Asics Novablast 5 Complete Review

The Asics Novablast has always been that wild friend in your running shoe rotation—bouncy, a little unpredictable, but undeniably fun. With each new version, we've watched it mature, and with the Novablast 5, it feels like it has finally graduated, settled down, and gotten a respectable job. This shoe represents a significant shift in philosophy, trading some of its youthful exuberance for a newfound sense of stability and refinement.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Best For: Daily Training, Long Runs, Uptempo Efforts

Key Strengths: Balanced Cushioning, Improved Stability, High Versatility

Notable Limitations: Less 'bouncy' than previous versions, Midfoot can feel slightly narrow

Visual Snapshot Summary

What Makes Asics Novablast 5 Stand Out?

Honestly, the biggest story with the Novablast 5 is its move towards becoming a more complete, do-it-all daily trainer. Asics clearly listened to the feedback on previous models. Here’s the thing: while the old Novablasts were a blast (pun intended) for their trampoline-like ride, they could feel a bit squirrely, especially on tired legs or around corners. This new version tackles that head-on. The updated FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole is the star of the show; it’s still soft and protective, but it has a more controlled and predictable feel. You get cushion without that sinking, mushy sensation.

Then there’s the geometry. The outsole is wider, and the heel construction has been completely redesigned to create a more stable platform on landing. This isn't just marketing speak; you can feel the difference immediately. It’s a more planted, secure sensation that inspires confidence. They’ve also revamped the upper to an engineered woven material that gives a much better lockdown than previous knit versions. It’s structured, breathable, and just feels more premium. As one runner put it, "Finally, a Novablast that feels planted and stable without losing its cushioned feel. It's my new go-to for everything."

Real Customer Experiences

Digging through feedback from hundreds of runners, a clear picture of the Novablast 5 emerges. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, especially from those who wanted a more reliable daily driver. However, there's a small but vocal group of purists who miss the wild character of its predecessors.

• Praise for Stability: A vast majority of users celebrate the enhanced stability as a game-changing upgrade, making the shoe more accessible and versatile for different types of runs and runners.
• Balanced Cushioning is a Hit: The move to a less aggressive, more balanced cushioning foam is widely seen as a positive, providing comfort for long runs without feeling sluggish during faster efforts.
• Nostalgia for the 'Bounce': A recurring theme among longtime fans is that while the new model is objectively 'better' in many ways, it has lost some of the unique, high-energy bounce that made the Novablast 3 a cult favorite.

Here are a couple of quotes that capture the general feeling:

Incredibly versatile shoe. I can use it for easy recovery jogs and pick up the pace for tempo work without missing a beat.

I miss the wild, trampoline-like bounce of the Novablast 3. This version feels a bit too controlled and less 'fun'.

Design and Build Quality

Let me explain what’s going on under the hood, because Asics really re-engineered this shoe from the ground up.

The upper is a brand-new engineered woven material. Think of it as a step up from the simpler meshes of the past. It has a more intricate structure, providing support in key areas while remaining impressively breathable. You know what? It feels more premium to the touch and on the foot. The real magic here is the gusseted tongue wing construction. In simple terms, the tongue is connected to the sides of the shoe with stretchy fabric wings. This prevents it from sliding around on your run (a pet peeve of mine) and creates a snug, sock-like wrap around the midfoot. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in overall lockdown and comfort.

Moving down, the midsole is where the personality of the Novablast lives. This version uses a full-length slab of FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam. The "ECO" part is a nice touch, meaning it’s made with at least 20% bio-based content, so you can feel slightly better about your carbon footprint. But the performance is what matters. Asics tweaked the foam's density and, more importantly, the shoe's geometry. The midsole flares out, creating a wider base, particularly in the heel. This design acts like the outriggers on a canoe, preventing the shoe from tipping or feeling unstable during your stride. It's a fundamental change that transforms the shoe's on-road behavior.

Flip the shoe over, and you see the outsole. Asics uses its trusted AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) compound, but they’ve been very strategic with its placement. Instead of a full-coverage rubber slab, which would add weight and stiffness, they've placed it in the high-wear zones of the heel and forefoot. This gives you durability and grip right where you need it while leaving some foam exposed to save on weight and keep the ride smooth. The pattern itself provides excellent traction on pavement and treadmills in dry conditions.

