ASICS Men's NOVABLAST 5 Running Shoes - Cushioned Responsive Ride Road

Our review of the ASICS Novablast 5 finds a lively, well-cushioned road running shoe that suits neutral runners seeking a plush daily trainer with energetic rebound. The most compelling reason to consider these is the combination of FF BLAST MAX cushioning and a trampoline-inspired outsole that together deliver a springy, lightweight ride without feeling overly heavy. The Novablast 5 also improves fit with a tongue wing construction and a breathable engineered mesh upper, making it a sensible pick for regular training and tempo days where comfort and responsiveness both matter.

Key Features

• Breathable engineered mesh upper: Keeps the foot cool and reduces hot spots on longer runs while maintaining a secure fit.
• Tongue wing construction: Adds stretch to reduce tongue movement and improves overall fit around the midfoot for fewer adjustments on the run.
• FF BLAST MAX cushioning: Provides a lightweight, soft platform that absorbs impact and returns energy for a lively toe-off.
• Trampoline-inspired outsole design: Enhances responsiveness and a bouncy feel that helps maintain turnover during faster efforts.
• Recycled upper materials: At least 75% of the main upper material is recycled, cutting waste and carbon emissions without sacrificing performance.

Who It's For

The Novablast 5 is best for neutral runners who want a comfortable, cushioned shoe that still feels responsive for daily training, easy tempo runs, and race-pace workouts. Runners who value a roomy toe box, lightweight feel, and a lively ride will appreciate the balance of comfort and dynamism.

Those who need rigid stability features, maximal durability for heavy mileage over many seasons, or a minimalist racing shoe should look elsewhere; the Novablast 5 focuses on cushioning and bounce rather than motion-control or ultra-durable outsoles.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Plush yet responsive cushioning that reduces foot and ankle strain on longer runs.
• Breathable upper and improved fit from the tongue wing make for comfortable all-day wear.
• Lightweight construction supports quicker turnover without feeling sluggish.
• Use of recycled materials lowers environmental impact while retaining performance.

Cons

• Durability receives mixed reports, so heavy-mileage runners may see faster wear than some competitors.

Specifications

Model	Novablast 5
Upper	Breathable engineered mesh (>=75% recycled main material)
Cushioning	FF BLAST MAX cushioning
Outsole	Trampoline-inspired responsive design
Fit feature	Tongue wing construction for improved fit
Intended use	Road running, training, tempo efforts

Our Verdict

The ASICS Novablast 5 is a strong choice for neutral runners who want a lively, well-cushioned daily trainer that keeps long runs comfortable while offering a springy toe-off. It represents good value for those prioritizing comfort, lightweight responsiveness, and a more sustainable upper, though very high-mileage users should watch for mixed durability reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes true to size?
Yes, the Novablast 5 generally fits true to size with a roomy toe box that accommodates most neutral running foot shapes.

What kind of runs are they best for?
They excel at daily training, long runs, and tempo sessions where a balance of cushioning and responsiveness is desired.

How sustainable is the upper?
At least 75% of the shoe's main upper material is made from recycled materials to reduce waste and carbon emissions.