Asics Novablast 5 | Full Review

[@tieloo8842]

it’s music to my ears whenever Unc T finds the fit wide cause then i know i will like it fasho

[@franzfabiana]

You know what I find great about NOVABLAST? Is that its a DO IT ALL shoe for me: Light trails, concrete, grass, just casual wear and walking, it feels comfortable. Not really an ASICS fan but the NOVABLAST 2 & 3 opened the doors for me to ASICS shoes 🤩 If I'm travelling and need just one shoe for everything (running, light trails, going around the city etc), definitely the NOVABLAST or New Balance Rebel for me.

[@MedicineRunner]

This shoe is literally so good. Can’t believe yall didn’t get more psyched about this one.

[@RyanOruns]

Mild to moderately wide footers unite !!😂 I really enjoy the roomy upper in the new magic speed so I have a feeling I'll be getting the new Novablast as well. Thanks for the review!!

[@berthein5476]

Hate to say it, but the magic speed 4 does not have a really roomy upper. Its neatly snuck. So if you feel like you have a ton of room in the ms4, youll be wearing a sock and a half in the novablast 5 just to lock it in.

[@RyanOruns]

​@berthein5476 compared to other Asics shoes I have Novablast 3/4 and Superblast 1/2 the Magic speed definitely has a roomier upper. The Magic speed 4 upper fits me great. I'm borderline needing a wide shoe quite often but most uppers I can deal with it. The novablast 4 (non wide) for me was not that great. So I'm looking forward to the 5

[@berthein5476]

@@RyanOruns really? huh. because i have a wider foot. the magic speed 4 is like kinda snuck. same with the superblast 2. but the novablasts, especially the 3 were relatively roomy. interesting. mabye you dont have as wide feet as you think you have lol

[@Jordanllam]

The novablasts has always fit my wide feet perfectly. The fact that it’s wide is even better 😂

[@ImpatientTurtle]

Robbe saying his intrusive thoughts and then looking confused "can i say that?".

[@A1000Truths]

Picking up for daily training. Pairing with the Superblast 2 which I use for my long runs.

[@Leme994]

For me, it looks much better than the previous versions, and since this is more of a long run shoe and, specially, is wider, it might fit my planned rotation for 2025

[@kulpajj]

I have a wider foot and the Novablast 4 pinched my midfoot near the arch too much. This version 5 was an immediate improvement and I so far I have very much enjoyed running in it. So much room in the toebox too. It's a great fit for a foot like mine.

[@akwk2712]

Just because these guys don’t like it shouldn’t put you off, It’s all subjective and it’s just their take on it. Hate it when people who haven’t even tried the shoe say they’ll wait for the next iteration that might be even worse than the current one.

[@cameronschwisow8538]

Yup

[@daniaaal]

I mean running shoes are generally more expensive now. It’s understandable that some people may not have the means or time to just “try out” a shoe before deciding if it’s good or not. So they would want to find the shoe with the least amount of mediocre or less favourable reviews across different reviewers to make their investment on a shoe worthwhile.

[@Frichilsasta08]

Right...but these guys and most reviewers don't pay for the 50 pairs of shoes they get for free a year...am I really going to buy and try multiple pairs from my local fleet feet over and over until I find the right one? Even running warehouse would get suspicious after a while...it sucks because shoes feel different when walking in a store vs running outside and even then some foams just feel better after 15 to 20 miles. These reviews are important

[@justinsimpson9892]

I have a narrow foot and have had no issues with the "room" up front. Also fit true to size. Just a very cushioned daily trainer. Good 1 shoe do it all type.

[@kmshultz]

That was a genuinely heartwarming moment when the fellas realized they had independently made the same comparison to the Nike. You could feel the bromance.

[@Manuel_1808]

Fantastic description. Like to Thomas and Robbe. A nice weekend for everyone.

[@paulstarr6001]

You gents are a great double act. Like Morecombe and Wise or Crockett and Tubbs. So I'm a big fan of the NovaBlast V1. Where crazy but loved them and I've had 2 pairs of v3. I'm looking forward to trying this version out. Once again lads thanks for the video and keep up the great work.

[@Wildbrooker4304]

Kofuzi probably called it his shoe of the year already

[@Runsawayalot]

Nah that goes to the SB2 hands down.

