Asics Novablast 5 Review

ASICS Novablast 5 Review  

Introduction 

 A decade ago, it would have been unthinkable that an ASICS running shoe without gel technology could become a top seller. Gel cushioning had always been the hallmark of ASICS footwear, a defining characteristic that set them apart.  

However, the landscape has shifted. While gel technology still exists in their iconic models like the Gel-Kayano, Gel-Nimbus, and Gel-Cumulus, it has transitioned from a prominent external feature to a concealed component within the midsole. This evolution signifies a change in ASICS' design philosophy and a response to advancements in materials and cushioning technologies. 

The Novablast, which debuted in 2020, marked a significant departure for the brand as one of the initial ASICS running shoes to forgo the signature gel technology. This bold move resulted in a shoe that was both exciting and modern, designed to resonate with a younger demographic of runners.  

The Novablast 4, released last year, was a widely favoured running shoe among consumers. This popularity stemmed from its firmer midsole compared to its predecessors, which translated to a faster ride.  

Additionally, the shoe's outsole was redesigned with a focus on grip, resulting in enhanced traction, particularly in wet or slippery conditions. These improvements addressed some of the shortcomings of earlier versions and contributed to the Novablast 4's widespread appeal among runners. 

The newly released Novablast 5 has undergone a weight reduction, now tipping the scales at 255 grams. This represents a 5-gram decrease compared to its predecessor, the Novablast 4. In addition to the weight reduction, the Novablast 5 has undergone significant updates to both the midsole and upper components of the shoe, which have notably transformed the overall running experience and ride. 

Specifications 

Upper 

The Novablast 5 has a new jacquard mesh upper which is similar to the one that was on version 3. It’s a double-layer mesh with a thicker layer on the inside and a thinner layer on the outside. There are thinner sections on the toe-box as well as on the side panels to allow air to penetrate. Breathability is good and it’s suitable for both warm and cool weather conditions.  

The tongue is thin and gusseted so it doesn’t move around excessively during runs. The big difference is that there is now a long strap on the tongue for the laces to pass through. This limits unwanted tongue slide even more. There are small holes punched into the tongue to allow more air circulation.  

The collar and heel tab, generously padded with foam, provide exceptional comfort around the ankle. This is further enhanced by the remarkably smooth inner lining, which creates a frictionless and luxurious feel against the skin. 

The Novablast 5 fits true to size. Addressing concerns about the Novablast 4's narrow fit, ASICS has thoughtfully widened the toe box and forefoot area in the Novablast 5. This adjustment, coupled with an accommodating upper, ensures a comfortable fit for a broader range of foot shapes and sizes. Runners who found the Novablast 4 too constricting in the forefoot are likely to find the Novablast 5 offers a more suitable and comfortable fit. 

Midsole 

The Novablast 5 introduces a significant change in its midsole composition. Departing from the traditional EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) midsole found in previous models, the Novablast 5 now incorporates a new FF Blast Max midsole made from POE (polyolefin elastomer).  

This shift in material results in a noticeable difference in the shoe's cushioning. The FF Blast Max foam is markedly softer than the FF Blast+ Eco foam used in the Novablast 4, offering a plusher and more comfortable underfoot experience for runners. 

The forefoot of the Novablast 5 features a noticeable upward curve, creating a distinct toe-spring effect that promotes a smoother transition during the gait cycle. This design enhances propulsion and efficiency by encouraging a rolling motion through the foot.  

However, it's worth noting that the forefoot of the Novablast 5 exhibits greater flexibility compared to its predecessor. As a result, the rocker sensation, which was more pronounced in the previous model, has been subtly moderated in this iteration.  

The Novablast 5 incorporates design elements to enhance stability, which is crucial given its substantial midsole stack height. This includes large sidewalls that provide lateral support and prevent excessive rolling or instability during footstrike and propulsion.  

Furthermore, the shoe features a widened base in both the forefoot and rearfoot areas. This design choice mirrors the characteristics often found in stability trainers and serves to distribute pressure more evenly, reducing the risk of ankle pronation or supination.  

Outsole 

AHAR LO, the same rubber used on the Novablast 4 is also on version 5. It’s a softer rubber compared to AHAR and AHAR+. All the high-wear areas are protected by rubber and there the rubber extends right to the edges of the outsole unlike the Novablast 4.  

The Novablast 5's outsole features rubber lugs that are somewhat thinner compared to those found on its predecessor, the Novablast 4. This design choice enhances ground feel, allowing the runner to experience a heightened sense of connection to the terrain. 

However, this trade-off comes at the expense of outsole durability. Despite the reduced thickness, the Novablast 5's outsole is still engineered to provide a substantial lifespan, capable of enduring at least 800 kilometers.  

The Novablast 5's outsole performs admirably on dry surfaces, providing reliable traction. However, when faced with wet conditions, the shoe's grip becomes less assured. This is primarily due to the outsole's design, which lacks the aggressive lugs that are typically found on shoes designed for optimal wet-weather performance.  

These lugs are crucial for biting into the pavement, ensuring a firm foothold even on slippery surfaces. As a result, while the Novablast 5 is a dependable choice for dry runs; runners who frequently encounter wet conditions may find themselves wanting more in terms of traction. 

Ride 

One of the reasons the Novablast became such a popular trainer is because of its versatility. Version 5 continues to offer a versatile ride experience, but is now further refined for slower paces due to its softer ride. This improvement boosts comfort during long distances and easy/recovery runs.  

From recovery runs exceeding 7 minutes per kilometer to uptempo runs as fast as 4 minutes 30 per kilometer, the Novablast 5 feels at home. If you’re only looking for 1 shoe to do it all, the Novablast 5 is the perfect training partner.  

The midsole foam change is a positive one as it contributes to increased energy return, facilitates pace adjustments better and enhances overall efficiency. It also absorbs shock better than FF Blast+ Eco in the Novablast 4 so it offers better pounding protection and a smoother ride.  

In comparison to other daily trainers like the Ghost 16, Pegasus 41, and Supernova Rise, the Novablast 5 delivers a softer ride, though not as soft as the 1080 v14. It’s also a little bit more stable than your average daily trainer due to its wide base.  

Conclusion 

The ASICS Novablast 5 is a top-tier daily trainer that has undergone significant improvements from its previous versions. It’s now lighter, offers a more comfortable fit, and provides a softer and more energetic running experience. These enhancements make it the best Novablast model to date. 

Key strengths of the Novablast 5 are its high degree of versatility and its excellent build quality, making it a great value running shoe. It also has no major weaknesses, further solidifying its position as a reliable and high-performing option for a variety of runners from beginners to professionals.  

The Novablast 5 excels in many areas, but there is room for improvement when it comes to wet weather traction. The current outsole design doesn’t provide optimal grip on slippery surfaces. ASICS could explore new rubber materials or patterns specifically engineered to enhance traction on wet surfaces. This would make the Novablast 5 a more versatile and reliable shoe for runners who encounter diverse weather conditions. 

Within the ASICS shoe lineup, the Novablast 5 is ideally suited as a daily trainer. This means it is designed for regular, everyday running. For those looking to incorporate speed training into their regimen, the Magic Speed 4 would be a suitable choice. And for racing, the Metaspeed Sky Paris or Edge Paris models are designed to optimize performance on race day. 

Reviewed by Brandon Law

Check out the Asics Novablast 5 here