Novablast 5 Review

Novablast 5 Review 


Introduction


The Novablast is ASICS lightest and one of its most highly cushioned daily trainers. For its 5th edition, it drops 9g to about 8.75 oz / 247g in a US9 while retaining its max cushioned 41.5mm heel 33.5 forefoot stack height. Originally positioned as a fun trainer for more casual younger runners, it rapidly became a classic for its light and lively ride while over the years gaining in stack height, platform width and dropping in weight as new foams and upper constructions evolved.

~} What’s the Novablast 5  :- 


The Asics Novablast series has carved out a strong reputation as one of the most exciting daily trainers on the market. Known for its fun, bouncy and versatile ride, the Novablast has been a go-to for many runners. We’ve seen the majority of runners use the Novablast series as a workhorse daily trainer suited to easy jogging and long runs, but we’ve also seen some runners use it as a protective uptempo training shoe.


With Novablast 5, Asics have injected the shoe with some key updates, while staying true to the DNA that has made this series a favourite among the Adelaide and broader Australian running community.

▪︎ Weight: M: 255g US 9
 
▪︎ W: 225g US 7
 
▪︎ Best For: Versatile daily training
Long runs

▪︎ Stack Height & Drop: 41.5mm heel / 33.5mm forefoot
8mm drop

▪︎ Favourite Features: FF Blast Max midsole which is softer and lighter than Nova 4

▪︎ Simple jacquard mesh works a treat

▪︎ Release Date: December 3rd, 2024

~} There are 3  changes in Novablast 5:


1) Midsole gets FF Blast Max :- 

Before we discuss the midsole change in Novablast 5, it’s important to highlight how the midsole of the Novablast series has been on a bit of a rollercoaster over the years. Novablast 1 was FUN and a real game changer, it came out and was so different and polarising from shoes on the market at the time. Novablast 2 was more refined, but less fun. Novablast 3 was a return to form and felt like a combination of the first two iterations, while Novablast 4 moved back to being one of the firmer, but most stable Novablasts in the series.

This year with Novablast 5, the most significant change is the move to FF Blast Max foam in the midsole. We saw this midsole foam debut in the top layer of the Asics Glideride Max earlier in the year, but this is the first Asics shoe to get the full length Blast Max treatment.


Compared to the FF Blast+ found in the Novablast 4, this new foam is softer and provides a more cushioned ride, it also feels lighter weight in the hand. It enhances the shoe's fun factor, with a plush underfoot feel, but thankfully doesn’t sacrifice responsiveness the Novablast series is known for. To me the underfoot ride feels closer to Novablast 3 than Novablast 4, which is a good thing!


2) New jacquard mesh upper is comfy

The upper has transitioned to a jacquard mesh design, which actually reminded me of the Novablast 3’s look and feel. This update improves breathability, stretch and fit while giving the shoe a sleeker appearance. It’s a subtle but welcome shift from the woven upper used in the Novablast 4.

We still get a full gusset tongue setup through the midfoot which I always appreciate to see in a daily trainer like this. I also love a pull tab at the back of a shoe and I'm glad to see it's now bigger and more functional than what we saw with Novablast 4. Fit wise, I feel as though this Novablast fits true to size, I’m going for the same size as I am in the Asics Superblast 2.

3) Elevated traction

The outsole design has been slightly tweaked, with AHAR LO and deeper lugs to improve traction. It's a nice update, but I’ve never really had any issues with underfoot grip in the Novablast series, however it will provide an extra layer of confidence on varied surfaces.

Despite these changes, Asics have kept the signature forefoot “trampoline pod” midsole/outsole execution (it's a little wider in the Novablast 5), ensuring the energetic bounce through toe off that has defined the Novablast remains intact.


~} History of Novablast


That shoe was fresh and new and exciting; in hindsight, it was the line in the sand that separated the stale and sluggish Asics of the 2010’s and the purposeful and forward-thinking version of the brand since then.

The first couple versions of the Novablast were a bit wild, like an unruly lion cub that needed to be tamed, mostly due to the highly unstable midsole. Asics dialed things in for the next two versions, and the Asics Novablast 5 was one of the best daily trainers of last year. That said, there’s always room for improvement, so we were hoping this new version of the shoe would take things to the next level.

And it does, to a degree. But in other areas it holds itself back, a victim of its own design

~} Pros of Novablast 5


▪︎ Lots of cushion for weight: very light for its big 41/33 stack height: Sam / Ben / Sally/Peter/ Renee

▪︎ Energetic ride: new FF Blast Max is quicker reacting than prior Blast Plus foam Sam / Ben / Sally/Peter/ Renee

▪︎ Ezoic Versatile uptempo focused ride, can for sure be a daily trainer for lighter efficient runners: Sam / Ben / Sally/Peter/ Renee

▪︎ Smooth fitting, true to size, lighter more breathable upper with improved forefoot hold:

~} Cons of Novablast 5


▪︎ Not for slower paces heel striking or if you need pronation control: rear rigid heel counter is short, foam is soft, upper at midfoot is quite unstructured Sam


▪︎ Mid foot hold could be improved Sam/Ben/Sally


▪︎ Looking forward to the next colorway (shades of purple not my jam): Sally


▪︎ Ride is not as smooth and flowing at slower speeds: Peter


▪︎ Kind of loud on the road: Peter


▪︎ Outsole will catch small pebbles: Renee


~} FAQS:- 

1. Is Novablast good for daily running?

-》Asics nailed the daily trainer with the Novablast 4. It can handle your daily miles and your long run but is more than responsive enough for some workouts. Some runners who value comfort over top-end speed might even find them race-worthy.

2. Is Novablast good for marathons?

-》For runs over 10miles I am still choosing to stick with the NIMBUS range as I find I simply need more support over longer distances than these have to offer, however this may just be me as I have seen others enjoying marathons in their NOVABLASTS, something I'm a little jealous of.

3. Does Novablast have carbon plate?

-》All three shoes offer a propulsive sensation without a carbon-fiber plate.

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