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Whenever I ask runners which shoe they’re most excited for, the ASICS Novablast 5 is at the top of the list. The amount of hype surrounding this model is wild, and honestly, I get it. Some runners are absolutely hooked on the Novablast series.
ASICS continues to refine its high-stack, cushioned trainer, and the Novablast 5 is no exception. Over the past few years, the running shoe industry has seen an increase in stack heights, more plush cushioning, and—unfortunately—higher price tags. Yet ASICS has managed to keep the Novablast 5 at a relatively competitive price while still making meaningful updates. This latest version introduces a redesigned upper and the new FF Blast Max midsole, resulting in a smoother, lighter, and more comfortable ride.
Quick Facts
Okay, first things first...I know the colorway isn’t the most important feature, but seriously, how fun is this pink? The Novablast 5’s mesh upper isn’t just visually appealing; it’s a much-needed improvement from the previous version. The last iteration didn’t breathe well at all, which was a deal-breaker for me, especially in the Mojave Desert heat. This time around, ASICS used a slightly thinner, more breathable mesh that keeps my feet from feeling like they’re trapped in a sauna.
The fit has also seen some tweaks. The toe box has a subtle taper on the lateral side but still offers enough room for a natural toe splay. The midfoot feels slightly wider than before, though the overall volume remains low. The gusseted tongue stays in place, and the heel collar is padded for comfort. However, the heel counter is moderately stiff, which may be an issue for runners with sensitive Achilles or heels.
The best running shoe uppers disappear on your foot, and while the Novablast 5 gets pretty close to that ideal, the mesh material can feel slightly scratchy against bare skin. If you run without socks, that’s something to consider.
Sizing-wise, I tend to wear a women’s 10–11 wide in running shoes, and there have been years when even an 11 in ASICS felt too small. Thankfully, the Novablast 5 fits fairly true to size, but it does lean a bit narrow—pretty typical for ASICS.
The biggest update in this model is the FF Blast Max midsole. It’s softer and slightly bouncier than before, making the ride smoother and more forgiving. The midsole compresses nicely underfoot, creating a natural feel that makes the 8mm drop seem less noticeable.
So, does the ASICS Novablast 5 feel different from previous versions? Absolutely.
The Novablast 4 had a firmer feel and a somewhat clunky heel-to-toe transition. That issue is completely gone in version 5. The new midsole softens landings and creates a much smoother roll forward. The forefoot still has a bit of stiffness, but it’s balanced out by the added bounce, making the shoe more versatile for different types of runs.
For me, the Novablast 5 falls into the easy-run and faster-long-run category. Compared to the Superblast 2, it’s lighter and feels less cumbersome, making it easier to pick up the pace. The previous version felt awkward when trying to push the speed, but ASICS really nailed the responsiveness this time.
My first run in the Novablast 5 was surprisingly good. I’ll be honest—I wasn’t expecting to love it since the Novablast series has never been my go-to. But from the first few strides, I could tell ASICS had made real improvements. The ride felt smooth, the shoe was easy to move in, and it handled different paces well. Since then, I’ve logged a variety of runs in them, and they’ve earned a solid spot in my rotation for easy runs and long runs where I might throw in some pace changes. For true speedwork or racing, I still prefer a dedicated performance shoe like the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, but for daily training, the Novablast 5 gets the job done.
ASICS stuck with their tried-and-true AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) outsole, which has always been one of the most durable in the industry. After logging about 100 miles, I haven’t noticed any major signs of wear.
I’ve tested them on light sandy trails and in less-than-ideal weather, and the grip has been solid. The outsole provides the traction you need for typical road running conditions, and considering it’s still winter, I’ve appreciated the reliable grip on wet pavement.
The Novablast 5 is one of the best updates ASICS has released in 2025. The FF Blast Max midsole makes a huge difference, offering a smoother, softer, and more refined ride compared to past versions. This shoe keeps the fun, bouncy feel that fans love while eliminating some of the awkward clunkiness from the previous model.
If you’ve liked past Novablast models but wanted a little more polish, this version is worth checking out. ASICS has taken a solid daily trainer and made it even better, ensuring it works well for a range of paces and training needs.
Who Should Buy the ASICS Novablast 5
Who Should Skip the ASICS Novablast 5
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