The Novablast series has always divided runners. Some love the bouncy, high-stack ride. Others have found each new version a step in the wrong direction. After the Novablast 4 disappointed fans who remembered how fun the 3 felt, expectations for version 5 were cautiously optimistic at best.
ASICS made one significant bet this time: a completely new midsole foam. That single decision changes almost everything about how this shoe rides, fits into a rotation, and compares to the competition. Whether it pays off depends entirely on what you’re asking the shoe to do.
This review covers the ride feel, upper updates, traction, durability, version comparisons, and the specific runner types this shoe genuinely suits and those it doesn’t.
Quick Answer
The Asics Novablast 5 is a max-cushion daily trainer built for easy runs, long runs, and occasional tempo efforts. The new FF Blast MAX foam is meaningfully softer and slightly bouncier than version 4, which fixes the main complaint about that model. At $140 / £135, it’s strong value for its category — but it’s not for runners who want ground feel, firm midsoles, or reliable wet-weather traction.
What Changed from Novablast 4 to Novablast 5
The headline change is the midsole. ASICS replaced the FF Blast+ ECO foam with FF Blast MAX, a lower-density foam with more open cells that compresses more deeply and recovers more quickly. The result is a noticeably softer, more cushioned ride than version 4 delivered.
The upper received an update too. ASICS switched to an engineered jacquard mesh that breathes better than the Novablast 4 upper. The toe box is also wider, addressing a recurring complaint from runners who found the 4 too narrow. The gusseted tongue has been trimmed down to reduce weight without sacrificing collar comfort, and the lacing system now combines standard eyelets with bungee cord eyelets for a more secure lockdown.
Weight drops slightly from around 260g to 254–255g in men’s while the stack height and 8mm drop remain consistent with the previous version.
The forefoot trampoline pod is less aggressive than in the Novablast 4, which makes the cushioning feel more even and consistent underfoot rather than concentrated beneath the forefoot.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Men’s | Women’s |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.95 / £135 | $139.95 / £135 |
| Weight | 9 oz / 255g (size 9) | 7.9 oz / 225g (size 8) |
| Heel Stack | 41.5mm | 40.5mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 33.5mm | 32.5mm |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Midsole | FF Blast MAX | FF Blast MAX |
| Category | Max-cushion daily trainer | Max-cushion daily trainer |
Key figures for reference:
How the FF Blast MAX Foam Actually Feels
FF Blast MAX is a POE-based foam — polyolefin elastomer rather than EVA. ASICS hasn’t disclosed the full composition, but lab testing by RunRepeat confirmed it has more open cells and lower density than FF Blast+ ECO, which produces greater compression and a softer sensation underfoot.
ASICS claims an 8.5% improvement in energy return over the previous foam. Independent lab testing measured a more modest 5.3% gain, with 63.6% heel energy return and 66.5% at the forefoot. Those numbers place it comfortably in the training foam tier — better than FF Blast+ ECO, but well below PEBA-based performance foams found in race shoes.
Easy Runs and Long Runs
This is where the Novablast 5 is at its best. The foam compresses smoothly on landing and provides enough rebound to keep the stride feeling lively over longer distances. Heel strikers benefit from an improved heel bevel that produces a smoother transition than the Novablast 4’s notoriously slappy heel contact.
The cushioning holds up well throughout a long run. Unlike firmer foams that feel fresh for the first 30 minutes and then just feel hard, the FF Blast MAX maintains a consistent feel as miles accumulate. One tester retired their pair at around 600 miles, which suggests reasonable longevity for a max-cushion shoe, though some reports indicate the foam begins losing its initial bounce after 150–200km under heavier use.
Tempo Runs and Faster Efforts
The Novablast 5 can handle tempo paces, but it’s not a fast shoe in the traditional sense. There’s no carbon plate, no supercritical foam, and the softness that makes it pleasant on easy days works against responsiveness at higher speeds. The push-off phase feels slightly muted compared to firmer trainers.
That said, the wider forefoot base and the large central lug in the forefoot do provide a more stable and somewhat bouncier platform for midfoot landings when the pace picks up. Runners regularly reach for this shoe for half-marathon training, occasional tempo intervals, and race day for those who prefer max cushion over speed.
Cold Weather Performance
This is worth knowing before you buy. FF Blast MAX stiffens significantly in sub-zero temperatures — some testing suggests it can feel up to 42% firmer in freezing conditions. If you run through harsh winters, this behavioral shift will change how the shoe feels substantially. It is not a cold-weather-optimized foam. On warm summer days it will run at its softest; in freezing conditions expect a noticeably firmer, less forgiving ride.
Upper, Fit, and Feel
The engineered jacquard mesh is one of the cleaner updates in this version. It breathes well, keeps feet from overheating on warm days, and holds up to extended mileage without visible wear issues. The rear of the shoe runs slightly warmer than the forefoot, which is common in this category, but wasn’t reported as a comfort problem.
