ASICS Novablast 5 Review

I’ve been floating around my local run routes in the ASICS Novablast 5, seeing how they perform on easy runs, while picking up the pace, and also as a walking shoe when taking Kepler on his daily ‘walkies’.

So, this review shares my honest thoughts about how it performs for daily training and long, easy runs, walks and even using as a lifestyle shoe for standing around all day.

As someone who values a balanced mix of cushioning, responsiveness, and support, I was curious to see how the new features, like the FF Blast Max midsole and upgraded engineered jacquard mesh upper, would hold up under various conditions.

This review covers my observations on everything from cushioning and stability to the overall fit, design, and comfort, helping you decide if it will fit into your running shoe rotation, or not.

Key specifications

• Price: $140 at ASICS.com / Road Runner Sports / Dick’s Sporting Goods / Sportsshoes.com (best price in the UK)
• Weight (US Men’s 9): 8.9 oz (252 g)
• Drop: 8mm – Stack height of 41mm under the heel, 33mm under the forefoot
• Midsole foam: FF Blast Max – ASICS’ newest, lightest, and most responsive daily training foam
• Upper material: Engineered jacquard mesh (75% recycled) with enhanced stretch and ventilation
• Outsole: AHAR LO rubber for durability and a softer, grippy feel

Sizing and fit

The Novablast 5 runs true to size, with a comfortable, snug fit overall that accommodates medium-width feet well. As of writing this review, there is no ‘wide’ option available yet.

The engineered jacquard mesh upper is lightweight and pretty breathable, though the tongue could benefit from a slightly longer design for a more secure feel without needing to adjust it mid run – more on that in a moment.

What’s good

The most notable feature of the Novablast 5 is definitely the new FF Blast Max midsole.

It delivers a super soft and cushioned ride, reminiscent of what I experienced with the Cloudsurfer 7 (the new Cloudsurfer 2 2025 has just dropped, by the way), but with a higher drop that changes the feel somewhat.

The cushioning under the heel is notably effective at absorbing shock, which makes a big difference during longer slow runs where heel to mid striking occurs most often.

Even the mid to forefoot carries a bouncy quality that adds a bit of spring, making it enjoyable during those recovery runs or everyday training sessions.

I also appreciate the way the engineered jacquard mesh upper is so lightweight and breathable enough for most runs.

The upper also manages to offer enough support to keep your feet secure throughout various paces.

The collar and heel counter feel soft, (as you would imagine looking at the photo below), yet provide a reassuring level of support, which I believe is key for a daily trainer.

This combination of a cushioned midsole and a supportive upper creates a comforting, smooth transition from heel to forefoot, a factor that’s particularly beneficial for heel strikers.

When it comes to the overall feel of the shoe, the balance between cushioning and responsiveness is one of the main reasons it will become a go-to trainer for so many.

It’s comfortable enough to handle longer, slower runs without causing fatigue, and the durability of the AHAR LO rubber outsole has held up well during my workouts.

Even though the outsole’s grip on wet pavement might not be the best, it still offers a consistent performance on most days, which is reassuring for someone who logs a variety of runs.

How it could be improved

While there’s a lot to like about the Novablast 5, there are a few areas that could see some tweaks.

The tongue, for example, tends to slide down and to the side during runs, which can be a bit annoying over time. I ended up experimenting with thicker socks to compensate for this, but that didn’t really work.

A longer tongue with a better mechanism for holing it in place would provide a more secure fit from the start.

Another aspect that I noticed is the balance between cushioning and speed. The soft, bouncy feel of the FF Blast Max midsole is excellent for recovery and long runs; however, it can feel overly soft when I try to pick up the pace.

This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you prefer a firmer platform for speed work or tempo runs, in which case, you should be looking at speed training shoes like these.

The high drop is another point of contention for me personally; although it adds to the cushioning in the heel and helps with shock absorption, I generally prefer a slightly lower drop to better facilitate a mid to forefoot strike during faster-paced efforts – it’s just how I run.

The traction on wet surfaces is also a potential area for improvement, the AHAR LO rubber outsole is durable and performs well on dry pavement, but if you’re someone who often runs in rainy or slippery conditions, you might find the grip a little lacking.

A minor adjustment in the outsole’s pattern or material could help enhance traction without compromising durability.

Is the new version better?

Comparing the Novablast 5 to the Novablast 4 – I didn’t get the pleasure of trying that model out but here is some specification changes that I have managed to dig up.

The FF Blast Max midsole should make a noticeable difference in delivering a softer, more responsive feel, which enhances the overall comfort during longer runs. The updated engineered jacquard mesh upper should also contributes to a lighter, more breathable fit, which is a plus for anyone tackling high-mileage training.

The drop is now higher and it has softer cushioning, which is great for some aspects of running, but it might not suit everyone, especially if you’re more accustomed to a firmer, lower-drop shoe like the Novablast 4.

Overall, though, if your training involves a mix of easy runs and recovery days, the improvements in comfort and durability should make the new version a worthwhile upgrade.

My verdict

I’ve come to really appreciate the ASICS Novablast 5’s strengths as a versatile, everyday trainer. The FF Blast Max midsole gives a soft, cushioned ride that’s perfect for long runs and recovery runs, and the engineered jacquard mesh upper keeps the shoe lightweight and breathable.

While there are some minor issues, these don’t overshadow the overall performance of the shoe, especially at the $140 price point.

If you’re looking for a shoe that delivers plush energy and consistent support for your daily training sessions, and you don’t mind a higher drop, this will be a seriously solid addition to your running shoe lineup.

Oh, it also makes for an affordable running shoe option, if you need a cushioned shoe for walking or standing around all day.

You can buy the ASICS Novablast 5 for $140 at my favorite running stores below:

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👋🏼 Not sure about these but still need a pair of great daily training shoes? Head over to my Best Daily Trainer Running Shoes roundup, next – or alternatively my Best Max Cushioned Running Shoes roundup if you fancy a very plush ride. See you on the next review! -Alastair

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