Asics Novablast 5

Asics Novablast 5

Asics Novablast 5

Keith: When I leave for a run, I usually stop and think, what shoe is going to be best for this? Do I grab my speed trainers for some fast splits, or am I cruising for miles and miles with a soft and pillowy pavement devourer? It’s usually an either or dilemma of performance vs. comfort. If I could just find a shoe that answers both needs… wait a second! Here’s the Asics Novablast 5!!


THE SPECS

Support: Neutral

Weight: 9 oz / 255 g (men), 7.9 oz / 225 g (women)

Stack Height: 41.5 mm in the heel, 33.5 mm in the forefoot (mens), 40.5 mm in the heel, 32.5 mm in the forefoot (womens)

Midsole Drop: 8 mm

Cushion Level: Mid

 

ON THE RUN

Keith: My first run in the Novablast 5 was meant to be a short and easy jaunt with Team Running Lab, but ended up being a race against the clock!! It started off nice and relaxed, running at a comfortable pace while having a good conversation with a buddy. This let me focus on the cushion. I felt how premium the new FF Blast Max felt. It is quite soft, but I could feel it responding with pent up energy. As we talked on and on, our pace crept up. I didn’t notice at first, but a quick glance at my watch told me we were clocking some pretty speedy miles, and doing it with ease. 

The responsiveness of the midsole and the trampoline effect under the forefoot was starting to kick in.  Instead of ending our run at the store, I decided I would continue on and escort my buddy back to his house a couple miles from the store. It was only 6:20 and the store didn’t close until 7. I had time. We meandered through the streets of his neighborhood, yapping the whole time until we reached his front door. We bid each other farewell and I headed back towards town. 

Here’s where things took a turn – I had been so focused on following my buddy’s lead that I hadn’t paid attention to the route. As I headed back in the general direction I thought I was supposed to go, things started to look unfamiliar. It was then that I realized I didn’t have my key to get back into the store. I panicked.  I got so disoriented I didn’t even know if I was running in the right direction, which made me start running even faster, just looking for an exit to a main road. When I regathered my wits, I remembered the navigation function on my watch, which read 6:54, and pulled it up. I was only .7 miles from the store. 6 minutes to get there before close, not impossible, but I had to step on it. Even with my anxiety running high, I was able to appreciate that my Novablast 5’s had seamlessly shifted into high gear and that they felt amazing even at the faster paces. I got back to the front door right at 7 p.m. without getting locked out. That, my friends, is how I fell in love with Novablast 5.

Shannon: Be prepared to strap on two mini trampolines onto your feet when you lace up into the new Novablast. When I took my first couple of steps in this shoe I could tell I would be launched forward like when your friend double bounced you on the trampoline when you were younger. If you want to move fast and do a speedy workout, this shoe is for you! It's perfect for speedwork, tempo runs, and races, but be warned for wearing them when running errands because it may end with upset feet because you're not moving the way the shoe wants you to be. 

Sidney: When I kick off my day with a morning run, I feel unstoppable—like I’ve already won the day before most people have even hit snooze. The run is done, I’m feeling good and the whole day is wide open with possibilities. But when I schedule a run for after work? The only "possibility" ahead is the slim chance I’ll actually enjoy it. Let’s be real: post-work runs are a gamble. By 5 pm, I’m tired, hungry, and almost already convinced that laying in bed is a better use of my time. Occasionally, my coworkers rope me into a run after work. While it sounds fun in theory, it’s a tricky time of day for me to overcome. My brain is screaming nap, my stomach is asking for dinner, and my legs are still sulking over working all day. 

But boy, was I in for a treat on this afternoon jaunt! No surprise to the story here, I was shocked at the pep in my step the Novablast managed to give me. The cushion, oh so soft, the spring, so propulsive, the Novablast 5, simply amazing!

 

 

THE FIT

Keith: The all-new engineered jacquard mesh delivers an ultra-light, breathable feel that is superior to the Novablast 4, offering a greater stretch and flexibility. While it doesn’t boast a wide toebox, it’s perfectly suited for slightly higher volume feet. To ensure a secure fit, I had to do a heel lock on both shoes, but it wasn’t uncomfortable at all. The ankle area is loaded with plush padding, giving you a soft, cushiony feel and virtually eliminates any risk of blisters at the heel or Achilles. My midfoot felt locked in, while the arch provides a noticeable yet subtle lift—not overwhelming, but still giving just a touch of support.

Shannon: The breathable mesh of this shoe makes for an airy and light weight feel. You don't have to worry about feeling trapped and getting sweaty feet in this shoe, but maybe when running outside this winter bundle up in some smartwool socks to keep your toes from going numb. The tongue is very thin, but stretchy. I haven't dealt with any weird rubbing sensations from this shoe and the biggest thing for me to check off my list to approve a shoe is to make sure my toes don't ever feel cramped… Shannon gives this one a thumbs up :)  

Sidney: The step in feel on this bad boy is fantastic. Jacquard mesh upper feels fantastic securely holding in the foot for protection but also stretching to allow for more comfort. 

