ASICS Novablast v5 vs ASICS Superblast v3

Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .

• A solid, comfortable, stable jack-of-all-trades daily trainer that does most of what the Superblast 3 does at a lower price — not as bouncy or fast, but a very good workhorse especially for newer runners.

  Ride:FF Blast Max is softer than previous Novablast foams and prioritizes comfort; works well for cruising 8–9 mile runs and easy paces. Firmer and less bouncy than the Superblast 3 but notably more stable and controlled. A traditional, reasonably lightweight cushioned daily trainer.

  Fit:True to size for all three testers; good toe-box room, comfortable but not overdone heel/midfoot padding; toe box slightly lower than Superblast 3

  In their words: "great for easy sessions, daily runs, long runs" · "the more stable of the two" · "a firmer foam in there"

  — The Run Testers , 34 mi tested , 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

• 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"

  — EDDBUD , source

Ride profile: maximal cushion , soft_plush feel , high energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.

• A softer, bouncier, more versatile super-trainer that does everything the Novablast 5 does and then some; two testers strongly prefer it despite the higher price, though one feels it has drifted from the v2's tempo specialism into a jack-of-all-trades.

  Ride:FF Blast foam (as seen in Metaspeed Sky) delivers a softer, bouncier, more energetic ride than the Novablast 5. Lighter than Novablast 5 despite more stack; not notably less stable. Softer than Superblast 2, so better for easy runs but less optimal for the smooth tempo/cruise pace the v2 excelled at. Good grip and durability impressed testers.

  Fit:True to size; slightly roomier than Novablast 5 with a bit more space before the big toe and a slightly higher toe box

  In their words: "a softer, bouncier ride" · "responds better at faster speeds" · "gone a little too soft for my liking"

  — The Run Testers , 40 mi tested , source

• David ranks it his #3 of 2026 so far — a soft, bouncy, rhythmic trainer that settles into easy miles, though the soft heel and forefoot may not suit runners who prefer firmer midsoles.

  Ride:Flight Foam Leap topsole is very soft, bouncy, and rhythmic; Blast Plus underneath with a small arch chassis for stability. David found the heel a touch too soft and preferred Megablast's full-length FF Turbo Plus for his pacing.

  In their words: "soft, it's bouncy, it's rhythmic" · "settle into an easy rhythm" · "a little soft for me in the heel"

  — Doctors of Running , 21 mi tested , source

• The Superblast 3 is the king of forgiving cushion without the weight, making it a versatile high-mileage trainer and an appealing unplated marathon option for runners who want softness and pop without a brick-like plated shoe.

  Ride:Much softer than the Superblast 2 out of the box with no break-in needed; forgiving cushion with a fun toe-off sensation

  Fit:Lace loops improve wrap around the foot; no heel slip with a runner's knot

  In their words: "doesn't need that breakin time" · "forgiving cushion but without the weight" · "much much softer"

  — EDDBUD , source

• A versatile do-it-all shoe that continues the Superblast tradition — excels from recovery pace through marathon effort, with the FF Leap upgrade making it especially rewarding at faster paces, though $210 is pricey.

  Ride:Soft and springy with an emphasized forefoot bounce pod in both the FF Leap top layer and FF Blast Plus bottom layer; shines when picking up the pace to steady or marathon effort.

  Fit:Fits similarly to Superblast 2; slightly roomy with a bit more volume on top of the foot; cord lacing system claims dynamic fit but feels the same as traditional eyelets to the reviewer.

  In their words: "ultimate doit all kind of shoe" · "really excellent marathon shoe" · "speedy long runs"

  — Kofuzi , source