[@Decisions4u]

I have Novablast 4 in wide because the forefoot in the Novablast 4 regular was too narrow. I am looking forward to the wider Novablast 5. Not sure how many people enjoy wearing a narrow suffocating shoe on their feet all day long.

[@philipppuchner1115]

@@Decisions4u NB4 has a extremely roomy toe box for me. Seems you habe wider and maybe also higher volume feet - other people habe the opposite. And yes, I enjoy my - by many considered - narrow Hoka Speedgoat 5 Trailshoes because there is no ton of dead space like in all those boats, designed for the feet of elephants it seems to me ;) What I need schoes for when my feet slip around in them? No sock in this planet helps, i promise you.

[@Decisions4u]

@ if your feet don’t feel smothered or the sides of your toes don't end up hurting in these shoes after wearing all day long, good for you. I believe many others do not feel the same. Some people like me, want a truly versatile shoe, one they can put on at 7am, wear for their entire day, including a run or HIIT type workout and not want to have their feet feel smothered or sore when they take their shoes off at 9pm, 14 hours later (New Balance Fuel Cell Rebel v4 and it's wider toe box is a prime example). A tight toe box after 14-15 hours of wear is not comfort.

[@philipppuchner1115]

@@Decisions4u Sure. Just get a shoe that fits you and there is no problem whatsoever :)

[@Cpatel217]

I'm with you on that. Saw so many good reviews for the Novablast 4 as a daily trainer + responsiveness (+ I tend to be an Asics guy). I tried to like them for a few weeks but as you said, the perfect word...smothered. I switched them out for Saucony Ride 17. Might not be as responsive but my feet feel way better.

[@kennybicar528]

this is the first time a laughed at your jokes... period together works hahah

[@wylelias]

Wider foot guy here, glad to here it's roomy

[@slavasss2189]

But better if asics start to make it in 2e also

[@mississippimotoman]

They do make. a 2e

[@slavasss2189]

@@mississippimotoman but only few models

[@mississippimotoman]

@@slavasss2189 yep.. but I’ll take a few over none

[@mtmatt6111]

I just picked these up and they fit the same for me as the NB4. For reference, I have a narrowish heel and mid-foot (high arch) with a normal forefoot and they are extremely comfortable - not too baggy or tight in any part of the shoe.

[@Scott-j1v]

I'm running in the 4 and really like it. But I have a wider foot, so I'm excited to hear the 5 is a bit wider. I think the Novablast is a great shoe, especially at $140. Thanks for the review!!

[@jacke.bleichjr.3594]

The NB5 is too narrow for my high arch feet, so I just ordered the all black and grey in men’s size 10 wide. It’s an awesome shoe like the previous versions. PS4L!!! Go Steelers!!!! It’s Lit!!! 🔥

[@MiracleWarriors]

The best use of that smooth stretch woven was in the Wave Sky 6 and then in the Nova Blast 4. The Wave Sky 7 also had almost as comfortable SSW , but it was better to decipher heat. The Wave Sky 8 upper is different and less soft as the previous versions, but it is also makes this dos the king of heat decipher and matches the uppers of an Invincible 3. It is unfortunate that the Nova Blast 5 did not have a SSW upper, since the downside of it is weight. But it is one of the most comfortable and great to decipher heat for cushioning shoes.

[@pnwgreg300]

The novablast 4 is excellent, just gonna stock up on those on sale. And it has plenty of room in the forefoot for wide-ish feet. I wear altras and zeros a lot and I really like the 4

[@zedwolfemusic461]

Another alternative I think works is adding the insole of the NB3 to the NB4, it felt less roomy.

[@philipppuchner1115]

actually a good idea! I sold my NB3, but i still have a basically new NB2. What i often read is that if you have a dead or boring shoe/midsole, you should but the Saucony Powerrun+ midsole (those of the Triumph 20/21) in the shoe and it is way better. For example in the Triumph 22 or the Hurricane 24. So what about here?

[@The_Why_Pod]

Good review. Just picked up a new pair of Novablast 3s after watching. That makes for my second pair of Nova3s, and two pairs of Nova4s in the rotation. Might try the Nova5 with new colorways + price decrease.

[@ColinBloodworth]

Thanks for the heads up, Robbe, I won't wear a skirt with these. 👍

[@edlorenz1552]

You know the shoe is just average or pretty much sucks if Meg isn’t in the review. She’s probably like “you boys go do it.”

