ASICS Novablast 5 after 100 Mile Review

[@michaelcaricoo]

Really been enjoying this one after really not liking the 4 (2 and 3 were good). Im trying to not spend so much time in the superblast 2 so this works really well for daily stuff

[@ronaldolucas3088]

why are u avoiding your superblast 2?

[@michaelcaricoo]

@@ronaldolucas3088 Just trying to save it for long runs and workouts rather than doing daily in it too. Last marathon buildup I did everything in it so when I went to use it for long runs it wouldn't feel as special. just a personal thing

[@luxsasha]

yeah why

[@sfsadfsfwfwfsfsa]

Female who cannot wear narrow shoes, B, sometimes get wide or men's 7.5 instead of women's 9, , and returned the Novablast 4 for toe pinchiness --5 works! I can keep going in these shoes and feel comfortable. Fit is much better. I have a range of hard to soft shoes, and these are good for not feeling like you are eating the sidewalk with your toes but also not feeling like you are carrying a shoebox no matter how light beneath your soles. Worked well for my mid-forefoot striking. Okay traction. I heard it was not good on wet sidewalks so literally tread carefully, then ran in dry leaves, and did not have slippage. Softness doesn't rob energy unlike when I go uphill in the Superblast (1.)

[@JohnnyLineham]

I've got just shy of 100km on my pair and I mostly agree with you. Definitely have the same thoughts on the midsole and it being great for daily easy runs, it's super comfortable etc, agree with you there. I hadn't noticed the lower height in the toe box, it's felt very similar to version 4 in that regard to me, just a softer more flexible upper. I really like, great comfy daily shoe with a little bounce, that's its sweet spot. Feel a bit out of place if you want to push faster.

[@wowmawc]

Excited for the TR version.

[@LaughWithTheJoke]

When is the TR version going to release?

[@jpmullahy]

I just started running in this shoe (adding with Saucony Endospeed 4). For me, this is an absolutely stable neutral shoe. In comparison with the Speeds, the arch is higher and with the Novablast foam, holds up the arch significantly more than the Speeds. And as you mentioned, the low sideways definitely keep me more centered than the Speeds. They are unfornuately, a slower shoe; feels somewhat flat and is harder to run toe-off, as I'm a forefoot striker -- Novablast almost forces me to run mid-foot. Nevertheless, I like the shoe for those slow days and you want a little more support at a still relatively light weight.

[@ricHCarboCarbea]

For me the best is the 3, then the 4, then the 2, then the 5, then the 1. All novablasts are great.

[@TomUK7]

ASICS have resurrected the NB3 in the Dynablast 5.

[@Jaded_Prodigy3]

You definitely were spot on I prefer the 4 over the five I love the sporter feel on the upper compared to the 5 the 5’s foam is a nice blend it is softer but not super soft

[@v6i838]

Thank you for this update. It seems like this shoe is not for me. I’m going to stick with the NB4

[@martinweatherstone8884]

The grip profile looks the same or similar to the 4 and I found them slippy under foot in any damp or wet conditions, found the new Pumas much better as an everyday all weather trainer.

[@gtromble]

Some reviewers have said the wet pavement grip is not good. If you had some wet runs, what was your assessment?

[@DoctorsofRunning]

I live in the Pacific Northwest. All my runs are wet runs. The traction is mediocre but not terrible. -Matt

[@DoctorsofRunning]

Traction remains mixed bag as 4. Had some light slipping on wet leaves and dirt. In wet pavement itself at least for Matt in Oregon he’s been okay.

[@smonkey86]

On crosswalks where they paint with a thick white paint i found no traction but wet road or concrete is no problem.

[@andreasschwarz4908]

not an answer but i read that pumas have great grip on wet/dirt roads, i'm gonna buy a pair myself soon to try it.

[@pbnotj1]

They usually come out with a TR version later that has a lugged and higher grip rubber compound for 10 bucks more . I have only had novablast TR versions 3 and 4 and both had good grip.

[@davidlynch9049]

I have the 4s and the 5s. The 5s are slightly bouncier, slightly less stable, slightly softer (not as soft as the OP is suggesting), with a better upper that breaths and fits better, grip in wet conditions is better and not a problem if you know how to run (don't overstride).

[@Acejustforalaugh]

If you know how to run? Excuse us Mr. Pro !

[@diktromdefilm]

Some other colours (really!) are not so low in volume. In the forefoot. So I picked the pink instead of this very cool purple. Weird but true (tried them on 6 times in a row in 25 minutes in the asics store, one staffmember did then too and agreed ;)

[@mlmperez1114]

Old man runner here, these felt nice, wide box so my toes can relax 😂. Used to run in Nikes the majority of the life. My toes suffered due to Nikes being too narrow.

