Adidas Adizero Boston 13 vs ASICS Novablast 5

Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .

• #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"

  — Kofuzi , source

• 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"

  — The Run Testers , 37 mi tested , source

• 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"

  — EDDBUD , source

• 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"

  — FORDY RUNS , 20 mi tested , source

Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .

• A solid, comfortable all-round daily trainer that excels at easy and cruising paces, but feels a bit dull at faster efforts compared to the Novablast 6. A good buy if found at a significant discount.

  Ride:Balanced, comfortable ride with FF Blast Max foam; smooth and reliable but lacks pop off the forefoot at faster paces; feels more controlled and stable than the 6

  Fit:True to size with a roomy forefoot and good amount of space in the toe box; slightly more accommodating in the forefoot than the Novablast 6

  In their words: "nice shoe to cruise in" · "felt very smooth to be out in" · "a little bit dull"

  — The Run Testers , 75 mi tested , source

• A go-to daily trainer pick that Ben describes as his current favourite in the category — soft, comfortable, and a great all-around choice.

  In their words: "a little bit more soft and squishy"

  — Ben Is Running , source

• 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"

  — Doctors of Running , source

• 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"

  — Run Moore , source