[@kmshultz]

Haha, true! When Meg is there she calls Thomas out when he starts to BS. When Robbe is there, the boys just... cycle together. 😂

[@Ginguredrunner]

Hmmmm...I wouldn't say that's true at all lol.

[@burntorangehorn]

It's not a max stack, so she's already skeptical.

[@mfmmel]

That's a point 😂

[@jeffe.3453]

@@burntorangehorn so true 🤙

[@Dr.Joe37]

Can y’all do a between 2 shoes with the Evo SL and this one?

[@samwell7640]

i second this

[@존밀리언-JM]

should go true to size or half down for narrow feet?

[@TheBsheep]

That tiger sweatshirt Robbie got on is wicked!!!

[@geko7843]

We need a comparison to Nova 3

[@femaciel]

Roomier upper? Say no more.. 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@philipppuchner1115]

For me no

[@karls8989]

Robbie saying it had bad traction seals it for me. I can’t with the novablast again. The SL2 is 10 cheaper and that “cheap” outsole is 100X better than the novablast 4.

[@weedfreer]

SL2?

[@philipppuchner1115]

@@weedfreer Adidas Adizero SL2. Never heard of it? With the Lightstrike Pro race foam, but verything else is "cheap" and the shoe is cheaper than most other daily trainers, without superfoam. There is a now shoe, the Evo SL. limited release in october, main release in march 2025. About 150€ i think. Little Brother of the Adios Pro 4.

[@weedfreer]

@philipppuchner1115 hadn't heard of it no. Thanks for the inside skivy.

[@benbauer7866]

Based on this review, seems like NB4 on sale is definitely the better buy

[@travischapman6763]

Thank god for Thomas. I have a low volume 11 aa so I know this won’t work.

[@byronpaisleysr4151]

I still have to put some miles on my nova blast 4 I bought this year

[@FreeWilly416]

Interesting how BITR's review is a bit negative while almost all other reviews are raving about this latest iteration...

[@tomrichardson5433]

Is there a better $140 daily trainer for marathon training long runs? Ride 17?

[@weedfreer]

My question too

[@Alex-xv5gz]

Robbe! What max cushion socks do you use? I'm definitely looking to invest in better socks.

[@philipppuchner1115]

me too. And the NB2 to 4TR have way enough room in the toe box!

[@Matty_Ice_4]

Darn Tough socks are the way

[@ardaarda3197]

Thank you for the review. I am undecided between mizuno neo vista and novablast 5. Can I get your opinion?

[@tomdecock840]

Thanks for the review! Is the foam feeling like the mach 6 or rebel? Or does it has less bounce?

[@thiagopiresleite]

I think it peaked at the 3. It was such a fun, bouncy, and energetic ride. You just had to endure some instability.

[@snowwalker9999]

If the fit is too wide and voluminous, do you guys think relatively narrow feet like me should size down?

[@kmshultz]

For winter base building, Novablast 5, Superblast 2, or Glideride Max? I want a cruiser that'll eat those easy long miles-and help me keep em easy. I already have a fast long miles shoe. (Hyperion Max 2)

[@therangersinger]

Superblast midsole stays very responsive even in cold conditions

[@kmshultz]

good point, I didn’t think about Peba vs traditional midsoles in winter.

[@therangersinger]

@@jimoconnor8597 I have yet to encounter that.

[@therangersinger]

@@jimoconnor8597 yeah honestly, I have 700 miles on my first pair of superblast and 250 on my second pair. Still run in both but have never once worried about traction. And rain runs are my favorite. Can't get out of the house fast enough. The worst shoe I ever had in the rain was the Saucony endorphin speed 2. Now that shoe was like running on a layer of ice if was a wet road 🤣

[@therangersinger]

@jimoconnor8597 I'm guessing you are in Florida...I'm in Georgia...and right now it's cold...I'm jealous. Just had to get that out there 🤣. In a big fan of Adidas and their outsoles.

[@brettfettbeargaming]

Still slappy?

[@Believeintherun]

Smooth

[@noahsmolsky4434]

I really want to get this shoe, but it doesn’t sound very promising for my narrow, low feet.

