ASICS Novablast 5 vs ASICS Novablast 6
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.
Less bouncy and responsive, more balanced and controlled; lacks the forefoot pop of the 6 but is slightly more stable
The 5 has more immediate feedback and quicker bite-back that suits slower paces, but is soggier, slappier and less lively in the forefoot than the 6
v6 has a bouncier, more responsive forefoot thanks to new midsole tech, and a deeper, more forgiving wide-friendly upper than the already generous v5
More bouncy and responsive thanks to FF Turbo Squared forefoot foam; slightly more versatile for tempo and speed work; slightly less stable than the 5
Lighter, smoother and less slappy with more forefoot energy and better midfoot lockdown, but less immediate bite-back and possibly less suited to the slowest easy paces
Felt flat and lacking toe-off; the 6 adds the forefoot insert to restore bounce, same measured weight
Keeps what was liked about v5 but adds a bouncier, more responsive forefoot midsole and a bigger forefoot launch pad
The 5 actually feels a little softer; the 6 felt firmer and flatter despite the new forefoot insert
Novablast 6 is lighter, more energetic and more versatile, with clearly more forefoot punch thanks to FF Turbo Squared, though slightly narrower
More bouncy and poppy at the forefoot than the previous version thanks to the added FF Turbo Squared pod
Softer all around and more flexible; Kofuzi prefers the 5's heel, but the 6 has more forefoot bounce and less fade, and the 5 is now discounted to $130
Nearly identical stack and stats but slightly lighter and more nimble; the v5 was well cushioned but lacked energy return, while the 6 has more bounce under the hood, an improved grippier outsole, and a more refined upper without pull tabs
Retains the FlyteFoam Blast Max used on v5 but adds a new FlyteFoam Turbo+ forefoot pod not present before, and lost some weight
ASICS Novablast 5 — what reviewers say
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"
-
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"
-
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"
-
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"
ASICS Novablast 6 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
-
The Run Testers describe the Novablast 6 as plusher and more comfortable than the Evo SL with a different, softer kind of energy, occupying a different niche in ASICS's range rather than directly rivaling the Evo SL.
Ride:Much softer, plusher, more cushioned and bouncier than the Evo SL, with a different comfort-first energy; the v6 was noted as faster than the v5 thanks to its FF Turbo squared forefoot unit, but still not as aggressive or high-rocker as the Evo SL.
In their words: "easy super comfort" · "far more much more comfortable shoe"
-
One of the reviewer's top shoes of the year — soft, forgiving, and durable enough for constant daily use across walking, work, and running.
In their words: "one of the best versions recently"
-
A comfortable, versatile daily trainer with a new square-turbo forefoot piece; the reviewer isn't certain it beats the Mizuno Neo Vista for comfort but expects it to please existing Novablast fans.
Ride:New square-turbo forefoot piece works well with the existing blast foam.
In their words: "does the basics very well"
-
A versatile, comfortable daily trainer with a punchier forefoot pod than the previous version, let down slightly by short laces and some quality-control issues (glue marks).
Ride:FF Blast Max with a poppier, more responsive FF Turbo Squared forefoot pod than the previous version; a very smooth ride best felt by mid/forefoot strikers.
Fit:Breathable upper with lots of heel padding; laces run oddly short.
In their words: "really extremely versatile" · "a very smooth riding shoe"
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 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
Consider the ASICS Novablast 6 if
- A do-it-all daily trainer suited to a wide range of runners and running styles, with enough pep for some speed work. — Ben Parkes
- Everyday training that can also handle speedwork and racing (5K up through marathon-day speed), especially for runners with wider, deeper feet. — Run Moore
- Runners wanting a versatile daily trainer that handles easy miles through tempo workouts, offering more bounce and responsiveness than typical cushioned trainers — The Run Testers
- Versatile daily training for beginners through experienced runners who want a cushioned cruiser with enough pop for tempo work. — The Run Testers
- Budget-minded runners wanting a fun, versatile, high-value daily trainer that can log lots of miles. — Believe in the Run
- An everyday trainer versatile enough for easy days, faster efforts, and racing. — Run Moore
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Novablast 5 and the ASICS Novablast 6?
The ASICS Novablast 5 is a daily trainer and the ASICS Novablast 6 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the ASICS Novablast 5 weighs 247g, has a 41mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the ASICS Novablast 6 weighs 249g, has a 42mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $140 for the ASICS Novablast 5 and $155 for the ASICS Novablast 6.
Should I buy the ASICS Novablast 5 or the ASICS Novablast 6?
FORDY RUNS on the ASICS Novablast 5: Versatile, comfortable daily trainer for bigger miles and varied run types. Ben Parkes on the ASICS Novablast 6: A do-it-all daily trainer suited to a wide range of runners and running styles, with enough pep for some speed work.
Per FORDY RUNS, Ben Parkes.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Novablast 5 and the ASICS Novablast 6?
Yes — The Run Testers, Run Moore, Believe in the Run, Doctors of Running, Ben Parkes, Kofuzi, EDDBUD, and FORDY RUNS directly compared the ASICS Novablast 5 and the ASICS Novablast 6 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, Run Moore, Believe in the Run, Doctors of Running, Ben Parkes, Kofuzi, EDDBUD, FORDY RUNS.
Which is cheaper, the ASICS Novablast 5 or the ASICS Novablast 6?
The ASICS Novablast 5 is cheaper at $140 versus $155 MSRP — about $15 less.