I wore a pair of ASICS for my very first marathon, the London Marathon back in 2012. I remember buying the first pair from Sweaty Betty with no clue what I was looking for, then a second pair from the London ASICS store after having a gait analysis.
I’ve loved a lot of ASICS shoes since that first 26.2, and had a number that don’t work for me. For the past few iterations, the Novablast have been on my ‘hits’ list (especially the Novablast 3), and spoiler alert, the Novablast 5 were no exception. I’ve worn the range of ASICS Novablasts since they first launched in 2020 for easy runs, long runs and tempo runs they’re a great versatile shoe for a (in my opinion) a really good price point!
ASICS Novablast 5 Review
I bought these shoes in December but in the rush of Christmas and back-to-back sicknesses in our house, I put them in a cupboard and kind of forgot about them (my Novablast 4s are still in regular rotation) however I found them last week and haven’t really taken them off since.
This is my honest review as a mid-pack runner trying to improve my speed and consistency while juggling a lot of other stuff going on in life. (links are affiliate)
What Is ASICS Novablast 5
The ASICS Novablast 5 is a daily trainer, with a 41.5mm stack height in the heel, 33.5mm making it a max cushion shoe with an 8mm drop.
The biggest update from the Novablast 4 to Novablast 5 is the new foam; FF Blast Max midsole. ASICS report that this increases ‘bounce properties’ by 8.5% compared to the earlier versions. Alongside an upgraded midsole, there’s also an update to the forefoot to improve spring in the form of the pod-like groove which is designed to propel runners forward (but doesn’t feel as aggressive as some of the rockers out there).
The tongue is a gusseted wing design that has been trimmed down to save on weight without losing comfort thanks to the padding and perforations to improve breathability. Coupled with the updated lacing system including bungee cord and standard eyelets for a secure, snug lockdown.
What Are The Pros Of ASICS Novablast 5
Max Cushioning – As a fan of a max cushioned shoe, I love the 41.55m heel stack and soft but stable ride. The midsole is softer than the v4 however they aren’t as soft or cushy as the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 (my most plush runner and go to when my feet/legs are really sore!)
Colourways – Can I be honest? I don’t always love the ASICS colourways (I think the UK is often thrown into the European colour selections and they don’t always hit the mark in my opinion). Whilst the hero purple/coral isn’t my fave, I do love that there are all white, the white/coral reef and the ones I have in navy blue and pink (midnight/breeze).
Wider Toe Box – whilst this may be in the CON column, as someone with a wider foot and high arch, the increased toe box width and increased volume in the Novablast 5 is my fave update! The new lacing system combining bungee cord eyelets and traditional eyelets to help with the lockdown.
Reduced heel bevel – as a heel striker, I’m also glad of this update from the Novablast 4. ASICS have shaved down the heel bevel.
What Are The Cons Of ASICS Novablast 5
Less responsive ride – the Novablast 5 has lost a little of the snap or energy return of the Novablast 4. With that said, I don’t mind that in a daily trainer and personally appreciate the slightly softer cushioning in the 5 without being too squishy.
Poor traction – this might not be the trainer to pick for your rainy runs. Unfortunately, the AHAR LO material doesn’t stand up to the AHAR Plus found in the Superblast 2. Not great for narrow feet – but that’s probably why I like it so much!) It’s wide without being a wide foot shoe! Those with narrow feet may struggle to get a foot lock and may experience movement on the run thanks to a roomier mesh upper.
Are The ASICS Novablast 5 Worth It?
For me, at £135 I think these are a great all-rounder daily trainer. I travelled to LA a few weeks ago for 5 days and only brought this trainer to run a half marathon, easy run, long run and a speed workout. Whilst I wouldn’t use these as a proper race day shoe, they are the perfect easy run shoe to save my Superblasts for more speedy runs. If you like the Brooks Ghost 16 (which I do!) or the Saucony Ride 17 (I actually found this one a little firmer than the Novablast 5) then you’ll likely enjoy these. However, if you have narrow feet or don’t love a max cushion shoe then probably give this a miss.
Where To Buy ASICS Novablast 5
As always, I’d recommend getting a gait analysis or testing the trainers on the tread before purchasing to make sure they work for you – even if you’ve worn other ASICS running shoes or previous versions of the Novablast!
Let me know what other shoes you want reviews of!
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