ASICS NOVABLAST 5 Review: A Lightweight, Energetic Daily Trainer That Delivers

Quick Verdict

The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is a neutral daily trainer that punches above its weight class. The FF BLAST MAX midsole genuinely feels energetic — not just marketing speak — and the jacquard mesh upper breathes well enough for warm-weather miles. After a month of mixing it into my rotation, I can say this shoe earns its spot on your shortlist if you want something versatile, comfortable, and a little bit fun to run in. Score: 4.5/5.

What Is the ASICS NOVABLAST 5?

Let's clear the air: the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is the fifth iteration of ASICS' flagship daily trainer built around that signature bouncy ride. It sits in the neutral category — meaning it doesn't try to correct your gait, just cushions it — and targets runners who log consistent mileage and want a shoe that can handle everything from easy recovery jogs to brisk tempo sessions without switching gear. ASICS refreshed the upper with an engineered jacquard mesh, added tongue wing construction for a more locked-in feel, and swapped in their FF BLAST MAX foam, which replaces the standard FF BLAST found in earlier models. The result is a lighter, more responsive platform that feels notably different from the NOVABLAST 4.

On paper the updates sound incremental. In practice, they add up. The Black/Carrier Grey colourway I've been testing looks clean — understated enough to wear casually without screaming "I'm about to go for a run." That matters more than you'd think if you're commuting in your trainers.

Key Features

• FF BLAST MAX cushioning — nitrogen-infused foam that returns energy with less weight than traditional EVA
• Trampoline-inspired outsole — geometric tread pattern designed to amplify bounce and responsiveness
• Engineered jacquard mesh upper — multi-directional stretch zones promote airflow and a sock-like fit
• Tongue wing construction — lateral wings that hug the midfoot and reduce tongue shifting
• Reflective details — small but useful low-light visibility accents on the heel and lateral side
• Neutral platform — no medial posts or guide rails; works best for neutral pronators

Hands-On Review

I laced up the NOVABLAST 5 for the first time on a cool Tuesday morning — the kind where you're still deciding whether to head out or stay in bed. Right away, the tongue wing construction impressed me. It hugs the midfoot without feeling tight, and there's none of that tongue-slide annoyance I get with cheaper trainers where the tongue migrates sideways halfway through a run. By the first kilometre, I'd forgotten I was wearing anything new.

The FF BLAST MAX foam is where ASICS has clearly done the most work. I've logged runs on the previous NOVABLAST model and the difference in energy return is real. It's not a super shoe — there's no carbon plate — but it has that satisfying little pop underfoot that makes easy paces feel less tedious. My pace didn't change, but my perceived effort did. That's the sweet spot for a daily trainer.

After three weeks and roughly 120 km, the jacquard mesh upper shows no signs of stretching out or losing its structure. One thing nobody mentions in listings: the reflectivity is genuinely useful. Running at 5:30 AM through my neighbourhood's dimly lit side streets, the reflective strips catch car headlights reliably. Not a dealbreaker if you're a daytime runner, but a small quality-of-life win if you're not.

What surprised me was how well the shoe held up on mixed terrain. I took it onto a gravel trail section by accident during a route change, and the outsole gripped better than I expected. It's not a trail shoe, but for the occasional unpacked path, it doesn't punish you. One caveat: at my weight (78 kg), the stack height occasionally felt a bit mushy during faster intervals — like the foam was compressing more than I'd like before pushing off. Lighter runners probably won't notice this at all.

Who Should Buy It?

The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is a strong fit if you:

• Run 3–5 times a week and want a single shoe that handles most of that mileage comfortably
• Prioritise cushioning and energy return over maximum stability or a race-day plate
• Run in warm conditions and need a shoe that breathes without sacrificing support
• Are a neutral pronator or universal striker looking for a well-rounded daily trainer

Skip this if you're a heavy overpronator who needs structured arch support, or if you're specifically chasing a PB and want a carbon-plated race shoe. The NOVABLAST 5 isn't trying to be those things — trying to force it into that role would be missing the point.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If the NOVABLAST 5 doesn't quite fit your needs, here are two solid alternatives:

• Brooks Ghost 15 — a slightly more traditional, firmer ride with excellent durability. Better for runners who want a less bouncy, more connected feel underfoot.
• New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 — plush maximalist cushioning in a daily trainer package. More cushioned than the NOVABLAST 5, but heavier and less responsive on faster efforts.
• Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 — if you want a daily trainer with a nylon plate for a touch more snap. Pricier but a genuine race-day option as well.

FAQ

Final Verdict

The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 earns its place as a daily workhorse. The FF BLAST MAX midsole delivers a genuinely energetic ride, the jacquard mesh upper keeps things breathable, and the tongue wing construction solves a small but real comfort issue that cheaper shoes ignore. It's not perfect for every runner or every run type — the plushness can feel slightly disconnected during speedwork — but as a do-most-things-well daily trainer, it delivers. If you're already an ASICS fan or are looking to upgrade from a worn-out trainer that no longer feels bouncy, the NOVABLAST 5 is worth a serious look.