The ASICS Novablast 5 is engineered for runners seeking an exceptionally cushioned and energetic ride for daily training, delivering a significant boost in bounce and speed. It offers a soft, yet fast experience thanks to its advanced FF BLAST™ MAX foam. While it excels in comfort and responsiveness, its maximalist midsole design and specific targeting for medium-weight runners might be a consideration for some users.
FF BLAST™ MAX Foam Midsole: Experience a softer, faster, and significantly bouncier ride with ASICS's latest cushioning technology, designed to maximize energy return.
Trampoline Effect Design: The unique midsole geometry enhances the shoe's rebound properties, propelling you forward with each stride.
Technical Mesh Upper: Provides a light, airy feel and excellent breathability, keeping your feet comfortable during long runs.
Tongue Wings: Integrated into the upper, these help improve the fit and reduce unwanted tongue movement for a more secure feel.
AHAR Low-Density Rubber Outsole: Offers high-grip traction for reliable safety and stability across various surfaces, allowing you to maintain speed.
Maximalist Midsole Profile: With a stack height of 41.5mm/33.5mm and an 8mm heel offset, this shoe provides substantial underfoot protection and a distinctly plush feel.
Lightweight Construction: Weighing in at 255g, the Novablast 5 is designed to feel nimble and responsive despite its generous cushioning.
Exceptional Cushioning: The FF BLAST™ MAX foam delivers a truly bouncy and comfortable experience, making long runs feel easier.
Energized Ride: The trampoline effect and new foam combine for a fast and dynamic feel, encouraging a quicker turnover.
Lightweight Design: Despite its maximalist cushioning, the shoe remains surprisingly light, contributing to less fatigue.
Secure and Breathable Fit: The technical mesh upper with tongue wings ensures a snug, airy, and comfortable fit.
Versatile Performance: Suitable for various types of runs, from daily training to tempo efforts and even races.
Reliable Traction: The high-grip outsole provides confidence and stability on different running surfaces.
Maximalist Feel: The high stack height and prominent midsole may not appeal to runners who prefer a more traditional, ground-feel shoe.
Targeted for Medium-Weight Runners: While versatile, its optimal performance is highlighted for medium-weight individuals, potentially offering a different experience for lighter or heavier runners.
Stability for Specific Needs: While generally stable, some runners who require extreme pronation control might find it less structured than dedicated stability shoes.
Exceptional Cushioning: The FF BLAST™ MAX foam delivers a truly bouncy and comfortable experience, making long runs feel easier.
Energized Ride: The trampoline effect and new foam combine for a fast and dynamic feel, encouraging a quicker turnover.
Lightweight Design: Despite its maximalist cushioning, the shoe remains surprisingly light, contributing to less fatigue.
Secure and Breathable Fit: The technical mesh upper with tongue wings ensures a snug, airy, and comfortable fit.
Versatile Performance: Suitable for various types of runs, from daily training to tempo efforts and even races.
Reliable Traction: The high-grip outsole provides confidence and stability on different running surfaces.
Maximalist Feel: The high stack height and prominent midsole may not appeal to runners who prefer a more traditional, ground-feel shoe.
Targeted for Medium-Weight Runners: While versatile, its optimal performance is highlighted for medium-weight individuals, potentially offering a different experience for lighter or heavier runners.
Stability for Specific Needs: While generally stable, some runners who require extreme pronation control might find it less structured than dedicated stability shoes.
The ASICS Novablast 5 is built to deliver an exhilarating running experience, primarily designed for daily training but capable of much more. Its standout feature is the FF BLAST™ MAX foam midsole, which provides a uniquely soft yet incredibly responsive feel. This foam, combined with the trampoline effect design, creates a sensation of being propelled forward, making each stride feel more energetic and less taxing.
This shoe excels during:
Everyday Runs: Its superior cushioning makes it a go-to for daily miles, absorbing impact and keeping your legs fresh.
Tempo Runs and Fartleks: The bouncier ride encourages a faster pace without feeling harsh, allowing for quicker transitions and sustained speed.
Long Runs: The generous stack height and plush cushioning provide the comfort and protection needed to go the distance.
Recovery Runs: The soft landing helps ease the strain on tired legs, promoting quicker recovery.
The technical mesh upper ensures your feet remain cool and comfortable, even as temperatures rise, while the tongue wings lock your foot securely in place, minimizing distractions. The AHAR low-density outsole offers reliable high-grip traction, providing confidence on varied road surfaces, even when pushing the pace. While designed with medium-weight runners in mind for optimal benefit, its versatile nature allows a broad range of runners to appreciate its comfort and responsiveness.
Getting started with your ASICS Novablast 5 is straightforward:
Lacing: Utilize the traditional lace-up closure to achieve a snug and comfortable fit. Experiment with different lacing techniques if you experience pressure points or desire a more secure midfoot or heel lock.
Break-In Period: While often comfortable from the first run, allow for a short break-in period (20-30 miles) to let the shoe fully mold to your foot and for the cushioning to reach its optimal performance.
Runner Type: The Novablast 5 is primarily designed for medium-weight runners seeking a highly cushioned and energetic experience for daily training and versatile use. It is a neutral shoe, meaning it's best suited for runners without significant overpronation or supination issues.
Running Surfaces: Optimized for road running and paved paths due to its outsole design, offering excellent traction on dry and moderately wet surfaces.
Proper care will extend the life and performance of your Novablast 5:
Cleaning: After runs, especially in dirty conditions, gently clean the mesh upper with a soft brush and mild soap diluted in water. Avoid harsh detergents or machine washing, as this can damage materials and adhesives.
Drying: Allow your shoes to air dry naturally at room temperature. Remove insoles to speed up drying and prevent odors. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight, as this can cause materials to shrink or crack.
Storage: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Consider using shoe trees or stuffing them with newspaper to help maintain their shape.
Rotation: If you run frequently, consider rotating your Novablast 5 with another pair of running shoes. This allows the foam to fully decompress and recover between runs, extending the lifespan of both pairs.