Saucony Ride 18 vs ASICS Novablast 5: Two of the Best Value Daily Trainers Compared

Introduction

If you are after one dependable pair of shoes to cover most of your running, the Saucony Ride 18 and ASICS Novablast 5 are two of the strongest value options in the daily trainer category right now. Both sit at a very similar price, both weigh about the same, and both use an 8mm drop, so the decision really comes down to how each midsole feels and what kind of running you want them for.

Both are classic workhorse trainers: comfortable, versatile to a point, and cheaper than many premium options while often performing better. The tester behind this comparison even considers the Ride 18 a better all-round shoe than the considerably more expensive Saucony Triumph 22.

Specs at a Glance

The Saucony Ride 18 costs £130 or $140 and weighs 266g (9.4 oz) for men in a size 8, with an 8mm drop. The ASICS Novablast 5 costs £135 or $140 and weighs 256g (9 oz) for men in a size 8, with the same 8mm drop.

The Ride 18 builds on the popular Ride 17 with a new PWRRUN+ midsole foam designed to be lighter, softer, and more responsive, with improved energy return. The outsole aims for better durability and grip, flex grooves toward the front of the shoe smooth out the ride, and a new engineered mesh upper increases breathability with a stretchy fit for better lockdown. An updated heel collar improves cushioning, and a wide version is available.

The Novablast 5 continues that line with a new FF Blast Max midsole foam that is softer and bouncier while retaining the same weight as the Novablast 4. It swaps the previous woven material for a new jacketed mesh upper aimed at better fit and breathability, with a similar trampoline-inspired outsole design covered by a healthy layer of rubber for grip and protection.

Fit and Sizing

Both shoes fit true to size in a UK 8, which matches the tester’s usual running shoe size. The fit philosophy is similar on both: padded in the key areas without feeling overly padded, good forefoot room, solid lockdown through the laces and tongue, and well-cushioned, consistent heel collars with no irritation.

There are a couple of small differences. The Ride 18 hugs a little closer through the midfoot, which some will prefer, while the Novablast 5 offers a slightly more accommodating middle section. The Novablast 5 uses a gusseted tongue that takes a little fiddling to place initially but then stays put, whereas the Ride 18 has a more heavily padded tongue that offers a bit more comfort on top of the foot. Overall, the Ride feels slightly narrower and thinner, but not dramatically so. Stick to your normal size in both.

Versatility and Running Feel

The Ride 18 is the more traditional daily trainer of the two, which likely makes it work for more people. Its midsole sits in the middle: not really soft, not hard, but balanced, controlled, and smooth, with a little bounce to keep it enjoyable. Because it keeps you a bit closer to the ground, it feels more responsive at uptempo paces, making it a great pick for tempo sessions, faster long runs, or steady, consistent-pace mileage.

The Novablast 5 has a noticeably softer midsole with more foam underfoot. It rolls through nicely and feels very comfortable and protective, with energy return that helps you maintain a consistent pace, but it lacks the snap of the Ride 18 and is not as good at picking up the pace on quicker sessions. It skews more towards easy days, though some runners do use it for tempo work and even marathons at certain paces, since it is a solid all-rounder.

If you want one shoe for absolutely everything, the Ride 18 edges it on versatility. If comfort on easier running is the priority, the Novablast 5 is the better fit.

Durability and Outsole

Both shoes impressed here. The Ride 18 has a solid, grippy layer of rubber that showed no signs of wear or tear after a substantial testing period. The Novablast 5 has a similarly thick rubber layer, possibly with slightly more coverage on the lateral sides, that would take a long time to wear through to the foam.

Both were used on roads, pavements, and public footpaths and fared well, and both would be fine for lighter trail runs. After 50k in each, both clearly earn their place as workhorse daily trainers that can cover a lot of your running, if not your fastest all-out efforts.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you are a general runner doing mostly easy runs and you want maximum comfort, the Novablast 5 is the better choice: very comfortable, controlled, not too unstable, and versatile to an extent. If you like a slightly firmer midsole and run at slightly faster paces, the Ride 18 is the one to go for.

With the prices so close, it is a close call, but the Ride 18 is the recommendation here. It felt more comfortable on uptempo running, offers more versatility so you may not need a second shoe, and feels more accessible and stable, working for a wider range of runners. The Novablast 5 remains a standout value daily trainer in its own right, especially for longer, softer-feeling runs.

Conclusion

Both the Saucony Ride 18 and ASICS Novablast 5 are excellent value daily trainers that cover easy runs through to faster, consistent training efforts. Choose the Ride 18 for a firmer, more responsive, more versatile ride, or the Novablast 5 for a softer, comfort-first experience. Either way, you are getting one of the best all-round shoes you can buy at this price.