The ASICS Novablast 5 TR trainers are engineered for runners seeking a single shoe solution for varied terrain, seamlessly transitioning from asphalt to unpaved paths. With their advanced cushioning and specialized grip, they deliver a dynamic and comfortable ride. While offering excellent versatility, serious off-road adventurers might seek a shoe with more aggressive trail-specific features for extremely technical conditions.
Road to Trail Versatility: Designed to perform optimally on both paved roads and moderate unpaved trails, offering a balanced experience for diverse training environments.
FF BLASTâ„¢ MAX Cushioning: Experience maximum softness and a highly responsive feel underfoot. This advanced foam technology delivers exceptional energy return, making each stride feel more energetic.
Specific Lug Outsole: Equipped with a unique lug pattern that provides reliable traction and grip on varied surfaces, enhancing stability whether you're on concrete or dirt.
Neutral Shoe Type: Ideal for runners with neutral pronation, offering balanced support without over-correcting natural foot movement.
Lightweight Design: Weighing in at approximately 255g (for UK 9.5), these trainers maintain a light feel, reducing fatigue during longer runs.
8mm Drop: Features an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, promoting a natural foot strike and smooth transitions.
Durable for Training: Built for regular usage, providing comfort and performance for your daily training sessions.
Excellent Versatility: Seamlessly handles both road running and light trail exploration, reducing the need for multiple pairs of shoes.
Superior Cushioning: FF BLASTâ„¢ MAX offers a plush, protective, and energetic ride, minimizing impact on joints.
Responsive Feel: The cushioning technology provides a bouncy sensation, encouraging a faster and more efficient stride.
Reliable Grip: The specific lug outsole ensures confident footing on a variety of surfaces, from wet pavement to dusty trails.
Comfortable for Long Runs: Designed with comfort in mind, making them suitable for extended training sessions.
Limited Technical Trail Performance: While great for unpaved paths, they may lack the aggressive grip and protection needed for extremely rocky or muddy technical trails.
Stack Height: The generous cushioning might make them feel less stable for some runners on very uneven terrain compared to lower-to-the-ground trail shoes.
Training Focus: Primarily designed for training, they might not be the top choice for competitive trail races requiring maximum speed and agility on challenging routes.
Excellent Versatility: Seamlessly handles both road running and light trail exploration, reducing the need for multiple pairs of shoes.
Superior Cushioning: FF BLASTâ„¢ MAX offers a plush, protective, and energetic ride, minimizing impact on joints.
Responsive Feel: The cushioning technology provides a bouncy sensation, encouraging a faster and more efficient stride.
Reliable Grip: The specific lug outsole ensures confident footing on a variety of surfaces, from wet pavement to dusty trails.
Comfortable for Long Runs: Designed with comfort in mind, making them suitable for extended training sessions.
Limited Technical Trail Performance: While great for unpaved paths, they may lack the aggressive grip and protection needed for extremely rocky or muddy technical trails.
Stack Height: The generous cushioning might make them feel less stable for some runners on very uneven terrain compared to lower-to-the-ground trail shoes.
Training Focus: Primarily designed for training, they might not be the top choice for competitive trail races requiring maximum speed and agility on challenging routes.
The ASICS Novablast 5 TR trainers excel in scenarios where your run takes you across varying landscapes. On asphalt, the FF BLASTâ„¢ MAX cushioning delivers a remarkably soft yet energetic experience, making daily miles feel effortless and tempo runs feel snappy. You'll notice a distinct rebound with each step, propelling you forward.
Transitioning to unpaved paths and light trails, the specific lug outsole comes into its own. It provides confident traction on gravel, packed dirt, and grassy sections, allowing you to maintain your pace and stability without hesitation. This makes them an excellent choice for park runs, bridle paths, or mixed-surface routes where you encounter both paved and natural surfaces.
These shoes are primarily built for training and are suitable for a wide range of sessions, from easy recovery runs to longer efforts and even some faster-paced work. Their neutral design accommodates a natural foot strike, and the 8mm drop supports a smooth, efficient gait cycle. Users can expect consistent comfort and reliable performance across moderate distances and varied paces.
Your Novablast 5 TR trainers are ready to go right out of the box. Ensure you've selected the correct size (UK 9.5 for this specific variant). When lacing, adjust the tension to be snug but not restrictive, allowing your foot to move naturally without excessive sliding. Experiment with different lacing patterns if you experience pressure points or desire a more secure fit, such as a 'heel lock' lacing for better ankle security.
Foot Type: These trainers are designed for neutral runners, meaning your foot does not excessively roll inward (pronate) or outward (supinate) during your stride. If you require stability control for overpronation, these may not be the optimal choice.
Terrain: Best suited for road running and moderate unpaved trails. They are not recommended for highly technical, rocky, or extremely muddy off-road conditions where a specialized trail shoe with deeper lugs and more robust protection would be necessary.
Activity: Ideal for daily training, long runs, tempo runs, and mixed-surface runs.
Proper care extends the life and performance of your trainers:
Cleaning: After runs, especially on trails, gently brush off loose dirt. For deeper cleaning, remove insoles and hand-wash with mild soap and cold water. Avoid harsh detergents or hot water, as these can damage materials and adhesives. Do NOT put them in a washing machine or dryer.
Drying: Allow shoes to air dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources (like radiators), which can cause materials to shrink or crack. Stuffing them with newspaper can help absorb moisture and maintain shape.
Storage: Store your trainers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing them in damp environments, which can lead to odor and material degradation.
Rotation: If you run frequently, consider rotating your Novablast 5 TR with another pair of running shoes. This allows the cushioning foam to decompress and recover, extending the lifespan of both pairs.