Asics Novablast 5 review: I ran 90k in these trainers and they still look new
Perfect for daily training, this running shoe has next-level comfort, bounce and propulsion
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Score: 9/10
We like:
- Versatile enough for most types of running
- Supremely comfortable
- Bouncy and responsive
We don’t like:
- Lacks traction needed for adverse conditions
- Wide toe box won’t suit narrow feet
What is the Asics Novablast 5?
Finding the best running shoes to wear on a daily basis can be taxing. The Novablast 5 is the latest generation of Asics’ popular daily trainer and is designed to be an all-rounder that you can run in day in, day out, mostly on roads.
This version has fast become a popular running shoe that promises to have better energy return than the Novablast 4, with a new midsole foam using “FF Blast Max Foam” and an outsole design that combines bounce and grip. The upper is made from an engineered Jacquard mesh that’s breathable and lightweight, great for training in warmer weather.
Good running shoes are always an investment but at £135, this sits near the lower end of performance shoe prices, which is good value considering what you get for it. I’ve done at least 90 kilometres in them so far and they’re still going strong.
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How we test running shoes
I’ve been a regular runner for 25 years and have tested many pairs of shoes in that time. I’ve been wowed by some technologies and disappointed by others, and have learned that big brands do not always get it right. That’s why it’s important to judge each new iteration of a running shoe on its own merit rather than the reputation of previous models.
I took the Novablast 5s out for short, fast runs and longer, slower runs both on tarmac and in my local park, up and down hills, and wore them while speed training. I was looking at the level of comfort they offer in terms of fit, cushioning and breathability; how much bounce and shock absorption they had, how durable they were after several runs, what kind of ground feel you have when wearing them, and finally how stable they felt, especially as they’re quite stacked (there’s a lot of material between your foot and the ground).
While finding the perfect running socks, running shorts, gels, sunglasses and vests does matter, I’d argue that the right running shoe is the most important piece of the puzzle for comfort, overall performance and crucially, preventing injuries.
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Comfort
Score: 10/10
This is an extremely comfortable, lightweight shoe that’s a treat to wear. They fit like a glove from the off.
Asics shoes often come up too narrow for me as I have wide feet, but I happily found the opposite with this pair. The toe box is very wide, which allowed my toes to spread comfortably, and didn’t become restrictive as my feet heated up when running. If you have narrow feet you may find this shoe too roomy however, as it’s only available in one width.
The upper is lightweight and breathable, as is the soft, flexible, internally attached tongue. The lacing system with bungee cord eyelets at the base and normal eyelets at the top pulls the shoe in close to your foot for a comfortable fit. I found the heel cup supportive and the heel collar well-cushioned. It sat quite high over my Achilles, which gave me extra comfort while running.
Bounce and shock absorption
Score: 10/10
“Bounce” sums up this shoe – it’s there in abundance, provided mostly by the midsole “FF Blast Max Foam”. Even when you walk in these shoes it feels like you’re about to take off, and Asics’ specialist foam really came into its own when I started running. The shoes have a “trampoline-inspired” outsole with a pod on the forefoot, which certainly makes running feel dynamic and energetic.
The cushioning felt soft and reassuring and had such good shock absorption that I didn’t feel a hint of reverberation into my legs, even on downhills. My feet and legs felt great after longer runs. The energy return is also superb - these shoes genuinely made it feel easier to run fast - which is impressive as it’s rare to find a highly cushioned running shoe that has the right features to achieve this.
Durability
Score: 9/10
I’d run 90 kilometres or so in these shoes by the time I started writing this and they have so far shown very few signs of wear. The upper is thin and breathable, but it’s also strong. My big toe tends to poke through most of my running shoes and a bump will usually start to show after about 40 kilometres, but there’s been no sign of deterioration so far.
The cushioning and bounce is also just as strong as it was when I first put them on. The traction on the outsole seems durable so far, although it was shallow to begin with, which is my only real quibble. There’s no significant lugs for traction, so while I feel fine running on dry surfaces and I have no issues with grip, I’d think twice before running in wet weather or slippery, uneven conditions.
Ground feel and responsiveness
Score: 8/10
The Novablast 5 has a fair stack, with a 40.5mm heel height and 32.5mm forefoot height (with just an eight millimetre heel-to-toe drop), so it won’t suit runners who want sensitive ground feel. However, there is enough flexibility in the forefoot that I can feel my foot roll through with enough firmness to keep the propulsion. The rocker shape of the forefoot helps to add to this, too.
I found these shoes responded easily when I made harder efforts during tempo and sprint training. Some people might prefer a dedicated speed shoe, which would arguably offer some gains, but as a recreational runner I found this worked as a great all-rounder that performed well both at speed and at a steadier pace. I also did some hill training which is where I found the cushioning and bounce truly came into its own, giving me propulsion on the uphills and taking the shock out on the downhills.
Stability
Score: 9/10
The Novablast 5 is a neutral shoe, which means it doesn’t provide stability features for runners who over-pronate (roll their feet inwards). As a mild over-pronator myself, I usually need a bit of extra support so I was surprised to find that these shoes were actually quite supportive and didn’t pose any problems for me. The arch support will be sufficient for most wearers, but might not be enough if you have very high arches.
I get shin splints beyond five kilometres in some neutral shoes, but not so with these, and that remained true over 10 kilometres and longer. I’m not recommending these be worn as a support shoe, but I am surprised by the amound of support I’ve experienced while running.
Technical specifications
The Saucony Ride 18 is a good comparison to the Novablast 5 as it’s also a neutral daily trainer with a high level of cushioning but a slightly firmer ride. The Hoka Clifton 10 is another alternative for daily use.
Should you buy the Asics Novablast 5?
These Asics will be a great option for most runners who want to push through training runs feeling speedy and supported thanks to the road-ready durability, balance of the propulsive bounce, and cushioning. They won’t be the right pair for aspiring record-breakers or trail runners, but many will get an incredible amount of mileage out of them.
Yes, if:
- You want a comfortable trainer for running daily at different speeds
- You like bounce and propulsion
- You want great shock absorption
No, if:
- You have narrow feet
- You want deep lugs for traction in adverse conditions
The bouncy “FF Blast Max foam” in the midsole is a new addition, as is the improved mesh upper.
It’s a neutral shoe that would suit most types of runner as it’s so versatile and not overpriced; the exception might be faster runners who want carbon-plated shoes for races, or those who like to wear specific shoes for speed sessions in training. It’s also not for those who need high levels of stability due to overpronation – these runners should look for a dedicated support shoe.
It’s on the generous side, so go for no more than half a size up from your street shoe size.
Based on our testing, it feels durable so far, showing few signs of wear or loss of cushioning or bounce after more than 90 kilometres of running.
The Novablast is a dedicated road shoe and traction on the outsole isn’t a strong point. If you run on trails or in wet, uneven conditions where you might slip, we’d consider something else.