The Shoe Nerds
The Shoe Nerds

Daily Trainer • Road • December 2024

Asics Novablast 5
Aggregated rating: 9.2/10
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ASICS Novablast 5 Review

An unbiased look at what reviewers and runners are saying.

Disclaimer: AI was used to help provide an unbiased perspective on this topic, and all content was carefully fact-checked and edited by human running-shoe analysts. It reflects aggregated opinions from reviewers and runners and does not represent firsthand testing.

Overview & Quick Verdict

Across reviewer takes and user feedback, the Novablast 5 is widely viewed as a return to what people liked about the line: a cushioned, lively daily trainer that doesn’t feel overly heavy. The big story is the midsole update, which many describe as more forgiving and more fun than the previous model.

Quick verdict: it’s a strong “one-shoe rotation” candidate if you want comfort and bounce for most of your training week. If you want a lower-stacked, firmer-feeling shoe, it may not be your best match.

Key Stats

  • Brand: ASICS
  • Model: Novablast 5
  • Category: Neutral daily trainer (high cushion, versatile training shoe)
  • Terrain: Road
  • Price: $150
  • Weight: 9.0 oz
  • Stack Height: 41.5 mm (heel)
  • Drop: 8 mm

Best For / Not Ideal For

Best for

  • Runners who want a high-cushion trainer that still feels light enough to pick up the pace
  • Easy runs, daily mileage, long runs, and steady progression efforts
  • Neutral runners who like a “soft but not mushy” ride with some bounce

Not ideal for

  • Runners who prioritize great traction in wet weather
  • Hot-weather runners who need consistently high breathability, or those who want maximum upper durability
  • Anyone who struggles with stability in tall, softer foams (especially when tired)

Pros

  • Noticeably softer, bouncier midsole feel than the prior version for many runners
  • Excellent cushion-to-weight ratio that makes long runs feel less beat-up
  • Easy to use for lots of paces, from relaxed cruising to steady tempo efforts
  • Smoother transitions that feel less clunky than older Novablast generations to many testers
  • Generally comfortable upper with solid step-in feel for daily miles

Cons

  • Not the best traction, especially in wet weather
  • Breathability can be hit-or-miss, especially for warm-weather runners
  • Fit is not universal, with volume/lockdown needing tweaks for certain foot shapes

Ride & Feel

A common theme is “soft but not mushy,” with the shoe feeling springy once you settle into a rhythm. Many reviewers describe the ride as smoother and more consistent than the prior version, especially over longer efforts.

At very slow paces, opinions split more. Some still enjoy the cushion for recovery runs, while others think it comes alive most when you’re running with a little intent.

Fit & Comfort

Comfort tends to score well, with frequent praise for the step-in feel and the overall easygoing nature for daily mileage. The upper is usually described as secure enough for training, without feeling overly racer-like.

Fit nuances show up in the details. Some runners love the forefoot space, while others mention dialing in lacing/volume to get ideal heel and midfoot lockdown.

Support & Stability

For a neutral trainer with a high stack, stability feedback is generally better than you might expect. The platform and geometry help many runners feel centered, particularly at easy-to-steady speeds.

That said, it’s still a tall, bouncy shoe. If you’re sensitive to lateral wobble or you land hard on the heel, stability confidence can vary a lot by runner.

Traction & Durability

Traction is typically described as fine on everyday pavement, and most runners don’t flag grip as a huge weakness. Wet performance tends to be a bigger concern, depending on surface and conditions.

Durability feedback is mixed but mostly reasonable for a daily trainer. Outsole wear often sounds acceptable, while upper wear—especially around the front—gets brought up more often than people want.

Energy Return & Performance

The Novablast 5 is commonly praised for feeling lively without requiring a plate. Many runners describe it as efficient for steady uptempo running, especially when used as a daily trainer that can occasionally go faster.

Performance limitations show up when the session demands precision. For hard intervals or race-specific workouts, plenty of reviewers still prefer a lighter, snappier shoe in the rotation.

Conclusion

The ASICS Novablast 5 is widely seen as a versatile, bouncy daily trainer that blends high cushioning with a surprisingly light feel. It tends to get its best feedback as a comfortable workhorse that can handle long runs and steady faster running without feeling like a brick.

The tradeoffs are familiar: some stability variability, traction uncertainty, breathability not always perfect, and durability concerns that depend on how you run and where the shoe rubs. If you want a fun, cushioned road trainer that covers a lot of ground, aggregated opinions land strongly in its favor.

Key Sources

ASICS (official product page) - https://www.asics.com/us/en-us/novablast--5/p/ANA_1011B974-002.html
RunRepeat - https://runrepeat.com/asics-novablast-5
Doctors of Running - https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2024/11/asics-novablast-5-review-2024.html
RoadTrailRun - https://www.roadtrailrun.com/2024/11/asics-novablast-5-iniital-review-fun.html
Believe in the Run - https://believeintherun.com/shoe-reviews/asics-novablast-5-review/
Running Shoes Guru - https://www.runningshoesguru.com/reviews/road/asics-novablast-5-review/
Tom’s Guide - https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/running/asics-novablast-5-review
The Run Testers - https://theruntesters.com/asics-novablast-5-review/
Running Warehouse (review) - https://www.runningwarehouse.com/reviews/ASICS-Shoe-Reviews/asics-novablast-5.html
Run & Smile - https://runandsmile.net/asics-novablast-5-review/
Kofuzi (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbu_ptyMB7s
Ben Parkes (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcHgwy_5A6Y
Yowana (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckM-cDCcYJE