New Balance 1080 v15 vs ASICS Novablast v5

Ride profile: high cushion , balanced feel , high energy return , neutral stability , mild rocker.

• A solid improvement over the V14 thanks to the lighter weight and new Infiniun foam that provides good cushioning with moderate energy return. Both reviewers found it a competent daily trainer but noted the high price is hard to justify given cheaper and arguably better alternatives like the ASICS Novablast 5, Hoka Clifton 10, and Nike Vomero Plus.

  Ride:Soft and well-cushioned with the new Infiniun foam replacing Fresh Foam X. Lighter than the V14 which adds versatility. Balanced feel with moderate energy return — not the most explosive or bouncy but protective and comfortable. One reviewer noted some foam bottoming out under the forefoot on longer runs. Less rockered than the V14 with a slightly higher-drop feel than the 6mm spec suggests.

  Fit:True to size with a spacious forefoot. Knitted upper felt stiff out of the box but comfortable on runs. Good heel padding and midfoot security with a cocooning wrap-style fit. Note that New Balance UK sizing converts to US 9.5 rather than US 10, so the toe box may feel slightly closer if using UK sizing.

  In their words: "very competent daily trainer" · "well suited to longer miles" · "feels a bit sloppy coming through"

  — The Run Testers , 37 mi tested , source

• The reviewer considers the 1080v15 a significant improvement over previous versions thanks to the new Infinion midsole, which makes the shoe lighter, more compliant, and bouncier while maintaining high cushioning. It delivers the natural, streamlined daily trainer feel the 1080 series has always needed.

  Ride:Infinion midsole is lighter and more compliant than Fresh Foam X with noticeably more bounce. Gentle rocker profile with a touch of forefoot flexibility, feeling more natural than previous versions. Despite 40mm stack, the shoe feels comparable in cushioning to shoes at 43-44mm. Can handle some faster efforts but best suited to easy and daily training paces.

  Fit:Plush upper that is more breathable and streamlined than previous versions. Forefoot is not as wide as older 1080s but still offers good width and volume. Heel and midfoot width are moderate with good hold. Padded tongue with no pressure issues even when cinched down.

  In their words: "rocker just feels very gentle" · "really nice at easy shuffling paces" · "more natural feeling 1080s"

  — Doctors of Running , 4 mi tested , source

• A quality daily trainer with durable new foam and a comfortable upper, but the narrower fit, uninspiring aesthetics, and sideways-feeling update rather than a clear improvement temper enthusiasm for the redesign.

  Ride:New Infinian supercritical foam replaces Fresh Foam. Provides a bouncy, comfortable ride that holds up over long distances. Megan noted minimal difference in feel compared to v14 Fresh Foam but expects the new foam to maintain its properties much longer. Thomas found the ride comfortable through a 16-mile run.

  Fit:Narrower and slightly longer than the v14. Thomas found the fit improved for his narrow foot; Megan found it too narrow. Both noted it runs a bit long. The upper material is softer and more comfortable than the v14 with a gusseted tongue and padded collar. The shoe shape resembles the SC Elite last.

  In their words: "premium daily trainer from New Balance" · "a little bit more narrow" · "runs a little bit long"

  — Believe in the Run , 16 mi tested , source

• A genuinely improved 1080 with better foam and smooth ride, but the £170 price makes it hard to recommend without a discount.

  Ride:New Infinion midsole feels lighter, softer and more responsive than prior Fresh Foam X; smooth and bouncy

  Fit:Runs a tad narrower than previous version; wide versions available

  In their words: "really good daily trainer" · "feels a tad narrower" · "tends to stay wet for a long time"

  — FORDY RUNS , 20 mi tested , source

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