ASICS Novablast 5 vs ASICS Superblast 3
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.
Superblast 2 is a super-trainer tier above the Novablast 5 and beats it outright if you need that category
Softer, more compressive and bouncier foam; less stable; slightly narrower forefoot; better value at ~£65 cheaper in the UK; less wet grip out of the box; runs true to size vs Superblast 2's slightly long fit
Novablast 5 is firmer, more stable, cheaper, and slightly heavier; Superblast 3 is softer, bouncier, lighter, more versatile at faster paces, and generally a step up in ride quality
Softer, more relaxed, roomier and less stable than the Super Blast 2; slower-feeling and not built for workouts.
Lighter daily trainer with more pop within the ASICS range
Novablast is the cheaper little-brother with less cushion and a less premium midsole; Superblast is noticeably faster with more apparent toe-off
Similar toe-box length and excellent stock lockdown, but Novablast 5 is softer out of the box and less hollow-feeling, and has less outsole pattern
Novablast is the lower-cushion, cheaper everyday trainer in the Blast line.
Novablast 5 is a more balanced, versatile daily trainer at a lower price.
Superblast 3 is softer, bouncier, lighter, more versatile at faster paces and better for long runs; Novablast 5 is firmer, more stable, and significantly cheaper
Novablast is the more balanced everyday option in the Blast family; Superblast 3 offers more bounce, more cushion, and broader long-run capability.
Described as a souped-up Novablast with more bounce and energy return.
ASICS Novablast 5 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
-
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"
-
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"
-
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"
ASICS Superblast 3 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , soft_plush feel , high energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.
-
A max cushion rotation buster that is lighter than the Novablast and versatile enough for easy recovery runs through long runs, with racing-grade foam softness.
In their words: "rotation buster" · "lighter than the NovaBlast" · "wide range of pace versatility"
-
His third pick: an incredible, super-light high-stack package, but the softer v3 is less versatile for faster running than prior versions, making it a soft long-run and easy-day shoe.
Ride:Super lightweight despite a bulky high stack with loads of foam; the v3 is softer than previous versions, feeling more like a soft easy-day and long-run shoe than a versatile firmer trainer.
In their words: "between a pillow and a brick" · "the goat of running shoes" · "super super cushioned"
-
Looks beautiful and is less shoe on foot, but the softness and FF Blast compression feel a little too deadening and not as lively as the UFO at pace; durable super foam but notable forefoot outsole wear, and he'd keep the UFO over it.
In their words: "a little bit too much for me" · "the compression's just a little bit too deadening" · "a lot less shoe on foot"
-
A shoe he laces up all the time; great for long runs, easy runs and just fun to run in.
In their words: "lacing up all the time" · "just fun to run in"
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
- 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
- Neutral runners who want a versatile, smooth-rolling max-cushion daily trainer with a bit more stability and a much lower price than the Vomero Plus. — The Run Testers
Consider the ASICS Superblast 3 if
- Runners with stiff mechanics who want a soft marathon-pace alternative to plated super shoes — and only after the 50–60 mile break-in is past — Doctors of Running
- Runners who like a softer, higher-stack daily trainer at easy paces — FORDY RUNS
- Long, easy, comfort-focused daily miles and marathon training. — Run Moore
- Runners finding the Megablast too firm — FORDY RUNS
- Long-range daily miles with a bouncier, more fun ride than v2 — EDDBUD
- Leisurely midweek miles replacing the role of the Vomero Premium — FORDY RUNS
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Novablast 5 and the ASICS Superblast 3?
The ASICS Novablast 5 is a daily trainer and the ASICS Superblast 3 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 Superblast 3 weighs 230g, has a 46mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $140 for the ASICS Novablast 5 and $210 for the ASICS Superblast 3.
Should I buy the ASICS Novablast 5 or the ASICS Superblast 3?
FORDY RUNS on the ASICS Novablast 5: Versatile, comfortable daily trainer for bigger miles and varied run types. Doctors of Running on the ASICS Superblast 3: Runners with stiff mechanics who want a soft marathon-pace alternative to plated super shoes — and only after the 50–60 mile break-in is past.
Per FORDY RUNS, Doctors of Running.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Novablast 5 and the ASICS Superblast 3?
Yes — FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD, The Run Testers, Doctors of Running, and Run Moore directly compared the ASICS Novablast 5 and the ASICS Superblast 3 in their reviews.
Per FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD, The Run Testers, Doctors of Running, Run Moore.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Novablast 5 or the ASICS Superblast 3?
The ASICS Superblast 3 is lighter, at 230g versus 247g (men's 9) — about 17g less.
Which is more cushioned, the ASICS Novablast 5 or the ASICS Superblast 3?
Measured by stack height, the ASICS Superblast 3 has more underfoot foam — 46mm at the heel versus 41mm.