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
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
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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The Run Testers highlight the Adizero SL as a fantastic, best-value faster-training shoe — a sprightly, bouncy Lightstrike Pro ride that comes alive at harder paces without needing a plate, backed by strong outsole durability.
Fit:Sizing may need some experimentation to find the optimal fit.
In their words: "feels sprightly to run in" · "bouncy and lively when you want to pick up the pace" · "best value shoes to take care of your faster workouts"
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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.
ASICS Novablast 5 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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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"
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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"
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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"
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
- Comfort-focused daily training at easy paces. — EDDBUD
- All-out comfort daily trainer for easy runs, long runs, newer runners, and comfortable first-marathon racers — The Run Testers
- Runners who want a fun, bouncy daily trainer for easy miles and faster bursts — EDDBUD
- A versatile everyday daily trainer for most runners at £135 — FORDY RUNS
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.