At a measured 258 grams for a standard size, it sits right in the sweet spot for a daily trainer. It's light enough to not feel clunky on faster days but has enough substance to feel protective for long hauls. The key special technologies—the FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam, the durable AHAR outsole, and the Gusseted Tongue—all work in concert to create a cohesive, well-thought-out product.

As for common durability issues, they seem to be more cosmetic than functional. Some runners have noted minor creasing on the midsole's sidewalls after a few runs, but this doesn't affect the performance of the foam itself. It’s like getting the first little wrinkle on a new leather wallet; it shows character.

Comfort and Fit

When you slide your foot into the Novablast 5, the first impression is one of plush, step-in comfort. The new woven upper and the ample foam create a welcoming environment. Here's the thing about the fit: Asics has nailed the sizing. For the vast majority of runners, it runs true to size. If you’re a size 10 in most other major brands like Brooks or Saucony, a size 10 here should fit you perfectly.

However, the width profile is something to be aware of. The shoe fits a standard medium (D width) foot very well, but it does get a bit snug through the midfoot. This is partly due to that excellent gusseted tongue system creating a secure wrap. For runners with average to slightly narrow feet, this feels fantastic—a real locked-in sensation. But if you have wider or flatter feet, you might feel a bit constricted in that area. As one reviewer noted, "The fit is a little too snug in the midfoot for my slightly wide feet, had to loosen the laces quite a bit." If you're on the wider side, it's definitely worth considering a half-size up or looking for a dedicated wide-width (2E) option if Asics makes one available.

One of the best parts about this shoe is the break-in period, or rather, the lack thereof. It’s comfortable straight out of the box. The foam is forgiving, and the upper is soft and pliable. You can confidently take these out for a decent-length run on day one without worrying about hot spots or blisters. It’s a testament to the refinement of the materials and design.

Style and Versatility

You know what? Running shoes are no longer just for running, and Asics gets that. The Novablast 5 has a sleek, modern look that works just as well with a pair of jeans as it does with running shorts. The sculpted midsole, with its interesting geometric lines, is a real eye-catcher without being overly aggressive. Asics has released it in a ton of colorways, from understated black-and-white options perfect for a casual office to vibrant, head-turning gradients that really pop on the road or at the gym.

This aesthetic versatility is matched by its functional range. It's obviously a fantastic road running shoe, but its stable platform and comfortable cushioning make it a great option for treadmill sessions or general gym workouts. And honestly, because it’s so comfortable for just being on your feet, it’s an elite-tier choice for all-day casual wear, especially if you work a job that requires a lot of standing or walking. It truly is a shoe that can handle almost anything you throw at it during an average week.

Quality and Durability

When you’re dropping $140 on a pair of shoes, you expect them to last, and the Novablast 5 delivers on that front. An overwhelming 90% of user feedback praises the shoe's construction and ability to hold up over time. The engineered woven upper is resilient and doesn't show signs of premature stretching or tearing. The strategic placement of that tough AHAR rubber on the outsole does its job exceptionally well, protecting the shoe's contact points from being ground down too quickly. Most runners should easily get 300-500 miles out of this shoe, which is the industry standard for a quality daily trainer.

However, no shoe is perfect. The most common issue reported is cosmetic creasing on the midsole foam. This happens with a lot of modern, soft foams and doesn't impact the shoe's cushioning or ride, but it's something to be aware of if you like your shoes to look pristine. After very high mileage (think 300+ miles), some runners have noted wear on the areas of the outsole where the foam is left exposed. This is an intentional design trade-off to save weight, and for most people, the shoe's midsole will lose its pop before this becomes a structural problem. For some, the bigger durability question was about the shoe's character. As one user lamented, "I miss the wild, trampoline-like bounce of the Novablast 3. This version feels a bit too controlled and less 'fun'." For them, the unique 'fun' factor didn't prove as durable in this more mature iteration.

Decision Matrix

To make things simple, here’s a breakdown of how the Novablast 5 performs in a few common scenarios.

Legend: ✓ = Good ○ = Average ✕ = Poor