Asics Novablast 5 Review: Plush Cushioning Meets Everyday Versatility
GEAR & SHOE REVIEWS
Asics markets the Novablast 5 as a bouncy daily trainer with strong energy return, and after putting meaningful mileage on the shoe, that description feels accurate. The model blends plush cushioning with surprising versatility, making it useful far beyond easy-day runs.
Purpose & Positioning
The Novablast line has always leaned toward the softer, more energetic side of Asics’ catalog. This fifth iteration continues that direction, positioned as a daily trainer suited for recovery runs, easy miles, long walks, and anytime comfort. What stood out immediately was how it manages to feel soft without drifting into instability or sluggishness.
Specs at a Glance
Drop: 8 mm
Weight: 7.9 oz (225 g), measured at 7.85 oz in women’s 8.5
Stability Category: Neutral
Cushioning Level: High
Price: $140
Colorways: More than 15 for both men and women
The weight is particularly impressive considering the cushioning level. Many shoes with this much foam carry extra bulk, but the Novablast 5 avoids that.
Upper: Breathable, Secure, and Surprisingly Polished
The upper uses a double-layer engineered mesh that feels light and breathable with a touch of stretch. The partially gusseted tongue stays centered on the foot, and the padding is soft without being overdone. The heel collar is one of the details that made the biggest difference during long days standing or walking; it locks the foot in without rubbing the Achilles or collapsing inward.
Although this is a performance running shoe, the design feels clean enough to blend into everyday wear. One of the reasons I ended up using it during marathon-week travel was that it didn’t scream “running shoe” in louder colorways. The off-white version, especially, pairs well with anything.
Midsole: FF Blast+ Max
Asics uses FF Blast+ Max, a lighter and more energetic foam than prior versions in the series. Because I didn’t have the Novablast 4 to compare directly, I relied on the feel alone — and this foam has a pleasant combination of softness and bounce. It delivers that cushioned “trampoline” sensation without feeling marshmallow-like.
The shoe has a gentle rocker that helps with smooth transitions but never feels aggressive or forced. This works especially well for runners who prefer a natural stride rather than a strongly guided roll-forward.
Outsole: Durable and Smartly Reinforced
Durability is one of the biggest strengths of the Novablast 5. The rubber coverage extends into areas that tend to wear down first — especially the lateral edge. Even after logging runs, countless airport miles, and long walking days during marathon coverage trips, the outsole shows very minor wear. The tread shape also plays into that “springy” sensation Asics describes.
Real-World Performance
The shoe really proved its versatility during travel-heavy weeks surrounding the Boston and London Marathons. Between shakeout runs, sightseeing, standing for long periods, and everyday movement, it handled every scenario comfortably. There were days when picking up the pace wasn’t planned but happened anyway, and the shoe didn’t feel out of place at faster efforts. It’s still a daily trainer at heart, but it doesn’t resist speed the way some max-cushion shoes do.
The balance between cushioning and responsiveness makes it reliable for longer, slower mileage — while being light enough to transition into strides or moderate tempo efforts.
Comparisons
The closest comparison is the Hoka Bondi—another max-cushion workhorse. However, the Novablast 5 feels lighter underfoot and slightly softer on impact. At $140, it also sits at a more appealing price point than many similarly cushioned trainers on the market.
Who Will Like This Shoe
The Novablast 5 works especially well for:
Runners building a rotation who want a dependable, soft daily trainer
Athletes seeking a shoe for easy miles or recovery days with the option for gentle pace changes
People who spend long periods on their feet and want cushioning without heaviness
Anyone wanting a comfortable hybrid shoe that transitions seamlessly from running to daily wear
Runners who appreciate the choice of neutral or bold colorways
After roughly 100 miles of combined running and walking, the shoe still feels lively and shows minimal wear — something many runners will appreciate as budgets tighten and durability becomes a priority.
Final Thoughts
The Asics Novablast 5 delivers cushioning, comfort, and surprising responsiveness in a package that’s lighter and more versatile than the typical max-cushion shoe. Its value, durability, and broad usability make it one of the more compelling daily trainers available this year.