SHOES REVIEW: Asics Novablast 5

The long-awaited Noveblast 5 is here – and with some super-exciting changes. First introduced in 2019, these shoes have become a staple sneaker for many Asics owners (myself included). These are the perfect shoes for everyday use, with a great bounce that will keep your step smooth, even on those days when your feet are a little tired.

Category: Neutral
Drop: 8 mm
Weight: 255 g (men’s) 225 g (women’s)
Recommended retail price: 180 CAD

Upper

The Novablast’s upper has been redesigned with new fabric added to make the shoe even more comfortable. I found the upper to be excellent (as with the 4) and also found the shoe to be true to size, with plenty of room in the toe box.

Novablast 5’s language takes a page out of Superblast’s book. This geometry means the tongue and laces fit snugly and provide a premium feel.

Sole

The midsole also gets an exciting new update with the addition of the FF Blast Max to Novablast! The midsole of the shoe is made entirely of FF Blast Max and is currently the only Asics shoe to have this feature.

This new foam has increased the rebound rate by more than eight percent compared to the previous model. I really felt it on the run: this shoe bounces. It gave me a boost when I went out for a run in the dark (with so little daylight available, I’m sure we all feel like running in the dark is the only option right now).

Aside from the bounce factor, I also find the FF Blast Max to be quite durable. I’ve worn this shoe many times (over 100 miles) and have yet to notice any signs of wear in the midsole.

SHOES REVIEW: Asics GT-2000 13

Sole

While the foam is a big part of what makes this shoe so fast, the outsole also plays a role. A capsule-shaped groove under the forefoot helps the foam deliver the bounce and energy that Novablast is known for. As usual, the outsole is made from Asics AHAR rubber, known for its grip and durability.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think the changes to Novablast are welcome. I love the FF Blast Max midsole, the trampoline effect on the outsole, and the extremely comfortable and supportive upper. I use these shoes for everything from easy running to tempo. If you’re looking for an all-around shoe, the Novablast 5 is sure to fit the bill, or it could serve as a solid running shoe when paired with a lighter trainer for training or racing.