[@bluedew]

Actually, I really wonder how soft/firm should one choose his/her running shoes? I am asking because I am a heavier recreational (slow) runner, and I realised that what feels medium soft to me can be firm for lighter runners. Some reviewers will not recommend super shoes for slow runners claiming one will not be able to apply enough force to "activate" the plate or compress the midsole far enough to feel the benefits of the superfoam, but I don't quite agree because I am already applying more force simply due to being heavier. These reviewers (brands too) put a "minimum pace" to suit certain shoes which sounds illogical to me. On the other hand, some reviewers also say one should choose a soft cushioned shoe as a heavier runner, but I find myself sinking into those. What are your views please?

[@sfsadfsfwfwfsfsa]

I don't know how much force you land with--I would try a shoes for a few miles to see if it is sucking your energy or keeps you feeling smooth or even lively after 3 -4 miles.

[@bentaylor3730]

I'm on the opposite side, as a skinny runner I've heard people advise me on getting the NB Rebel V4 for it's soft midsole but found it too soft and without any pop, now use them for treadmill running only. I like the Saucony endorphine speed 3's but don't want a plate so going these will be similar.

[@bluedew]

@@bentaylor3730 I tried the Rebel V4 as well, and it had a pronounced back-roll sensation when I was standing still on it. I didn't like it at all despite the raving reviews it enjoyed. And yeah it was truly soft as well, almost like my heel will sink in and feel a negative drop. I wonder if being soft really helps in recovery after runs, as claimed by many high mileage runners. While I don't want really firm shoes, I was thinking if there is a limit to softness of midsoles that we can objectively measure that beyond which will no longer provide additional cushioning benefits. Kind of ironically as well, Asian manufacturers had been churning firmer midsole foams (until maybe these couple of years), while their runners are lighter in bodyweight than the West. The West runners have greater bodyweight but produces some of the softest foams in the market now.

[@kuriosites]

I was wondering about the durability of the foam because it is brand new and hoping for a Matt 100 mile review. Thanks. Sounds like it's not really a Superblast competitor as far as changing gears.

[@hiimgiovi]

I don't understand why brands keep making all the foams softer and softer and stacks higher and higher... This 5 version big no for me. The 4th version is super soft already, softer is just too much. I'm gonna stock pile adios 8 maybe

[@mikkelguy]

Just bought these as my first running shoe. I sized 0.5 up but seems like most say TTS so I'm worrying they will be too big.. I do have slightly wide feet i'd say so I'm hoping they might just fit perfectly. My brother got the 4s and he's sized 0.5 up as well

[@jeffreyespiritujr.4365]

any update on this? I was thinking ordering online, but I am not sure yet if they are good for my feet. I'm a size 26.5 cm but I tend to get 27 cm shoes, my ball of foot width is 112 mm or 4.5 inches and idk if they'd fit for me. I do will try to look at the wide version though.

[@mikkelguy]

@@jeffreyespiritujr.4365 Hey just got them today. And they are just a tiny bit too small i think. So ordered a new pair which is 1 full size up from my normal sneaker size. I just needed a little more room for my big toe tbh. But who knows if this size will be too big

[@spou20]

Looking forward to getting my pair! Managed to order for £108 🎉

[@pumadan37]

@spou20 where did you find them for that?

[@ThomVerd]

Thanks for the review! How does it differ from the superlast 2?

[@TomUK7]

I have a prominent bone protruding from on the top of my foot (not sure what its called...Im sure you could enlighten me Matt!) so I'm sensitive to a shoe I have to overly tighten to get a good lockdown. Having tried on the NB5 in same size as my SB2 (UK10) I think I might have to go half size up to avoid the issue.

[@DoctorsofRunning]

Find our full review of the Novablast 5 here: www.doctorsofrunning.com/2024/11/asics-novablast-5-review-2024.html

[@tkwasik]

Nova 3 was to soft for me, needed to sell it, nova 4 seems more interesting but didn't like the upper, now upper looks like more breathable but foam is back to soft and mushy Won't be getting pair for sure ....

[@ChrisLin-d1z]

Just curious about the new FF Blast Max foam. Some said it is still EVA+OBC while some said it is made with POE

[@dhoang75]

Hi, Could you compare the softness, rebound, all the good characteristics of FF Blast Max of the NB5 versus Lightstrike Pro of the Evo SL please?

[@LukaMagic-hg3dk]

Comparison between HOKA MACH X 2 over Asics Novablast 5 and Superblast 2, what's your assessment about it.

