier and quicker toe off. The rear and midfoot hold could use some minor improvements but.. that would add weight to what at about 8.75 oz / 242g is a remarkably light shoe for its max cushion 41/33 stack height, and one priced very reasonably at $140.
The new Max foam delivers a slightly more energetic ride. The new upper is sleek and comfortable if a bit minimal and is highly breathable. The Novablast 5 for sure is still, and I would say is improved, as one of the most exciting light daily trainers available.
Is it suitable for every runner and all paces, probably not and especially for slow paces of it you need some some medial support. If you do not need pronation control, have decently aligned form, like lots of softer energetic cushion, and your daily paces are on the faster side it is one of the best out there and for me and is improved over v4.
Sam’s Score: 9.5 /10
Deductions for more towards the rear of the shoe upper support.
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Ben: To me, this is highly capable, light and energetic daily trainer. It is ready to pick up the pace if needed and is certainly up for those long easy runs. I think this is where it excels.
It is almost forgotten underfoot, in the best of ways. I found the foam to be just right, not too plush, not too firm, borrowing elements from the ASICS lineup to combine for a really friendly and fun shoe. It has great grip and great lockdown to be sure. If you’ve never worn an ASICS before, this is a great starting point and, if you’re a lifelong ASICS fan, then you’ll no doubt be a fan of this one as well.
Ben’s score: 9.4/10
deductions only for the fact that this isn’t a truly “exciting” shoe to me. It’s reliable, safe, comfortable and easygoing, but it doesn’t POP like some other daily trainers currently out there (Mach 6, Superblast 2, On Cloud Eclipse, for instance).
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Peter: The Novablast 5 has a delightful upper that is breathable and holds the foot well. A quick lace up and get out the door shoe. No messing around with fit, lacing, shoes staying tied or fiddling to try to get foot locked down. The ride is just a little bit harsh for me. I’ve put 40 miles in them over the past few days and while they’ve been pleasant enough, they haven’t been as fun and easy as I’d like. For me the ride could be just a pinch softer and the NovaBlast 5 would be a great daily trainer. As they are, they’re more fun at tempo than they are at easy paces. So there are other shoes I prefer for easy days, and other shoes I prefer for tempo days. I think the NovaBlast may work better for runners who are a bit heavier. They’re definitely worth a try–and clearly some other folks are more jazzed about them than I am. For me, they’re fine but not exciting.
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Peter’s Score 7.5/10
They’re good but not as fun as I’d like them to be.
Renee: The changes to the upper and heel shape work better for me in comparison to the previous version. Without the clunky heel, I was able to run all paces in this shoe, as opposed to previous versions in which slow paces felt cumbersome and fast paces felt unnatural to my foot landing. I don’t like to train often in a plated shoe, and the Novablast is now a great choice for a true daily trainer. I might prefer a lower drop shoe for short speed intervals/workouts but it’s not like the Novablast can’t handle those too. I agree with Sam that heel strikers and those needing pronation control might not like the changes, but for me, this update makes the v5 the best yet.
Renee’s Score: 9.8/10
(-.20 outsole traps pebbles)
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8 Comparisons
Novablast 1, 2, 3, and 4 (RTR Review)
Renee: I’ve run them all! The first version is the OG of fun and bouncy, but it was unstable. v2 added some width and weight, at the cost of some fun factor. The third version was my favorite until v5. It was fast from a forefoot landing, although like v4, it felt clunky at both fast strides and slow paces. The more narrow platform and less clunky heel (along with a slight weight drop) make v5 my favorite.
Ben: To me the Superblast is everything the Novablast is, but more: more stack, more foam, higher price by $60 (!) It’s probably a faster shoe as well. I am a big Superblast fan, particularly the Superblast 2 and see it as a true do-it-all trainer. If you’re just after an easy-day running here, then go with the Novablast. If you want something you can wear for workouts, easy runs, recovery days… then I’d go with the Superrblast 2.
Renee: I ran v1, not v2, of the Superblast. On paper, I should like that shoe more. It’s light and it has more stack for long runs. Yet, it didn’t have a smooth ride. At that stack, the Superblast felt as if it needed a rocker geometry and I don’t usually enjoy a rockered shoe.
Peter: The Superblast feels a little smoother to me. They feel quite similar but there’s just a little more cushion and a little more flow in the Superblast.
ASICS Noosa Tri 16 (RTR Review)
Ben: To me the Noosa Tri 16 was one of the real revelations of the past year. It’s a very light and nimble shoe. It’s probably a bit more uptempo than the Novablast and certainly ready to go faster if that’s what you’re after. It depends on what you need. If you’re looking for a daily cruiser and are prioritizing comfort, I’d lean toward the Novablast. If you want something with a bit more pep, I’d take the Noosa Tri.
