Adidas Adizero SL 2 vs ASICS Novablast 5
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 7 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 SL 2
A light, springy daily trainer that punches well above its price point, the SL2 excels for easy days and speed work but isn't built for long runs; best suited to narrow-to-standard feet seeking versatility without a racing plate.
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Tied for top spot at 10.5/12; Novablast 4 is better for long runs and has wider/better upper, SL 2 is the train-and-race pick
SL2 is narrower, roughly an ounce lighter and cheaper; Novablast is wider, more versatile all-rounder
Tied for top spot at 10.5/12; Novablast 4 is better for long runs and has wider/better upper, SL 2 is the train-and-race pick
Novablast 5 is wider and more all-round; SL2 is narrower, ~1oz lighter, better for uptempo/race use at a lower price
SL2 is cheaper but its outsole, insole and laces let it down versus the Novablast 5
Adidas Adizero SL 2 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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Picked as Best Value winner — a fantastic daily trainer at a price point that the hosts say must be hurting Adidas's margins, with Lightstrike foam that can handle race days.
In their words: "Bonkers that the shoe is able to be at that price point" · "incredible"
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Ed's #7 of 2024 — incredible value (sometimes £65) for what it delivers.
Ride:Light shoe with Lightstrike Pro tucked into a durable EVA frame. Versatile across paces. No Continental outsole but durability is fine.
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Number 5 daily trainer of 2024 — excellent for high school/college cross country runners and 5K-half marathon trainees who want a light, agile shoe under an hour.
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Unbeatable value daily trainer with premium Lightstrike Pro foam at the £100/$130 price point; staying in his rotation. Best for narrow-to-standard feet who want a traditional unplated ride.
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 SL 2 if
- Budget-minded runners wanting a light, soft, uptempo-capable daily at a very low price — EDDBUD
- Daily training including winter use where outsole grip matters, especially at sale prices — EDDBUD
- Best-value all-purpose trainer of 2024, especially for newer runners or budget-conscious upgraders. — EDDBUD
- Excellent-value daily trainer that can also race; gateway to Adidas's plated racers — The Running Channel
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 SL 2 and the ASICS Novablast 5?
The Adidas Adizero SL 2 is a daily trainer and the ASICS Novablast 5 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the Adidas Adizero SL 2 weighs 238g, has a 40mm heel stack and a 9mm drop, while the ASICS Novablast 5 weighs 247g, has a 41mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $130 for the Adidas Adizero SL 2 and $140 for the ASICS Novablast 5.
Should I buy the Adidas Adizero SL 2 or the ASICS Novablast 5?
EDDBUD on the Adidas Adizero SL 2: Budget-minded runners wanting a light, soft, uptempo-capable daily at a very low price. FORDY RUNS on the ASICS Novablast 5: Versatile, comfortable daily trainer for bigger miles and varied run types.
Per EDDBUD, FORDY RUNS.
Has anyone reviewed both the Adidas Adizero SL 2 and the ASICS Novablast 5?
Yes — EDDBUD directly compared the Adidas Adizero SL 2 and the ASICS Novablast 5 in their reviews.
Per EDDBUD.
Which is lighter, the Adidas Adizero SL 2 or the ASICS Novablast 5?
The Adidas Adizero SL 2 is lighter, at 238g versus 247g (men's 9) — about 9g less.
Which is cheaper, the Adidas Adizero SL 2 or the ASICS Novablast 5?
The Adidas Adizero SL 2 is cheaper at $130 versus $140 MSRP — about $10 less.