ASICS Novablast 5

I'm sitting in the gym locker room, undoing the laces of my ASICS Novablast 5 and thinking about the workout I've just finished. The sweat on my forehead and the smile on my face confirm what I suspected: ASICS has hit the nail on the head once again. It's true that this fifth version is not a total revolution, they haven't gone all out, but they have managed to maintain and enhance what already worked. And, believe me, there was a lot that worked in the Asics Novablast 4 But with this new model I feel that the Japanese brand has refined details, polishing a shoe that had already earned a place in the hearts of many popular runners.

The first impression was already good right out of the box. The technical jacquard mesh upper, inspired by the one used in the Asics Superblast 2, has a soft feel, breathes better and hugs the foot with just the right amount of firmness. It doesn't squeeze, it doesn't give weird looseness, and that's a relief: I don't need to complicate my life looking for the perfect knot. In addition, the tongue, which now holds better without generating pressure, collaborates with the rest of the upper, preventing the foot from moving uncontrollably. It's not a pure racer-type "performance" fit, but it's just what I ask from a shoe with which I intend to accumulate kilometers at different paces.

What surprised me the most is the new FlyteFoam Blast Max foam in the midsole. First of all, if you were already a fan of the cushioning in Novablast 4, this version will sound familiar, but with a plus of reactivity. They've improved the springiness and, according to ASICS, reactivity is up about 85% over the previous version. If in the Novablast 4 I liked that "nimble cushion" feeling, now there is a more dynamic feel, but without being shrill or uncontrolled. The stride feels smooth, the landing is gentle, and when you want to give a little joy to the pace, you notice that the shoe responds without having to beg for anything.

What type of runner would you recommend them for?

Honestly, I see them as perfect for the runner of average weight, even up to 85 kilos, who is looking for comfort without giving up some sparkle. This means that if you are a novice trying to consolidate your first 30-40 continuous minutes, these Novablast 5 will take care of your knees and joints without robbing you of sensations. If you're more experienced and train at 5:30-4:30 min/km, the shoe feels right at home. It's not a super speedy shoe to run at sub 4:00 min/km (although on a "crazy" day you could push it and it would respond), but you don't need to run like Kipchoge to get the most out of it. The Asics Novablast 5 does not require you to have a refined technique. Whether you heel or midfoot, it adapts well, no problem.

As for the terrain, let's get to the point: this is an asphalt shoe. That's where it shows its best side. I've tested it on treadmills, on bike paths, on asphalt in the city and even in a park with compacted soil. Don't expect miracles on technical surfaces or rocky trails: it's not its thing. But for that mixed urban route, with the occasional stretch of fine gravel, it copes very well. When it comes to distances, it is an excellent wildcard. It works for short and medium runs (30, 40, 60 minutes) without any problem. For long runs, such as half marathon or marathon preparation, you can accumulate kilometers with the peace of mind of knowing that the cushioning will not "die" mid-run. In addition, its 8 mm drop is a classic in the line, helping a smooth transition that does not become heavy after a few kilometers.

What I liked most about the Asics Novablast 5

What I liked most about these Novablast 5 is their balance. They have kept that generous DNA cushioning, very friendly with the fun runner, but adding a little more energy to the stride. The transition is smooth, with no bumps. I have felt that the shoe does not "slow me down" when I want to push, and that is something that is sometimes missing in maximalist models. I also appreciate the improvement in the upper: now the ventilation is better, the foot is cooler and more comfortable, something that in those indoor runs on the treadmill (where the heat is concentrated) is much appreciated. Another plus point is the insole dyed with a more sustainable process, reducing water consumption and emissions: details that add up.

And what could be improved?

To be fair, not everything is perfect. If you were looking for the snuggest fitting shoe in the world, you might find it a bit roomy, although for me it's just a small nuance, not a flaw. It's also not the most responsive shoe on the planet if you're going down a lot of paces, and if you're moving on very uneven terrain, stability could falter. But, let's face it, the Asics Novablast 5 is designed to be a very versatile model, but it recognizes its limits. It is a daily training shoe, rolling, with a touch of dynamism. In that context, it more than delivers.

I think the key to these Novablast 5 is their versatility: the ability to go out and train without thinking too much about what you're going to find. If it's a light run today, you'll be comfortable. If tomorrow you decide to change pace on the bike path, you won't notice that the shoe is lagging behind. That lack of mental stiffness that sometimes comes with overly specialized shoes. Here, you put on your Novablast 5 and go, period.

What shoes do we compare the Asics Novablast 5 to?

To better understand where this shoe is placed in the market, I'll compare it to other similar models:

Adidas Supernova Rise: the Supernova Rise is a great everyday shoe, firm and comfortable. However, in the Novablast 5 I feel an extra point of brilliance in the midsole, which makes running less linear and more fun. The Adidas is a safe bet, but more predictable, while the Asics lets you play with the pace a bit.

Saucony Ride 18: The Ride 18 is also versatile and reliable. A super balanced shoe, but perhaps a bit "flatter" in feel. The Novablast 5, without being unstable, is more elastic and lively. If you want a stable ride, without surprises, the Ride is fine. If you want something more bouncy, go for the Novablast 5.

Nike Pegasus 41: the Pegasus is the eternal reference in daily training shoe. Also very versatile, but with a firmer, more traditional feel. With the Novablast 5, I get more springy cushioning. The Pegasus is a reliable veteran; the Novablast 5 is like its fun cousin that has a little more energy in the body.

Joma R2000: the R2000 is affordable and does its job. However, when you put your foot in the Novablast 5 you notice more lightness and a more pleasant reactivity. If the Joma is the standard for a reliable training shoe, the Novablast 5 is a step up in overall feel.

Thinking about the ideal runner profile

If you weigh up to 80 kg and want a shoe for adding up kilometers, comfortable runs and some quality training without changing shoes, the Novablast 5 is perfect. Even if you weigh more than 85 kg, the cushioning is solid enough to handle it. Plus, if you want to stretch out for a half marathon or prepare for a full marathon, these shoes will go with you no problem. They have that point of versatility that I personally love. I know I can put my Novablast 5 on without having to think "will they be too soft for today?" or "will I be unresponsive if I speed up?". No, they're in that sweet spot that allows me to improvise.

Our verdict

ASICS has taken their popular Novablast line and taken it a step further. The new FlyteFoam Blast Max midsole brings the extra oomph I may have been missing, while maintaining the soft comfort and cushioning I loved so much. The improved upper and new tongue provide a more comfortable fit, and the AHAR LO outsole ensures durability. And I like the fact that they continue to go for more sustainable processes in the manufacturing of the insoles.

This is not a revolutionary shoe that completely changes the landscape, but a product that consolidates the position of the Novablast family as one of the benchmarks in the range of cushioning for daily training. If you already liked the previous versions, you will fall in love with this one. If you didn't know them, maybe it's time to give them a try. They are the typical shoes that, once you try them, you end up keeping in the rotation, knowing that they will never let you down.

So, after this first experience, I can only say that the ASICS Novablast 5 have more than lived up to expectations. The Japanese principle of kaizen (continuous improvement) here translates into a model that does not rest on its laurels. More reactive, more comfortable, more versatile. An ideal shoes for the popular runner who wants to train without complications and, from time to time, to step on the accelerator a little.