ASICS Novablast 5 Reviews

Their Novablast 5 still has its response past 400 miles, though it now works with the rocker rather than feeling bouncy.

Compared with their Nimbus 26, the Novablast 5 is much softer, bouncier and livelier, with more toebox room.

Finds the Novablast 5 bouncier and more cushioned than the Endorphin Speed 3, with the only con being that it is loud on pavement.

At 265km the Novablast 5 is their favourite shoe in a rotation that includes the Superblast and SC Elite v4; it was bounciest through the first 50 miles.

First 6km in the Novablast 5 (sized down half a size): wide toe box, very comfortable upper, nice energy return, stable, and good grip on wet pavement.

After 50km of marathon-block training, finds the Novablast 5 very comfortable with a roomy toe box and breathable upper, and a surprisingly snappy rocker, though slippery on wet cobbles.

Found the Novablast 4 bland after the Novablast 3, but has put almost 200 km on the Novablast 5 in a couple of weeks and calls it one of the best daily trainers they've run in: cushioned without sinking, with plenty of bounce.

Two runs in, finds the Novablast 5 responsive and energetic, and stable enough for their flat, pronated feet despite the bounce.

Early-mile impressions of the shoe, including a few wet evening runs, in winter UK conditions. They like the smooth, bouncy, stable ride, the good breathability, the comfortable fit with no heel slip, hot spots or blisters, and the cushioning for the weight, calling it a versatile daily trainer. The big complaint is poor grip on wet ground, which they say is worse than the previous version. The fit runs wide, so narrow feet may struggle, and they sized down half a size.

First run in the Novablast 5: true to size, comfortable upper, secure lacing, great stability and balanced responsiveness.