[@darrenchoy]

not exactly sure if im the only one but as a flat footed fore-foot striker, these shoes somehow feel too soft for me (or perhaps im just not used to using/running in softer foams) as my arch aches after using these... any thoughts from the DoR team? cheers

[@chinpoeykhoo6261]

I wonder does the outsole traction improve as compared to Nova 4 especially in the wet or rain?

[@DoctorsofRunning]

Traction remains mixed bag as 4. Had some light slipping on wet leaves and dirt. In wet pavement itself at least for Matt in Oregon he’s been okay.

[@benjaminlee6474]

Would you say it is softer than Novablast 3?

[@JuarezRichard]

Yes it is softer and a bit less snappy but way more comfortable. I prefer this new foam as is more comfortable, NB3 can be a bit harsh after 10miles imh.

[@hardyshiitfitness4485]

Hey Team is there enough difference within the proprieties of the shoes to rotate between the Superblast and novablast for daily miles during the week?

[@jnorthingtonjr]

Hey Matt, remind me what your height and weight is? As a heavier runner and foot striker (6’2” 225lbs, 150spm cadence) I feel like we’d have different experiences in the shoes. Thanks!

[@gregmanyak4357]

Rebel v4 was too soft in the midsole for me and would collapse after 3 miles at tempo pace, finally got my hands on a pair of NB5s with hopes of using them instead, but with this review I’m worried they also may be too soft for me?

[@sfsadfsfwfwfsfsa]

I like them better than the Rebel v4 and thought they did not rob energy from a run and seem well-made. Depends where you land?

[@jacobheuckroth691]

Hi what kinds of shoes would you recommend returning from a tibia overuse injury (not a fracture)

[@Haverdawnn]

Novablast 5 sizing Hey there! My shoe size is 8-8.5 3E. I have a 1080v13 in 8.5 2E that fits me great because of the roomy and stretchy upper. Should I go with 8.5 2E on the Novablast 5 or should I go half a size up?

[@hudzaifahhazazi2969]

So i can say its a typical with nimbus 26? I have nimbus, should i buy this one? Because i need trainer to push my self faster

[@MrRadhiEmhail]

can you pick up the pace abit in NB5 ?what is the max pace u tried ?

[@Eirikkinserdal]

Wouldn't pushing a stroller put less weight on the shoe? And thereby put less wear on it? It will still be heavy though but the load to the ground will be split by the stroller and you?

[@DoctorsofRunning]

@@Eirikkinserdal didn’t change me blowing through the mach x 2 outsole and midsole in 45 miles. So no. It has shifted the wear area forward a little but definitely has not helped how hard I crush shoes. -Matt

[@Charles-kc2vt]

Is the tongue on this the same as on the Superblast 2?

[@b.rob777]

It’s very similar, same shape just the top of the SB2 tongue is slightly more padded/puffy.

[@jnorthingtonjr]

I think it has the same tongue as the Novablast 4 LE

[@Laolu90]

How soft is it compared to Nimbus 26?

[@minhhunghuynhtran5597]

Hi. Nova5 vs nova3, it's a big different or not? thank you

[@TheBrooklynTrader]

...was hoping for a better shoe .....fit and weight are fine.. but its just too soft ..the outsole grip is awful for any wet roads...

[@hp7639]

Why the doctor name?

[@ericguqin]

Can you wear it in sub -30C?

[@hariskhan78]

Bruh 😂 where are you trying to run ?

[@SUKHUMVITSOI12]

Is it better than the Adidas SL2?

[@DoctorsofRunning]

It depends on what you like, soft and cushioned here or firmer and bit more snug and a little more versatile with the SL2.

[@SUKHUMVITSOI12]

@DoctorsofRunning thank you for the fast reply! How much softer is the Novablast 5 vs the SL2 would you say? The SL2 is pretty soft and bouncy. Thanks for the videos

[@adraids2362]

Evo SL review when?

[@DoctorsofRunning]

Haven’t gotten one to test

[@alanross2243]

Makes no sense. I love the NB 4 because you can pick up pace or go slow. I just bought a pair of nimbus for slow easy. Now the NB 5 is slow easy. Maybe I need to send nimbus back. I wanted the nova blast to stay a light fast trainer. Bummer. Now I got to buy a speed trainer? I guess asics wants to sell a shoe for every type of run.

[@xdd543]

Nah nb5 is even more versatile

[@Fozzee.1970]

Novablast 5 isn't slow easy for me. Works for lots of paces.

[@Sam-ss5hd]

If the 5 is slower than the 4 and is less responsive not sure why anyone would buy it.. The 3 was so responsive and fun. The 4 was meh (not awful just not as fun).

[@Fozzee.1970]

It's all subjective. The 4 was boring and dull for my foot strike. The 5 is light and fun for me. That's why you can only really try these shoes yourself and not rely totally on a shoe review.