[@LukaMagic-hg3dk]

I will not buy this shoe for now, probably wait for the 6th iteration. Prefer picking up the Asics Superblast 2 and the Adidas Adizero EVO SL

[@lowzyyy]

Superblast didnt show even once in my country 😂

[@RoshanFernandez-md5cf]

Great review guys, much appreciated 💯🙏🏾. Can’t wait to see the show previews!! 🙌🏽

[@StefanTerndrup]

Still have a few hundred km in my V4 and an almost brand new V3. But this seems like a no for me with the fit. Might stock up on an extra V4 if they go on sale.

[@berthein5476]

Novablast 3 remains to be the goat.

[@lgctr432]

By far

[@philipppuchner1115]

not for me, I like my 2 and 4 TR better. Sold the NB3 after 2 runs. Wobbly sh*t and i am perfectly natural ;) If the is a NB2 and a NB4/4TR, there is no point of the NB3 (for me). Bounce is basically the same between NB2-4.

[@casillasj2002]

Novablast 5 or Adidas SL 2?

[@simongrutznerr661]

Sl

[@letsgo9158]

Adidas Adizero SL if you want a firmer ride, Novablast 5 for a soft ride

[@jacob3771]

I haven't tried the Novablast 5, but the SL2 is great. It has bounce, it can handle different speeds, and you can most likely find a deal for them like I did.

[@casillasj2002]

@jacob3771 what about in comparison to novablast 4

[@jacob3771]

@@casillasj2002 If you're looking for a fast, fun ride for shorter to mid-distances, I'd go with the SL2. If speed isn't a concern and you're interested in more of a workhorse for running mid to long distances, I'd consider the Novablast 4.

[@philipppuchner1115]

Period!

[@luisrauldefreitas]

all the novablast have been mehhhh - how about if asics spend more resources producing superblast 2 that are so hard to find?

[@VinodJacob181]

“My name is Joe dirt I put an e on it to make it cool!!”

[@FEWGEE1]

I wholeheartedly disagree with all of your scores. They're great.

[@caleballen8862]

I thought LMNT was in hot water? Maybe they fixed it already

[@duncanpowell5322]

Grip in the 3 was woeful in wet. Still not improving. That's bad.

[@Believeintherun]

It's actually the same grip as last year, which was *better* than the 3, but still not spectacular

[@lowzyyy]

Novablast 4 was a weird shoe. Huge platform, yet very small room for the foot. Bouncy but feel not so comfortable after 1h of running. Fit was great as any asics but definitely not my favourite shoe. Loved Cumulus much better. Outsoule is terrible even for just a little wet roads. Puma is just better for winter daily training

[@kiteracer2497]

I have 1 first version, 3 2nd versions and 2 3s

[@jw5889]

Does anyone have a link to that Tiger Spirit shirt? It cracks me up

[@Believeintherun]

www.onitsukatiger.com/be/en-be/sweat-top/p/2183b180-400.html

[@pspdead914]

we gotta pay our bills🤣 yeah let em get that money

[@dubbahexx6321]

It’s like we’re on our period together… I’m dead 😂

[@paulmulks]

"Can see your junk" 🤣

[@edwardcreighton2638]

Robbe is a loose cannon, drifts into talking nonsense too often. Periods and junk, jeez. I stopped watching the podcasts because Robbe talks jibberish.

[@ChrisBull-u3h]

It’s the loose cannon and random thoughts nature of Robbe (and let’s face it, Thomas as well) that have me looking forward to The Drop each week. I love the fact that he can be talking about some midsole compound and then suddenly blurt out wondering if owls really can turn their heads 360 degrees. It’s what keeps me tuning in. And if anyone is wondering, of course they can. It’s the most effective way to administer surveillance and it’s how BigLab made them #birdsarentreal 😂

[@stmen66]

Enthusiasm sounds different.

[@bradmu]

Every version of Novablast have felt amazing for the first 150 miles. But very average beyond that.

[@AntowQa]

🎉

[@craigelliott5028]

Sloppy fit… a big no from me… I love a race fit, which Puma in nailing

[@DeeDeeDanone]

This shoe is dead now. IMO it should be a Superblast with lower stack, perhaps more rubber for longevity. But it should now be the premium foam not the Glideride stuff.

[@brittonknaphus1425]

#bloodbrothers

[@Believeintherun]

🤣🤣

[@angelosacino5763]

Lmnt is in some serious problems u guys are late to the party

[@lukepaulson3428]

.

[@MatterofBased]

I’m convinced asics has the worst uppers!