Head-to-Head
Novablast 5vsNeo Zen 2
The Novablast 5 and Neo Zen 2 are both daily trainer shoes built for road running. The Novablast 5 retails for $150 while the Neo Zen 2 comes in at $160 — a $10 difference. The Neo Zen 2 is the lighter shoe at 8.5 oz versus 9.0 oz for the Novablast 5. In our ratings, the Novablast 5 edges out the Neo Zen 2 — 9.2/10 versus 8.5/10.
| Rating | 9.2 / 10✓ | 8.5 / 10 | |
| Price | $150✓ | $160 | |
| Weight | 9.0 oz | 8.5 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | High | Medium | |
| Softness | Soft | Soft | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 8 mm | 6 mm | |
| Stack | 41.5 mm | 40 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Narrow | |
| Energy Return | Medium✓ | Low | |
| Breathability | Medium | Medium | |
| Traction | Low | Medium✓ | |
| Shock Absorption | Medium | High✓ | |
| Durability | Decent✓ | Bad |
