Head-to-Head
Novablast 5vsLaunch 12
The Novablast 5 and Launch 12 are both daily trainer shoes built for road running. The Novablast 5 retails for $150 while the Launch 12 comes in at $120 — a $30 difference. The Launch 12 is the lighter shoe at 8.9 oz versus 9.0 oz for the Novablast 5. In our ratings, the Novablast 5 edges out the Launch 12 — 9.1/10 versus 8.2/10.
| Rating | 9.1 / 10✓ | 8.2 / 10 | |
| Price | $150 | $120✓ | |
| Weight | 9.0 oz | 8.9 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | High | Medium | |
| Softness | Soft | Balanced | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 8 mm | 8 mm | |
| Stack | 41.5 mm | 35 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Narrow | |
| Energy Return | Medium✓ | Medium✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium | Breathable✓ | |
| Traction | Low | Medium✓ | |
| Shock Absorption | Medium | Medium | |
| Durability | Decent | Good✓ |
