The ASICS Novablast 5 is designed for runners seeking a highly cushioned, energetic experience for their daily training. Featuring the innovative FF BLAST™ MAX foam and a trampoline-inspired design, it offers a softer, bouncier ride that encourages a faster pace. While exceptionally comfortable and versatile, its plush cushioning might feel less responsive for runners who prefer a firmer, more direct ground feel for speed work.
FF BLAST™ MAX Foam: This new, advanced midsole foam provides superior bounce, softness, and cushioning for an energised running experience.
Trampoline-Inspired Design: The unique geometry of the midsole enhances the spring-like effect, propelling you forward with each stride.
Lightweight Construction: Weighing 255g (for UK 6, male), these shoes feel light on your feet, reducing fatigue over long distances.
Technical Mesh Upper: Offers excellent breathability and a light, airy feel, keeping your feet comfortable during runs.
Tongue Wings: Integrated into the upper design, these improve the midfoot fit and help prevent the tongue from sliding during movement.
AHAR Low-Density Outsole: Provides durable traction while maintaining the shoe's overall lightweight profile.
8mm Heel Offset: A standard drop (41.5mm heel / 33.5mm forefoot) that accommodates a wide range of foot strikes and running styles.
Exceptional Cushioning: FF BLAST™ MAX foam delivers a plush, protective, and comfortable ride for daily miles.
Energized Bounce: The trampoline-inspired design and advanced foam create a highly responsive and bouncy feel, encouraging faster efforts.
Lightweight for its Category: Despite generous cushioning, the shoe remains relatively light, reducing strain.
Breathable Upper: Technical mesh keeps feet cool and comfortable.
Versatile for Daily Training: Suitable for various types of daily runs, from easy jogs to tempo efforts.
Softness Preference: Runners who prefer a very firm or ground-feel-oriented shoe might find the cushioning too soft.
Not a Dedicated Race Shoe: While energetic, it's primarily designed for daily training rather than pure race-day performance for all runners.
Exceptional Cushioning: FF BLAST™ MAX foam delivers a plush, protective, and comfortable ride for daily miles.
Energized Bounce: The trampoline-inspired design and advanced foam create a highly responsive and bouncy feel, encouraging faster efforts.
Lightweight for its Category: Despite generous cushioning, the shoe remains relatively light, reducing strain.
Breathable Upper: Technical mesh keeps feet cool and comfortable.
Versatile for Daily Training: Suitable for various types of daily runs, from easy jogs to tempo efforts.
Softness Preference: Runners who prefer a very firm or ground-feel-oriented shoe might find the cushioning too soft.
Not a Dedicated Race Shoe: While energetic, it's primarily designed for daily training rather than pure race-day performance for all runners.
The ASICS Novablast 5 excels as a dynamic daily trainer, offering a significant upgrade in cushioning and energy return. Runners will immediately notice the FF BLAST™ MAX foam, which creates a noticeably softer landing and a highly responsive toe-off. This 'trampoline effect' is not just a marketing term; it genuinely contributes to a feeling of forward propulsion, making daily runs feel less strenuous and more enjoyable. Its lightweight nature, combined with the plush cushioning, allows for comfortable long runs, while the energetic bounce also makes it capable of picking up the pace for tempo efforts or faster daily training. The technical mesh upper ensures breathability, preventing overheating during warmer runs, and the improved tongue wings provide a secure, comfortable fit around the midfoot, minimizing distractions. The AHAR outsole offers reliable grip on typical road surfaces, making it a dependable choice for various conditions.
Lacing: Ensure laces are comfortably snug, not too tight, to secure your foot without restricting circulation. Utilise all eyelets, especially the top ones, for a locked-down feel if needed.
Initial Fit: Wear your typical running socks. The fit should feel secure around the heel and midfoot, with enough room in the toe box for your toes to splay naturally. There should be about a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Runner Type: Ideal for neutral runners seeking high cushioning and an energetic ride for daily training.
Terrain: Best suited for road running and paved surfaces.
Gender/Age: Designed for adult male runners (specifically this variant is UK 6, male, but Novablast series has broader availability).
Activity: Excellent for daily mileage, long runs, tempo runs, and recovery runs.
Cleaning: Remove insoles and laces. Gently brush off loose dirt. Hand wash with mild soap and cold water. Avoid harsh detergents or machine washing, which can damage materials.
Drying: Air dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or artificial heat sources (like radiators or tumble dryers), as this can warp materials and adhesives.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Rotation: Consider rotating with another pair of running shoes to allow the foam to decompress and prolong the shoe's lifespan.