Sam: Agreed 100% with Peter. More uptempo snappier in feel with a true performance upper with less volume and more secure hold
Hoka Skyflow (RTR Review)
Sam: Somewhat heavier at 9.39 oz 266/ g US9 on a similar 40 mm heel and higher 35 mm forefoot, the 5mm drop Skyflow has a denser, more stable and duller midsole and less dynamic and quick feeling ride and has a snugger secure upper. While not as much fun if you prefer a more stable max cushion ride and hold it may be a better choice.
Adizero SL 2 (RTR Review)
Sam: Somewhat heavier at about 9.15 oz / 259g on a lower 35mm heel / 25 mm forefoot 10 mm drop platform the SL 2 is another top contender for fun on the run. Its dual foam midsole with a core of Lightstrike Pro is not quite as bouncy but is energetic with a somewhat more stable if not quite as cushioned a platform. It's more extensive forefoot rubber gives it a more responsive toe off with more flex due to it lower front stack height.
Its upper is also minimal and mostly unstructured but non stretch and a bit cruder than the smooth fitting Novablast’s and has a narrower toe box. It ends up less plush but with a more secure upper although like the Nova it could be more dialed in at midfoot. Both true to size with the SL2 snugger up front, due to a pointier toe box and non stretch mesh.
Overall it is a more solid choice for faster shorter runs and workouts but can also handle longer distances if you prefer a more traditional (compared to the Novablast) somewhat firmer and snappier lower stack ride. At $120 it is a more solid value than the $140 ASICS
Topo Specter 2 (RTR Review)
Sam: The Specter gets closest to the Novablast in weight and actually weighs less at men’s 8.2 oz / 232g US8.5 but sits on a lower 37mm heel but similar 32mm forefoot being a 5mm drop shoe. The all supercritical PEBAX foam midsole is equally energetic if a touch firmer due in part to its lower heel. While mighty fine, the Novablast upper is neither as secure or as roomy upfront. While the Novablast is yet more fun the Specter likely is a more reliable and versatile daily trainer for those whose form is not top notch and aligned.
Renee: Agree with Sam above. The midsole of the Specter 2 is firmer and has the potential to be better for faster paces. The geometry of the Specter 2 can help with form, but at times this felt cumbersome for my natural foot landing, while the new heel shape of the Novablast is more conducive to my mid to forefoot landing.
Peter: I actually prefer the Specter. They feel similarly firm, but for me the Specter rolls off the toe more easily. My paces were quicker in the Specter (without meaning them to be) and I didn’t feel like I was fighting the shoe in the same way that I was fighting the Novablast 5.
Nike Pegasus Plus (RTR Review)
Sam: The Pegasus is lighter at men’s 8.42 oz / 239g US8.5 but sits on a considerably lower platform of 35 mm heel / 25 mm forefoot ( 10 mm drop). Its upper is totally locked down everywhere but not as comfortable as the more minimal and less structured Novablast 4's. Underfoot, we have a relatively dense Zoom X foam midsole. The forefoot of the Nike is definitely thinner feeling on the run and also yet more agile. If your intended purposes are workouts and shorter fast tempos the more steady, stable and secure Plus is a better choice. If you want a fast fun shoe with deep energetic cushion go with the Novablast. Both are true to size for me with the ASICS having a notably more easy fitting and stretchier toe box.
Peter: The Pegasus Plus is a much smoother and more enjoyable ride. The forefoot is thinner and I definitely noticed some forefoot fatigue once I was up over 14 miles. I’d reach for the Pegasus before the Novablast just because they work better with my form. Where the Novablast feels like I have to push through at slower paces, the Pegasus Plus rides smooth at any tempo.
New Balance Rebel v4 (RTR Review)
Renee: My beloved Rebel gained a wider base, and I wasn’t a fan initially. In terms of the update, the Novablast v5 improved while the Rebel v4 did not, so my Novablast score is higher. Still, the Rebel is a lightweight shoe with a lower drop, which I tend to prefer so if I had to buy one, it would be the Rebel. Both are excellent choices as daily trainers and a variety of paces. I think they compliment each other: Novablast for when you want a higher drop and a fun ride, the Rebel when you want less weight and a lower drop.
Peter: Different shoes. Rebel V4 is a shoe I’d run in at any tempo on any day. Much more fun, much smoother ride. No contest for me.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
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Tester Profile
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2024 Sam’s 52th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
Ben is the Senior Rabbi of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel of Elkins Park, PA. A cancer survivor, he has run 21 marathons. He holds PRs of 3:15 for the marathon and 1:30 for the half. At 46, he still enjoys pushing himself and combining his running with supporting a variety of causes. Follow him on Instagram: @RabbiBPD or Twitter: @BDinPA
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1 comment:
Good to see they didn't optimize it worse than it was. I skipped 4, version 3 was visually my favorite so far, and thinking about it, also better than 1. Maybe I will get #5, but you guys show me so many alternatives weekly...^^
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