ASICS Novablast 5 First Impressions: Softer Foam, Roomier Fit, Same $140 Value

Introduction

The ASICS Novablast 5 arrived with little warning. After the attention given to the Superblast, this update almost slipped in under the radar, but it brings two meaningful changes to one of ASICS’ most popular daily trainers: a new jacquard mesh upper and a softer FF Blast Max midsole.

These are first-run impressions rather than a final verdict, drawn from roughly 12 miles of testing on city pavement. The character of the shoe is already clear, though, and for $140 it is shaping up to be a genuinely good value in the daily trainer category.

What Changed This Year

The most visible update is the upper. Last year’s woven material is gone, replaced by a jacquard mesh with a lightly padded tongue and a small gusset underneath. ASICS has also returned to the loop-style lacing seen on some of its other shoes.

The downside is fit. The shoe runs wide and roomy through the throat, and lockdown is not fantastic. On the first run, the laces had to be cinched tight just to keep the foot in place, and there was noticeable play at the heel, where a slight sideways slide could lift the heel off the platform entirely. Switching from very thin socks to a thicker pair solved most of the problem, but the shoe still fits generous through the midfoot and forefoot.

How the FF Blast Max Midsole Feels

The midsole moves from FF Blast Plus Eco to FF Blast Max, and it is clearly softer. There is a slight sink-in quality to the ride, though not the heavy, sluggish kind. Part of that comes from weight: the Novablast 5 is about half an ounce lighter than the previous version, landing around 9 oz for a men’s size 10, so it still feels light underfoot.

Expectations were that the softer foam would slow the pace down, but that did not happen. Easy paces cruised along without the shoe getting in the way. The trade-off is really one of feel rather than performance: runners who prefer ground feel and pop may miss the firmer character of the previous version, while those who prioritize comfort will get more of it here.

Outsole and Grip

The outsole carries over unchanged from last year, with the same AHAR low rubber across the same coverage pattern. However you felt about the Novablast 4’s outsole is roughly how you will feel about this one.

Grip was solid on the surfaces tested. Some runners have historically been lukewarm on ASICS rubber, but this compound handled everything thrown at it over the first runs, wet and dry alike.

Who Should Buy the Novablast 5

At $140, the Novablast 5 sits a full $60 below the Superblast while sharing a similar visual identity, and the foam is genuinely nice for that price range. Runners who want a comfortable, light daily trainer and can live with a roomy upper will get a lot of shoe for the money. Heel lockdown is the main thing to check before buying: wider-footed runners will feel at home immediately, while narrow-footed runners may need thicker socks or a careful lacing job to stay planted.

Conclusion

The Novablast 5 is a softer, slightly lighter take on a proven daily trainer. The new FF Blast Max foam delivers comfort without killing pace, the outsole grips well, and the $140 price makes it an easy recommendation. The roomy upper and loose heel lockdown are the trade-offs, so try it on with your usual running socks before committing.