 

 

THE FEEL

Keith: The Novablast 5 isn’t just your average daily trainer—it’s a game-changer at $140! When you stack it up against others in the same price range, it pulls ahead in both performance and fun factor. With more cushion than most shoes at this price point, it’s like running on clouds—but with a whole lot of spring! Whether you're tackling a speedy interval or cruising through long miles, this shoe’s versatility means you don’t have to choose between comfort and performance. The Novablast 5 nails both, making it the perfect companion for whatever your run throws at you!

Shannon: Imagine running on clouds. Now imagine running on clouds and being launched forward with a rubber band. That's the feeling you get from this shoe. This shoe does not let you down, it always keeps you moving forward. Even with all of this bounce and comfort, I have still found this shoe to be stable enough for me to feel comfortable and secure in all the miles I've been getting in.  If you are wanting a new speed shoe, tempo shoe, or mid distance trainer, this shoe is going to be your next pull.

Sidney: You know from earlier, this shoe gave me a pep in my step I didn't know I had after a long day at work. Running feels effortless and bouncy thanks to the FF BLAST MAX cushioning.

The Novablast 4 felt like running in high heels—every stride landed firmly on my forefoot, which wasn't exactly the best experience for a girl who loves some soft cushion. Enter the Novablast 5, and it’s like stepping onto a soft, plush pillow under my metatarsal pad—an absolute game changer for someone who likes some squish. Maybe my feet are a little picky, but hey, my toes deserve some extra cushioning. Can you blame me?

 

 

THE NITTY GRITTY

Keith: This shoe gives off good vibes!! Seriously, it’s one of the rare running shoes that does it all, delivering amazing versatility and comfort. From sprinting intervals to long-distance runs, it’s a reliable companion. My only gripe? The heel fit is a bit loose, but that’s a minor fix—nothing to stop you from experiencing its greatness.

That said, a heads-up: this is a running shoe, not a work shoe. While the Novablast 5 might catch your eye with its sleek design, if you're on your feet all day at work, you'll want something more supportive, like the Cumulus or Nimbus, to keep you comfortable during long shifts.

But for runners of any level, training for any distance, this shoe is an absolute dream. It's a perfect blend of softness, lightness, and all-around performance. You’ll love the way it feels on your feet, no matter how far you go!

Sidney: Keith and I had a great chat about this new release, eagerly speculating on everything that might change from version 4 to 5. As you can tell... we're both sold. 

I'm curious to see what will change going from version 5 to 6... that being said... if I had any complaints I would just ask for a little more toe space. And don't you dare change that foam. 

 

 

THE RUNDOWN

Keith: I liked the Novablast 4, but it never quite cracked the starting line-up as my go-to daily trainer. Enter the Novablast 5—this shoe takes everything I loved about the 4 and cranks it up a notch. The upper is more breathable and airy, giving it a super light feel on foot. But the real magic happens underfoot: the new FF Blast Max foam is a total game-changer! It’s not just soft—it’s like a springboard of energy with every step. The forefoot trampoline pod is less intense, so the cushioning feels smoother and more consistent, without any annoying pressure points. Now, I find myself reaching for the Novablast 5 over and over, not just because they’re practical, but because they’re downright fun! The Novablast 5 is the perfect combo of performance and comfort—a must-have in any runner’s rotation!

Sidney: I think this shoe is one to steal hearts- not only because of how good it feels, but also because of how reliable it is. The Novablast 5 will appeal to everyone, from leisure joggers to speedy marathoners. Any runner, for any distance, will find a purpose for this shoe. 

MEET KEITH

 

Running trails, training for races and leading a group to PRs is just his side-gig. A dog Dad with an everlasting love for soccer, he is one active man with an affinity for GOOD shoes. He can be quoted saying ' you only get one pair of feet, you should probably be wearing good shoes'

All time favorite shoe: Altra Torin 4 (specifically gray & yellow colorway)

 

MEET SHANNON

 

Shannon is always looking for her next adventure. Between teaching yoga, coaching lacrosse, and training for a trail race she is always zooming around waiting for the next thing to say yes to. 

All time favorite shoe: Hoka Clifton 9

 

MEET SIDNEY

Sidney despised running her entire life until a doctor told her she wasn't allowed to run. A switch flipped and now she still can't stop years later. With an abundance of shoes and always being constantly on the move, she's fairly knowledgeable in the shoe game. 

All time favorite shoe: Hoka Clifton 9