The ASICS Novablast 5 has become one of the most talked-about daily trainers of the past year — and for good reason. It hits a sweet spot that a lot of running shoes miss. The ride feels soft without turning mushy, bouncy without feeling unstable, and lightweight enough to disappear on foot during longer runs.
What really makes the Novablast 5 stand out is how versatile it feels. This isn’t a shoe built only for elite runners chasing marathon PRs. It’s the kind of trainer that works for almost everyone — from newer runners building consistency to experienced runners stacking weekly mileage.
Even elite athletes have been spotted training in it. Japanese marathon star Suguru Osako reportedly used the Novablast 5 during parts of his buildup for the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, including tempo sessions before running a season-best 2:05:18. Chinese runner Chen Tianyu also wore the shoe while setting a 3:02 personal best at the Xiamen Marathon.
But honestly, the biggest compliment you can give this shoe is much simpler: it makes everyday running feel easier and more enjoyable.
Release Date & Price
The Novablast 5 launched globally on November 1, 2024, arriving just in time for winter base training and spring marathon prep.
Retail pricing sits around $180 USD, although discounts are common. Depending on the region and season, it’s often available closer to the $100–$140 range, which makes it one of the better value picks in the premium daily trainer category.
Midsole & Ride Feel
The biggest update comes from the new FF BLAST MAX midsole foam. Compared to the previous version, the ride feels softer, springier, and noticeably more energetic during longer runs.
The Novablast line has always leaned toward a fun, bouncy ride, but version 5 feels more controlled than earlier models. ASICS seems to have found a better balance between cushioning and stability this time around.
On easy runs, the shoe feels forgiving and smooth underfoot. Once you start picking up the pace, the foam rebounds quickly enough to keep transitions feeling lively. It’s not an aggressive super shoe, but it doesn’t feel dull either.
For runners who want one shoe that can handle recovery miles, daily training, long runs, and occasional tempo work, the Novablast 5 makes a very strong case for itself.
Outsole & Durability
The outsole uses AHAR® LO rubber in high-wear areas, especially around the heel and forefoot. Grip feels reliable on wet pavement and city roads, and durability appears improved compared to earlier Novablast models.
The shoe features a stack height of 41.5mm in the heel and 33.5mm in the forefoot with an 8mm drop. That setup creates a cushioned ride while still keeping turnover fairly smooth.
One thing many runners appreciate is that the foam doesn’t flatten out too quickly. Even after a few hundred miles, the midsole still retains a decent amount of bounce.
Upper & Fit
The engineered mesh upper feels breathable without becoming overly thin or flimsy. ASICS tightened the midfoot area enough to create a secure fit while leaving more room up front for toe splay.
The semi-gusseted tongue also helps reduce movement during runs, which gives the shoe a more dialed-in feel overall.
Fit runs fairly true to size for most runners. The forefoot has slightly more room than some traditional ASICS trainers, which is good news for runners who dislike narrow toe boxes.
No Carbon Plate — And That’s Actually a Good Thing
Unlike many modern trainers, the Novablast 5 skips the carbon plate entirely. Instead, ASICS relies on foam geometry and rocker shaping to create forward momentum.
That decision gives the shoe a more natural ride feel. It’s less rigid than plated shoes and easier on the legs during everyday mileage.
For runners who are tired of stiff, overly aggressive super trainers, this shoe feels refreshingly relaxed.
Who Is the Novablast 5 Best For?
- Beginner runners building weekly mileage
- Neutral runners looking for a versatile daily trainer
- Marathon runners needing a comfortable long-run shoe
- Runners who prefer soft cushioning with noticeable rebound
- Anyone wanting one shoe that can handle multiple types of runs
Who Might Not Like It?
- Runners who prefer very firm, stable shoes
- Heavy heel strikers needing maximum support features
- Runners looking for an ultra-aggressive race-day shoe
Weight & Performance
At around 255g (9 oz in a men’s US 9), the Novablast 5 stays surprisingly lightweight for such a highly cushioned trainer.
That lower weight helps the shoe feel more versatile than many max-cushion competitors. It never feels overly bulky, even during longer efforts.
The ride works especially well for:
- Easy daily runs
- Long runs
- Recovery sessions
- Moderate tempo workouts
- Marathon training for mid-pack runners
What Runners Are Saying
The Novablast 5 has earned strong reviews across both media outlets and everyday runners. Publications like OutdoorGearLab and Wirecutter included it among the best daily trainers of 2025 thanks to its combination of comfort, versatility, and value.
Among regular runners, the feedback tends to sound very similar:
- “It feels fun to run in.”
- “Soft but still energetic.”
- “Great value compared to more expensive super trainers.”
- “Easy to use for almost every kind of run.”
That last point is probably the most important. The Novablast 5 doesn’t try to be overly technical or intimidating. It simply delivers a smooth, enjoyable ride that works across a wide range of training situations.
Final Verdict
The ASICS Novablast 5 succeeds because it avoids extremes.
It’s cushioned, but not overly soft. Lightweight, but still protective. Energetic, but not unstable. In a market full of hyper-specialized running shoes, the Novablast 5 stands out by being genuinely approachable and versatile.
If you’re searching for a reliable daily trainer that can comfortably handle everything from easy miles to long marathon training runs, this is one of the safest — and smartest — picks available right now.
More importantly, it’s one of those rare shoes that makes you actually look forward to your next run.
