ASICS Novablast 6 vs Saucony Ride 19
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 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.
Wave Rider is softer and fun but has less energy return and feels less all-round versatile
Novablast offers more at faster tempo paces, feels lighter and softer
Similar level of padding, not overly plush
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"
Saucony Ride 19 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , low energy return , neutral stability .
-
An overlooked, well-priced, comfortable and stable all-round daily trainer that offers most of what the pricier Triumph 24 does for significantly less money.
Ride:A balanced, comfortable, moderately stable midsole with a bit of bounce back, without feeling wild or highly performance-oriented.
In their words: "solid reliable shoe" · "significantly cheaper than the Triumph" · "fantastic option for that"
-
One of the best Ride models Saucony has made in a long time — stable, cushioned, and bouncy — and the reviewer's preferred alternative to the Hoka Clifton for daily training, walking, and all-day wear.
Ride:Power Run Plus beaded TPU midsole gives a stable yet cushioned and peppy, energetic ride.
In their words: "one of the best ride models that Saucony has made" · "I prefer this one over what the Hoka Clifton is offering"
-
A 3-seed that suffered the bracket's first upset, losing to the Altra Experience Flow 3; panel was split on whether its beaded PWRRUN Plus midsole is plush-in-a-good-way or just mushy.
Ride:Split opinions: one panelist found the PWRRUN Plus midsole too mushy and unresponsive, another appreciated its plushness and durability potential.
Fit:One panelist liked the roomier, breathable upper; another had fit and forefoot flexibility issues.
In their words: "I can barely run in it"
-
A back-to-basics daily trainer that does the fundamentals exceptionally well — stable, comfortable, and versatile without flashy gimmicks.
Ride:Stable, wide platform with comfortable PWRRUN PB Plus midsole that can pick up pace but isn't an interval shoe.
Fit:Fits true to size with good lockdown and comfort; no blistering or overheating issues.
In their words: "the shoe's inherently stable" · "a nice stable ride" · "very capable of doing multiple different things"
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 Saucony Ride 19 if
- Runners who want a softer, plusher daily trainer that feels more like a Triumph than the older Rides — Doctors of Running
- Runners wanting a back-to-basics, stable, comfortable daily trainer for everyday mileage and parkrun-style outings. — FORDY RUNS
- Runners seeking a comfortable, reliable cushioned daily trainer for easy to moderate pace running. — The Run Testers
- Versatile, reliable daily trainer for beginners and runners wanting a comfortable workhorse at a reasonable price. — The Run Testers
- Runners wanting a reliable, traditional daily trainer with light stability and a bit below max stack — EDDBUD
- Neutral daily training and recovery runs — Kofuzi
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Novablast 6 and the Saucony Ride 19?
The ASICS Novablast 6 is a daily trainer and the Saucony Ride 19 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the ASICS Novablast 6 weighs 249g, has a 42mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the Saucony Ride 19 weighs 255g, has a 38mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $155 for the ASICS Novablast 6 and $145 for the Saucony Ride 19.
Should I buy the ASICS Novablast 6 or the Saucony Ride 19?
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. Doctors of Running on the Saucony Ride 19: Runners who want a softer, plusher daily trainer that feels more like a Triumph than the older Rides.
Per Ben Parkes, Doctors of Running.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Novablast 6 and the Saucony Ride 19?
Yes — The Run Testers and EDDBUD directly compared the ASICS Novablast 6 and the Saucony Ride 19 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, EDDBUD.
Which is more cushioned, the ASICS Novablast 6 or the Saucony Ride 19?
Measured by stack height, the ASICS Novablast 6 has more underfoot foam — 42mm at the heel versus 38mm.
Which is cheaper, the ASICS Novablast 6 or the Saucony Ride 19?
The Saucony Ride 19 is cheaper at $145 versus $155 MSRP — about $10 less.