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.
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
Softer, more relaxed, roomier and less stable than the Super Blast 2; slower-feeling and not built for workouts.
Novablast is the cheaper little-brother with less cushion and a less premium midsole; Superblast is noticeably faster with more apparent toe-off
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
Lighter daily trainer with more pop within the ASICS range
Superblast 2 is a super-trainer tier above the Novablast 5 and beats it outright if you need that category
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
Higher stack, softer and bouncier ride, smoother heel-to-toe transition, but a heavier price tag and slightly less stable/versatile at faster paces
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 5 is a more balanced, versatile daily trainer at a lower price.
Described as a souped-up Novablast with more bounce and energy return.
Novablast is the lower-cushion, cheaper everyday trainer in the Blast line.
Novablast is the more balanced everyday option in the Blast family; Superblast 3 offers more bounce, more cushion, and broader long-run capability.
More stack but lighter; more responsive
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"
ASICS Superblast 3 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , soft_plush feel , high energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.
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One of the best long-run shoes on the market thanks to its soft FF Blast foam and great lockdown, though this version's outsole durability is a step down from the Superblast 2.
Ride:Super soft, lightweight, and comfortable for 20K-30K long runs; can feel a little unstable at faster paces/tight corners.
In their words: "amazing for those long runs" · "a real shame about the durability"
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A soft, comfortable shoe Fordy still takes out for 12-15 mile runs, but which he doesn't consider suited to his very longest long-run mileage.
Ride:Soft, cushioned ride; comfortable for mid-length runs but not rated for his very longest miles.
In their words: "if you like a soft shoe"
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An impressively light max-cushion trainer that shines on long, steady marathon-pace efforts, but several testers found it softer and 'mushier' than expected, less specialized than the Superblast 2, and not clearly worth its higher price over the Novablast 6.
Ride:Softer, more compressive, and more consistent underfoot than the Novablast 6 thanks to the full-length FF Leap top layer, giving a smooth heel-to-toe roll well suited to marathon-pace long runs — but a couple of testers found it 'mushy' at slower paces and less versatile for faster work than the previous Superblast 2.
Fit:True to size with a roomy toe box, though slightly less heel-collar padding than the Novablast 6.
In their words: "much softer, more compressive, more highly cushioned" · "a little bit mushy" · "lost some of its upper pace edge"
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Kofuzi calls the Superblast 3 one of the best shoes in its class -- lighter than the Neo Vista 3, capable of both daily training and picking up the pace -- and says it's his preferred option overall despite the $210 price.
Ride:Squishier, airier, bouncier FF Blast top foam evened out by a firmer daily-training bottom layer; noticeably lighter than the Neo Vista 3 and better at picking up the pace.
In their words: "one of the best in its class" · "relatively feather weight"
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 Superblast 3 if
- 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
- Marathon racing alternative for runners who can't gel with carbon-plated super shoes — the lightest of this super-trainer group — Doctors of Running
- Long runs and recovery runs for high-mileage runners needing leg protection — Ben Is Running
- Runners wanting a max-cushion shoe that also handles daily training, picking up the pace, and works as a non-plated race-day option. — Kofuzi
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. FORDY RUNS on the ASICS Superblast 3: Runners finding the Megablast too firm.
Per FORDY RUNS.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Novablast 5 and the ASICS Superblast 3?
Yes — EDDBUD, Doctors of Running, Run Moore, The Run Testers, and FORDY RUNS directly compared the ASICS Novablast 5 and the ASICS Superblast 3 in their reviews.
Per EDDBUD, Doctors of Running, Run Moore, The Run Testers, FORDY RUNS.
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.