ASICS Novablast 5 Review: First Look
All shoes are reviewed by the Fleet Feet tester team, which represents a wide variety of goals, foot shapes, running locations and terrains. Reviewers pound the pavement, climb the hills, tackle the trails, then come together to compare notes. Debates ensue over the feel of the cushioning, the purpose of the shoe, and how it compares to last year’s model. While each reviewer has their own individual preferences, we hope that capturing our debates will help you make an informed decision.
The ASICS Novablast has blasted off into its fifth iteration, boasting a new midsole compound and a fresh, lightweight upper.
ASICS’ FF BLAST MAX foam first debuted this fall in the Glideride Max, offering a soft and responsive ride. This foam replaces the FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning used in the previous iteration of the Novablast while a new jacquard mesh upper replaces the prior woven mesh upper.
With many reviewers designating the Novablast 4 as a favorite, we were understandably nervous about all the changes to the 5. But after a (mostly) positive review of the FF BLAST MAX foam in the Glideride Max, our hopes were lifted. To hear our final verdict, keep an eye out for our full review coming soon.
ASICS Novablast 5
Weight | 7.9 oz (W), 8.9 oz (M) |
---|---|
Stack height | 40.5 mm/32.5 mm (W), 41.5 mm/33.5 mm (M) |
Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
Category | Neutral |
Surface | Road, track |
Price | $140 |
Comparable to | New Balance Balos, Brooks Glycerin Max |
Midsole features new FF BLAST MAX foam
The ASICS Novablast 5 is made with ASICS’ new FF BLAST MAX foam, which they call one of their most energetic midsole foams. While I thought the previous Novablast was plenty energetic, Mandy claims that the new version feels even lighter and bouncier underfoot.
“The new FF BLAST MAX cushioning gave me the perfect combination of bounce and cushion while remaining lightweight. As a self-proclaimed lover of bouncy foam underfoot, this shoe is right up my alley. I’ve only done short, easy runs in this shoe while I recover from the Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock 50K, but I know that it’ll be in my rotation for a long time.”
The Novablast 5 features the same trampoline-inspired geometric shape and outsole design that’s made it a fan favorite in recent years.
Jacquard mesh upper offers cozy fit
ASICS replaced the woven mesh upper used in the previous version of the Novablast with a fresh, new, Mandy-approved jacquard mesh upper.
“These shoes felt as if I was wearing slippers, the upper is so soft and wrapped my feet in a hug,” she says. “While I did have to reposition the tongue after I slipped the shoes on, it was easy to adjust and stayed put throughout my walks and runs.”
A padded heel collar holds your feet securely in place, while a handy pull tab in the back makes slipping on the shoes a breeze.
ASICS Novablast 5 versus Novablast 4
Tech Specs | ASICS Novablast 5 | ASICS Novablast 4 |
Weight | 7.9 oz (W), 8.9 oz (M) | 7.9 oz (W), 9.2 oz (M) |
Stack height | 40.5 mm/32.5 mm (W), 41.5 mm/33.5 mm (M) | 40.5 mm/32.5 mm (W), 41.5 mm/33.5 mm (M) |
Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
Price | $140 | $140 |
The ASICS Novablast 5 looks very similar to the Novablast 4 in terms of tech specs. While it still delivers a lightweight, energetic ride, Mandy noticed it feels more bouncy underfoot while offering more breathability in the upper.
“While the previous upper felt like a sweater around my foot–comfortable yet structured–the new upper is much stretchier and literally melts away for an improved fit and feel,” she says. The Novablast 5 will be available on December 1 on fleetfeet.com and at your local Fleet Feet store.