ASICS Novablast 6 vs New Balance FuelCell Rebel 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.
Rebel is lighter and faster but Novablast 6 is similarly quick for speed workouts while being more comfortable
PEBA/EVA blend, lightweight, springy and smoother for him but less stable; retails $145
Similar cushion + peppiness + versatility; more padding in the heel, better for lifestyle doubling; Rebel v5 preferred for pure performance and more dynamic fuel cell; Novablast $150
Similar daily-trainer category; Novablast slightly more cushioned and stable, but Rebel V5 is lighter and works better at speed
Still a worthy alternative to the Rebel v5
Grouped among the best ~$150 daily trainers alongside Rebel v5
Rebel v5 is lighter, lower, more direct, more responsive, and better at pace; Novablast has more cushion, more rocker, and more stability for heavier/newer runners
Novablast has more stack height; Rebel is a middle ground — less stacked but more stable
Novablast has ~6mm more heel stack, softer-but-more-returning FF Blast Max foam, more versatility for longer/recovery runs, and is cheaper; Rebel is lighter
ASICS Novablast 6 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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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"
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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"
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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"
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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"
New Balance FuelCell Rebel 5 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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The Run Testers find the Rebel v5 a comfort-oriented, softer trainer well suited to long, easy-paced or ultra-distance efforts, but it lacks the performance edge of the Evo SL and is not considered a killer.
Ride:Described as much softer and more comfort-driven than a more aggressive sibling model in the Rebel line; one reviewer used it for ultra-distance efforts (a Comrades-length run and part of a 100-mile race), saying the more aggressive sibling was too unforgiving for that. Criticised by the reviewers for being a little too soft and lacking the performance edge of that faster sibling shoe.
In their words: "much more kind of comfort driven" · "really easy sort of click along"
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Kofuzi calls the FuelCell Rebel v5 one of his favorite daily trainers on the market, offering a soft, relaxed, generously-fitting ride from its plateless PEA-blend FuelCell foam.
Ride:Softer and more relaxed at all paces than the SC Rebel, especially for forefoot strikers, while still bouncy thanks to the PEA-blend FuelCell foam
Fit:Fits very generously, especially compared to the more racer-fit SC Rebel
In their words: "one of my favorite daily trainers" · "a lot more relaxed"
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The FuelCell Rebel v5 is the comfort winner of this group with its softer, less responsive ride, but it falls short as a performance option; the reviewer considers it more of a comfortable daily trainer than a true performance shoe.
Ride:Softest shoe of the group; least responsive due to slow-rebounding FuelCell foam; tallest feeling of the group despite similar stack to others; comfortable for long runs; wider platform adds inherent stability; best walking shoe of the group
Fit:Not too narrow performance fit, not too wide or baggy; upper is just right — light mesh, comfortable
In their words: "the softest Rebel by far" · "not the fastest, but definitely one of the most comfortable" · "the comfort like winner of this group, but not necessarily the performance one"
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A great reviewed shoe, though the reviewer personally can't get the fit dialed in for their foot, landing it at A-tier rather than S.
In their words: "we did get a great review this year" · "I still feel like I can't get the fit dialed 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 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
Consider the New Balance FuelCell Rebel 5 if
- Primary daily trainer — replaces cushier shoes in rotation — The Run Testers
- Versatile lightweight trainer skewing toward tempo, long runs, and workouts, though capable across easy paces and races — Doctors of Running
- Runners who want a softer, bouncier lightweight trainer with more secure lockdown — Doctors of Running
- Daily training, recovery, and long runs that can also handle fartleks, threshold work, and marathon-effort long runs — Kofuzi
- Lightweight daily trainer for easy-to-tempo miles and runners who want a versatile shoe with a bit more pop. — The Run Testers
- Runners who prioritize plush comfort and softness over responsiveness for easy runs and long slow distance — Doctors of Running
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Novablast 6 and the New Balance FuelCell Rebel 5?
The ASICS Novablast 6 is a daily trainer and the New Balance FuelCell Rebel 5 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the ASICS Novablast 6 weighs 249g, has a 42mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the New Balance FuelCell Rebel 5 weighs 224g, has a 38mm heel stack and a 6mm drop. MSRP is $155 for the ASICS Novablast 6 and $145 for the New Balance FuelCell Rebel 5.
Should I buy the ASICS Novablast 6 or the New Balance FuelCell Rebel 5?
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. The Run Testers on the New Balance FuelCell Rebel 5: Primary daily trainer — replaces cushier shoes in rotation.
Per Ben Parkes, The Run Testers.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Novablast 6 and the New Balance FuelCell Rebel 5?
Yes — The Run Testers, Kofuzi, Believe in the Run, and EDDBUD directly compared the ASICS Novablast 6 and the New Balance FuelCell Rebel 5 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, Kofuzi, Believe in the Run, EDDBUD.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Novablast 6 or the New Balance FuelCell Rebel 5?
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel 5 is lighter, at 224g versus 249g (men's 9) — about 25g less.
Which is more cushioned, the ASICS Novablast 6 or the New Balance FuelCell Rebel 5?
Measured by stack height, the ASICS Novablast 6 has more underfoot foam — 42mm at the heel versus 38mm.