Adidas Adizero Boston 13 vs ASICS Novablast 5
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
The consensus read
Each paragraph is a synthesis across every reviewer in our database for that shoe — what they collectively concluded after wear-testing. Not a quote. Not one person's take. The shape of the room.
Adidas Adizero Boston 13
A versatile daily trainer with a firmer, stable platform that handles easy runs through tempo work, though some testers find it less snappy than expected and prefer the Evo SL. The refined upper and wide forefoot suit a broader range of runners, especially those seeking reliable long-run durability.
Adidas Adizero Boston 13 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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#5 long-run shoe. Hard to categorize — Kofuzi puts it here for long runs with some pace.
In their words: "i do like it for longer runs" · "pick up the pace a little bit"
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A solid, good-value super trainer with a firmer, denser ride; works well for faster efforts but feels less natural and versatile than the Speed 5.
Ride:Firmer, flatter, blockier ride than the Speed 5 with a snappy feel from the energy rods between Lightstrike Pro and Lightstrike 2.0 layers; less energy return and less versatile at easy paces
Fit:UK sizing comes up small — go half a size up for Adidas; upper is much more comfortable than Boston 12 with good toe-box clearance and a snug-but-secure midfoot hold
In their words: "a snappier, more engaging ride" · "a bit more blocky by comparison" · "comfortable at easy paces"
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Outstanding value at GBP 140 with excellent fit, grip, and durability — the desert-island pick over the Speed 5 for the reviewer.
Ride:Firmer and denser than the Speed 5 with a cruiser feel from the wide forefoot; superb Continental + Lightstrike outsole grip and durability.
Fit:Widest forefoot of the comparison set but narrowest heel — heel width is the one thing putting some runners off; otherwise dialled-in fit, especially for slightly narrow feet. About 15g heavier than the Speed 5.
In their words: "the Boston's a cruiser" · "superb durability" · "a little bit firmer and denser"
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A genuine improvement over the Boston 12 with a softer ride, better upper and tongue, and good value at £140, but it's a hard sell against Adidas's own Evo SL.
Ride:Softer than the v12 due to 14% more Light Strike Pro; slightly less stable but improved ride. Stack height reduction from 37mm to 36mm is not really noticeable. Energy rods 2.0 work very well.
Fit:Fits narrow; reviewer went up half a size. Upper, tongue, and heel comfort much improved over v12.
In their words: "this version definitely feels softer" · "it fits narrow" · "definitely a little bit more unstable"
ASICS Novablast 5 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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Run in side-by-side against the Novablast 6, the testers rate the Novablast 5 as a very good, comfortable all-round daily trainer that grew on them, though it lacks the forefoot energy and uptempo edge of its successor.
Ride:Soft and comfortable cruiser with quicker, more immediate bite-back than the 6 but less forefoot pick-up, a bit slappier, and a softness that extends through the whole shoe; suits slower easy paces well.
Fit:True to size with a roomy, slightly looser toe box than the 6 and well-padded heel collar; midfoot security good but a touch less dialed-in than the Novablast 6.
In their words: "very good all round shoe" · "a shoe that grew on me"
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The reviewer considers the Novablast 5 the more versatile and balanced option for daily training and easy miles, with smoother transitions and a more plush upper, though it lacks the snappy responsiveness of the Sonicblast at faster paces.
Ride:More compliant, softer feel from the Flight Foam Blast Max. Smoother transitions than the Sonicblast across a wider range of paces. More balanced geometry with slightly taller sidewalls. Lacks the spring of the Sonicblast but offers better versatility. Some complaints about traction in slick conditions.
Fit:More plush upper with extra padding on the heel collar. Normal width through heel and midfoot, slightly wide forefoot. Good volume for foot swelling and accommodation.
In their words: "feel very balanced" · "a little bit more plush" · "daily training and easy miles"
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Steve considers the Novablast 5 one of the best everyday trainers at its $150 price point, with a fun, light, bouncy ride and the forefoot launchpad.
In their words: "one of the best in that category" · "fits nice and well" · "the lowest stack height of the group"
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Delivers more versatility for less money than the Rebel 5 — a better everyday choice especially for heavier runners or longer efforts.
Ride:FF Blast Max is softer than FF Blast Plus but returns to form well — responsive and durable foam with no early compression like the Rebel 5 showed. ~6mm more heel stack than the Rebel 5, noticeable on longer efforts.
Fit:More padded and plusher upper than the Rebel 5.
In their words: "softer again than Flight Foam Blast Plus" · "more padded in the upper" · "more versatile when it comes to recovery"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 if
- Value-focused runners looking for a firm, snappy fast training shoe that also serves as a companion to the Adios Pro 4 for racing — The Run Testers
- Runners who want one shoe that can handle daily training, long runs, tempo, and even race day reasonably well — especially travel or one-shoe runners, and bigger/heavier runners who will load the rods more. — Believe in the Run
- Everyday runners wanting a super trainer that can handle daily miles, tempo work, and race day. — FORDY RUNS
- Value-minded daily training and tempo work for runners who want a cruise-y, durable ride. — EDDBUD
- Runners who prefer a firmer, more responsive and stable shoe for faster daily sessions, intervals and tempo runs up to around 10-15K. — The Run Testers
- Versatile daily trainer for easy paces through marathon pace, including long runs with faster intervals. — EDDBUD
Consider the ASICS Novablast 5 if
- Versatile, comfortable daily trainer for bigger miles and varied run types. — FORDY RUNS
- Versatile daily trainer for mixed-pace training up to marathon pace. — The Run Testers
- Runners wanting a comfortable, stable, roomy-fitting cushioned daily trainer for relaxed miles and long runs — The Run Testers
- All-round daily training for the everyday runner — easy, tempo, long, recovery, even up to marathon distance — FORDY RUNS
- Daily versatile training where impact protection and step-in comfort matter — EDDBUD
- Comfort-focused daily training at easy paces. — EDDBUD
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 and the ASICS Novablast 5?
The Adidas Adizero Boston 13 is a daily trainer and the ASICS Novablast 5 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 weighs 255g, has a 37mm heel stack and a 7mm drop, while the ASICS Novablast 5 weighs 247g, has a 41mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. The Adidas Adizero Boston 13 has a Full-length glass fiber Energy Rods 2.0 plate; the ASICS Novablast 5 has none. MSRP is $160 for the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 and $140 for the ASICS Novablast 5.
Should I buy the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 or the ASICS Novablast 5?
The Run Testers on the Adidas Adizero Boston 13: Value-focused runners looking for a firm, snappy fast training shoe that also serves as a companion to the Adios Pro 4 for racing. FORDY RUNS on the ASICS Novablast 5: Versatile, comfortable daily trainer for bigger miles and varied run types.
Per The Run Testers, FORDY RUNS.
Which is more cushioned, the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 or the ASICS Novablast 5?
Measured by stack height, the ASICS Novablast 5 has more underfoot foam — 41mm at the heel versus 37mm.
Which is cheaper, the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 or the ASICS Novablast 5?
The ASICS Novablast 5 is cheaper at $140 versus $160 MSRP — about $20 less.