New Running Shoes to Watch: Asics Novablast 5, Adidas Adizero Drive RC, Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 and Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3

Introduction

The flow of new running shoe releases shows no sign of slowing down, and the latest batch covers a wide spectrum: a fifth iteration of a beloved daily trainer, a strange regional-only Adidas release, a refined super shoe from Hoka, and an unapologetically extreme Mizuno racer. Here is what sets each apart, and who each shoe makes sense for.

Asics Novablast 5

The Novablast 5 sticks closely to the profile of the Novablast 4, keeping the same cut and shape in a classic “if it ain’t broke” approach. The fourth version sold in large numbers because it genuinely does it all: plenty of width, lots of cushion, and improved traction over versions 2 and 3 thanks to much better outsole rubber.

The headline change is an all-new one-piece midsole made entirely of FlyteFoam Blast Max foam, a compound previously only glimpsed in small amounts on other Asics models. It is suggested to be a touch softer than the FlyteFoam Blast Plus Eco that has featured across most of the Asics lineup recently. The Novablast has evolved from the original’s squashy, trampoline-style ride into a lighter, nimbler, more consistent shoe, and Asics has a strong recent record on durability and grip. Unless something goes badly wrong, this looks like a safe bet for a do-it-all daily trainer.

Adidas Adizero Drive RC

The Adizero Drive RC is currently a Brazil-only release, which is intriguing in itself given how long shoe development takes. It uses a Lightstrike-only midsole (possibly Lightstrike 2.0), with a sample weight of 230g, a 38mm heel stack, and a 6mm drop.

The design reads like a greatest-hits compilation of recent Adizero models: the general profile of the Adios Pro 3 with what appear to be glass-fiber energy rods, a durable outsole without Continental rubber, and an overall shape reminiscent of the Boston 12. Pricing appears to translate to around £120, positioning it as a cut-price trainer carrying some Adizero tech. The catch: there are other shoes with more engaging foam and better rubber for only a little more money, and Adidas’s already sprawling lineup makes this a confusing addition rather than a compelling one. A hard sell for anyone who wants a shoe they can trust to stick around.

Hoka Cielo X1 2.0

The Cielo X1 2.0 makes some careful but noticeable changes to its predecessor. The lateral midsole cutout that many people loved, and which gave the shoe a more forgiving, compressive lateral side, is now gone. The minimal heel has been replaced with a much more padded collar and a more standard lacing setup, though recent Cielo X1 colorways already had improved laces.

The winged plate still features, its presence popping out of the lateral side, along with the substantial wall of midsole foam around the toe box that keeps the foot locked on top of the midsole base. The upper materials look far less jumper-like, which should help lower a weight that was already heavier than competitors in version 1. The foam layering also appears altered, with more of the softer layer positioned directly under the forefoot. The catch remains price: the Cielo X1 launched at £250 in the UK, and there is little sign the 2.0 will come in cheaper. If that figure sits comfortably with you, this refined version looks worth the wait, even if that wait could be long; the shoe is listed as a development model through to October 2025.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3

Mizuno is leaning hard into the wild side with the Wave Rebellion Pro 3, which appears to be on sale already in some regions despite a November launch expectation. The midsole stack is even more extreme, with the heel bevel amplified further. Because World Athletics measures stack height at a specific point from the back of the shoe, Mizuno has simply added more foam and cut an extreme bevel to stay compliant, at 40mm in the sample size.

The shoe introduces a new foam called NZXP, expected to be more squashy and compressive, and the reported 4mm drop is notably higher than the previous version’s roughly 1.5mm. A G3 outsole brings genuinely excellent grip, one of the best compounds around and rarely used, and it helps keep weight down. This is a shoe for flat terrain and road surfaces only. The bold heel design has put buyers off before, which is why the Wave Rebellion Pro 2 is frequently discounted, currently around £130 in the UK. Without more clarity on the new midsole foam, this one is a watch-and-wait rather than an easy recommendation.

Buying Advice

If you want a dependable daily trainer, the Novablast 5 is the safest pick of this group given the lineage it inherits. The Cielo X1 2.0 is the performance pick if the premium price does not deter you. The Adizero Drive RC only makes sense if it lands in your region at a genuinely good price and you want Adizero styling on a budget. The Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is strictly for runners who enjoy the experimental end of the market.

Conclusion

Only one of these four shoes is available now, and the rest are still shrouded in speculation, but the direction is clear: softer, taller, and more refined midsoles across the board. Keep an eye on the Novablast 5 and Cielo X1 2.0 if you value proven platforms, and approach the Drive RC and Wave Rebellion Pro 3 with measured curiosity until more detail emerges.