ASICS Novablast 5 Review: Best Daily Trainer
Full review of the ASICS Novablast 5. FF BLAST+ TURBO foam, 40mm stack, updated upper. How it rides, who it's for, and how it compares to the Novablast 4 and Superblast 3.
The ASICS Novablast line has quietly become one of the best daily trainers in running. No carbon plate, no gimmicks — just excellent foam, reliable fit, and a ride that makes you want to run more miles. The Novablast 5 builds on that reputation with a meaningful midsole upgrade.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Novablast 5 | Novablast 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 9.2 oz (M9) | 9.1 oz (M9) |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Stack Height | 40 mm (heel) / 32 mm (forefoot) | 37 mm / 29 mm |
| Midsole | FF BLAST+ TURBO | FF BLAST+ ECO |
| Upper | Engineered mesh 2.0 | Engineered mesh |
| Outsole | AHAR+ rubber | AHAR+ rubber |
| Price | $140 | $140 |
First Impressions
Out of the box, the Novablast 5 feels noticeably different from the v4. The new FF BLAST+ TURBO foam is softer at initial compression but rebounds faster — you feel it the moment you step in. The upper is updated with a more structured engineered mesh that holds the midfoot better without adding bulk. Heel counter is firmer too, which was needed.
The 3 mm increase in stack height is visible. The shoe looks taller on the shelf, and you feel the extra foam underfoot. Despite this, ASICS kept the weight nearly identical at 9.2 oz — only a tenth of an ounce heavier than the v4.
Ride Feel
This is where the Novablast 5 earns its upgrade. FF BLAST+ TURBO splits the difference between the standard FF BLAST+ in the Novablast 4 and the FF BLAST TURBO in the Superblast 3. It’s bouncier and more responsive than the v4, but not as aggressive or soft as the Superblast.
Easy runs: The extra stack and softer foam make easy pace feel effortless. Ground contact is smooth, transitions are fluid, and there’s enough cushioning to absorb impact over 15+ km without any dead spots.
Tempo runs: The TURBO foam has enough energy return to handle 4:15–4:45/km pace without feeling sluggish. It’s not a racing shoe, but it can run faster than you’d expect.
Long runs: This is the Novablast 5’s sweet spot. The foam doesn’t collapse over distance. After 25 km, it still feels springy and protective — which is exactly what you want from a daily trainer on long run day.
The feel in one sentence: Pillowy but not mushy, bouncy but not unstable, and faster than it has any right to be at 9.2 oz.
Upper and Fit
The updated engineered mesh 2.0 is a genuine improvement. It’s more breathable than the v4 with better midfoot lockdown. The toe box maintains Novablast’s reputation for being roomy without being sloppy — there’s enough space for toe splay on long runs without lateral movement.
Runs true to size. The heel counter is firmer with a more pronounced internal structure, which eliminates the slight heel slip some runners experienced in the v4. Lacing is standard and holds well.
Durability
AHAR+ rubber outsole returns and continues to be one of the more durable compounds in the daily trainer category. After 200 km of testing across road and light trail, the outsole shows normal wear but no concerning degradation. The foam has maintained its bounce with no noticeable compression set.
Estimated lifespan: 650–800 km, which is above average for the category.
Novablast 5 vs Novablast 4
The v5 is a clear upgrade, not a sidegrade. The FF BLAST+ TURBO foam is noticeably more responsive and resilient. The 3 mm stack increase adds meaningful cushioning without weight penalty. The upper improvements (better midfoot hold, firmer heel counter) address the v4’s only real weaknesses.
If you loved the Novablast 4, the v5 is everything you liked but better. If you were on the fence about the v4, the v5 resolves most concerns.
Novablast 5 vs Superblast 3
This is the more interesting comparison. The Superblast 3 ($200) uses FF Leap foam — a different, higher-tier compound — at 46.6 mm stack in a lighter 9.8 oz package. It’s softer, bouncier, and more versatile, capable of handling everything from easy runs to tempo sessions.
The Novablast 5 ($140) is the more grounded, stable option. It doesn’t have the Superblast’s trampoline-like bounce, but it also doesn’t have its price tag. For runners who want a reliable daily trainer without spending $200, the Novablast 5 delivers 80% of the Superblast experience at 70% of the price.
Choose the Novablast 5 if: You want a dedicated daily trainer and you race in something else. You prefer a slightly firmer, more grounded feel. Budget matters.
Choose the Superblast 3 if: You want one shoe that does everything. You like maximum bounce. You’re willing to pay the premium.
Where It Fits in a Rotation
| Workout | Shoe |
|---|---|
| Easy / Recovery | Novablast 5 |
| Long Runs | Novablast 5 or Superblast 3 |
| Tempo / Threshold | Superblast 3 or race shoe |
| Speed Work | Race shoe (Metaspeed Sky/Edge) |
| Race Day | Carbon racer |
The Novablast 5 is the anchor of a rotation — the shoe that handles 60–70% of your weekly mileage so your faster shoes stay fresh for key sessions.
The Verdict
The ASICS Novablast 5 is the best version of an already excellent daily trainer. FF BLAST+ TURBO foam delivers a meaningful ride upgrade, the extra stack adds cushioning without weight, and the upper refinements fix the v4’s minor flaws.
At $140, it’s one of the best values in running. It won’t replace a carbon racer or a super trainer, but it’s not trying to. It’s a daily trainer that makes every run feel a little better — and that’s exactly what it should be.
Score: 9/10 — A top-tier daily trainer at a fair price. The Novablast line continues to punch above its weight class.
For more on building a rotation around this shoe, see our running shoe rotation guide. Looking for shoes at other levels? Check out our picks for beginners, intermediate runners, and advanced racers.
