ASICS Novablast 5 Review: The Softest, Most Fun Daily Trainer Yet

Introduction

Some daily trainers try to do a bit of everything and end up doing none of it well. The ASICS Novablast 5 is the opposite: after roughly 15 miles (24 km) of testing, it comes across as one of the most complete daily shoes in recent memory, earning a total of 11.6 out of 12 in our scoring. The headline change is the midsole, which is far softer than the Novablast 4 and closer in character to the very first version of the shoe.

Who the Novablast 5 Is For

This is a shoe for runners who want one pair that can handle easy miles, tempo work, and everything between. The foam responds well across different paces, so you never feel locked into running at a single speed, and there is enough comfort for longer durations. It is also a genuinely good-looking shoe in the greyish purple and coral reef colorway, which makes it plausible for lifestyle and leisure wear as well as running.

Sizing is worth a thought. A UK size 11 / US size 12 test pair weighs 303 g (about 10.7 oz), and the shoe runs perhaps a half size long, so going down half a size gives a slightly more race-like fit. True to size leaves a little extra toe box room, which suits thicker socks, wider feet, or toe socks.

The Standout Strengths

The midsole is the story here. FF Blast Max foam measures Shore A 22, one of the softest compounds tested in this class, giving a very squashy, forgiving ride with strong impact protection. The classic Novablast trampoline cutout in the heel returns and helps the shoe fly forwards when you push the pace. Compared against similar everyday foams from rival brands, this one is an easy winner, and it marks a big step up from the Novablast 4.

Stack height sits at roughly 44 mm in the heel and 36 mm in the forefoot for an 8 mm drop. There is no plate, which limits it for very specific long intervals, but as a daily blaster the platform is well positioned, with slightly more width in the forefoot (about 12.3 cm) and heel (9.6 cm) than the previous version.

The upper is another success. The new mesh is more structured and better fitting than the Novablast 4’s, and the new lace loops at the first eyelets genuinely improve grip around the foot. A standard bow tied all the way to the final eyelets delivered the best lockdown, with no runner’s knot needed. The partially gusseted, nicely padded tongue never slid sideways during testing, and build quality is pristine, with no glue marks or loose stitching out of the box.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The outsole is the main compromise. ASICS uses a very soft rubber formula here, and grip was noticeably lacking on very wet or smooth surfaces, including slick mud and icy patches. On dry roads and debris-free concrete pavement, it is absolutely fine, but winter conditions expose the smooth pattern.

Two minor quibbles on the upper: the heel pull tab and a strangely long tab on the tongue feel unnecessary and could have saved a few grams. Neither ruins the experience, but they are the only real detractors alongside the wet grip. At 303 g, the shoe is also marginally heavier than the Novablast 4’s roughly 296 g, though that difference is barely detectable and likely comes down to manufacturing tolerance.

Buying Advice

At £135 in the UK, the Novablast 5 is £30 cheaper than the Pegasus Plus, slightly more than the Pegasus 41, and £15 more than the Puma Velocity Nitro 3, yet it is less dense and lighter than the Puma. If you cannot get hold of the Superblast 2, this is probably the closest alternative, with slightly more minimal stack and a similar fit.

It is more cushioned and more responsive than the Pegasus Plus, and simply more fun to run in than the Pegasus 41. The Adidas SL2 sits at a slightly lower price but is held back by its outsole, insole, and laces. If your running happens mostly in dry conditions, the Novablast 5 is easy to recommend as one of the top daily trainers of the year.

Conclusion

The ASICS Novablast 5 is easily the best Novablast yet. A softer, more compressive midsole, a genuinely improved upper, and strong value at £135 outweigh the compromises of soft, smooth outsole rubber and a couple of odd pull tabs. For most runners shopping for a daily shoe, it is hard to recommend anything else right now.