Fit runs true to size. The toe box is meaningfully roomier than the Novablast 4, which is a significant improvement for wider-footed runners. The increased volume in the forefoot also benefits runners with high arches. However, runners with narrow feet should be aware that the wider fit may feel loose and could cause friction over long distances.
The combined lacing system — bungee cord eyelets at the lower lace positions and standard eyelets above — provides a more customizable lockdown than the Novablast 4. Heel slippage is not a reported concern.
Outsole and Traction
Traction is the most consistent weakness across every version of the Novablast, and the 5 doesn’t fully escape it. The outsole rubber performs adequately on dry roads and can handle light trail surfaces. Grip on wet roads, wet pavement, or any slippery surface remains a concern. ASICS adjusted the rubber pad pattern and placement compared to version 4, and most reviewers consider the traction slightly improved, but wet-weather performance is still below what you’d find in competing shoes.
The rubber compound itself is durable — the outsole showed minimal wear at 300+ km in upper testing — but the grip quality fades as the miles accumulate. If you regularly run in wet conditions, this is a meaningful limitation to account for.
Novablast 5 vs Novablast 4: Should You Upgrade?
| Feature | Novablast 4 | Novablast 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Midsole Foam | FF Blast+ ECO | FF Blast MAX |
| Ride Feel | Firmer, snappier | Softer, more cushioned |
| Heel Transition | Slappy heel contact | Smooth, improved bevel |
| Toe Box | Narrower fit | Wider, roomier |
| Upper Mesh | Standard mesh | Engineered jacquard mesh |
| Weight (men’s size 9) | ~260g | ~255g |
| Energy Return | Lower | +5.3% (lab measured) |
| Price | $139.95 / £135 | $139.95 / £135 |
For runners who found the Novablast 4 too firm and were disappointed it felt like a step backward from the Novablast 3, the answer is almost certainly yes. The FF Blast MAX foam directly addresses that complaint. The ride is softer, the heel transition is smoother, the upper fits better, and the forefoot is roomier. These are real, noticeable improvements.
If you already own the Novablast 4 and liked its slightly firmer, snappier feel, the upgrade is less compelling. The Novablast 5 moves in the opposite direction — it prioritizes plushness over responsiveness. The ride character is different enough that Novablast 4 fans who preferred that firmer feel may not enjoy the switch.
Runners who loved the Novablast 3 and skipped version 4 entirely may find the 5 a satisfying return to what made the series popular in the first place.
Who Should Buy the Asics Novablast 5
- Daily trainers looking for one versatile shoe that covers easy runs, long runs, and occasional tempo work without needing to swap footwear constantly.
- Runners building mileage who want joint and muscle protection without carrying a heavy shoe.
- Heel strikers who benefit from the smooth heel bevel and consistent cushioning through the full stride cycle.
- Wide-footed runners who struggled with the narrower fit in previous Novablast versions.
- Runners coming back from injury who need a forgiving, high-stack shoe that doesn’t place excessive demands on the foot and lower leg.
- Value-conscious runners comparing this against $160–$180 daily trainers — the Novablast 5 competes at a noticeably lower price point.
Who Should Skip It
- Runners who want ground feel. With 41.5mm of foam underfoot, ground feedback is minimal. If proprioception and a connected feel matter to you, this is the wrong shoe.
- Runners who train frequently in wet conditions. Wet-weather traction is a genuine weakness, not a minor caveat.
- Speed-focused runners. If you’re chasing interval paces or want a shoe that feels propulsive at threshold, the Novablast 5 isn’t built for that. Consider the ASICS Superblast 2 or a plated trainer instead.
- Cold-climate runners. The foam stiffness in sub-zero temperatures changes the ride significantly enough to warrant considering a different daily trainer for winter.
- Narrow-footed runners. The wider toe box that benefits wide-footed runners can feel sloppy and friction-prone for narrower feet.
- True beginners. The rocker geometry, while not aggressive, requires some adaptation. Runners with no mileage base may benefit from a simpler, flatter trainer before graduating to a rocker-soled shoe.
Final Verdict
The Asics Novablast 5 delivers exactly what version 4 failed to: a soft, enjoyable, high-cushion ride that feels genuinely fun on easy and long run days. The FF Blast MAX foam is the right update at the right time, and it brings the series back in line with what made the Novablast 3 so well-liked.
It is not a perfect shoe. Wet-weather traction is still a known weakness, the foam stiffens considerably in cold temperatures, and runners chasing responsiveness at speed will find the softness works against them. But within its intended role an accessible, comfortable, everyday trainer that covers most of what most runners need the Novablast 5 earns its place at $140 / £135.
For most daily runners who want a reliable, cushioned shoe they’ll actually enjoy putting on, this is one of the better options in its price range right now.
